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Homemade Skunk Deterrent

Understanding the natural history of the skunk will help you learn how to deter skunks from making a home too close to your home. Skunks nest and sleep on the ground in areas that provide a safe shelter such as under the house and in woodpiles. They have poor eyesight and find their food with their enhanced sense of smell. Their primary sources of food are bugs and fallen fruits. They'll also catch rats and mice and eat bird eggs.

Things You'll Need

Motion lights
Smelly substance

Instructions

- 1
  Remove access to areas that provide shelter for the skunks. This includes boarding up any holes that give the skunks access to under your house and removing woodpiles. Both areas not only provide shelter, but also provide a good food source, as they are full of bugs and rodents.
- 2
  Bring any pet food inside at night. Pet food left out will attract skunks.
- 3
  Put up motion activated lights in the areas around your home where you know you have skunk activity. These nocturnal mammals do not like bright lights.
- 4
  Clean up any fallen fruit on the ground daily. Skunks do not tend to climb trees and will only stick around if the fruit is easily found on the ground.
- 5
  Put out noxious smelling nontoxic substances to deter skunks from coming near you home. Try putting out rags soaked in vinegar, sprinkle cayenne pepper on the ground, or sprinkle shaved soap with a strong smell. Each of these substances will have varying degrees of effectiveness. You may have to try different ones to find what works in your area.

Animals & Science