How to Remove an Unwanted Skunk

WHAT IS THAT SMELL? So, you have a pesky skunk? There are many ways to get rid of them without hurting them. Try some of these options.

Things You'll Need

• Many of these items, but not all of the them:
• Bleach
• Peanut Butter
• Flour
• Wire
• and more...

Instructions

1. One of the first things you probably need to know is WHERE ARE THOSE SKUNKS? Skunks are night animals, so they will leave their hideout at night. If you have an idea where they might be but aren't sure, you can sprinkle flour, chalk, or other white powder in the suspected locations. Then, later, look for their tracks walking away from their hideout (probably looking for food).

2. When you find the spot of their hideout, get to work and seal the hole (their entrance). You can use wire, dirt and rocks, wood, or anything else you can think of to seal it up and force them to go somewhere else. sink the wire down a few inches into the ground, bend it at a 45° angle, and then run at least 12 inches of wire out away from the building in a reverse "L" shape, so a false bottom is created. If the skunk can't get into that den, they might dig another den somewhere else. Hopefully Not!

3. Some people use ammonia soaked rags, moth balls, other animal urine smells you can buy, pepper spray, or other types of animal repellents near or inside its burrow. This might help, but wear off after a few days.

4. Try spraying a mixture of eight ounces of dish detergent, eight ounces of castor oil, and one gallon of water around the area where the skunks live.

5. If the den appears to be empty, stuff newspaper in the entry hole; if animals are still present, the paper will be pushed out within 24 hours and you will know that the methods you used so far did not work.

6. If those ideas don't work, how about some yard ideas. Replace a light in the area with a motion sensor light. Skunk do not like lights and will run away. Hopefully far, far, away.

7. Also in your yard, set up an auto sprinkler. The skunk will not appreciate water spraying on it and run away.

8. For those of you who are "hunters", you can also trap the skunk. To lure them into your cage, use canned or fresh fish, fish-flavored cat food, sardines, chicken entrails or peanut butter. Note that you must be extremely careful when trapping. Also, skunk that are moved make room for new skunk to come in and do the same thing. This is not always the best idea. Also, spraying can occur.

9. If you do get sprayed by a skunk,use the following recipe for a skunk "deoderant":

   1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide
   1/4 cup baking soda
   1 teaspoon Dawn® liquid dish soap

   Do NOT use Chlorine bleach, ammonia, or commercial products containing neutroleum alpha on living things. Although those can be used on inanimate objects to remove the smell. Carbolic soap and water are safe to use on skin. If you are sprayed in your eyes, flush with cold water.

10. If all else fails, call in a professional who can get rid of the skunk for you. It might be worth it in the long run.

Tips & Warnings

• If a skunk is getting ready to spray you, it will stamp it's two front feet as a warning. Be observant!

• Skunks can be dangerous! Never approach them because they can bite you (and they can have rabies)and, as you know, they can spray you with an awful stink

• Don't TRAP the skunk in a den or hole because when they die they will stink terribly.

• Shooting a skunk is not recommended... They stink that way too! ISH.