There are a lot of wildlife deterrents on the market that can work on skunks. However, these new and “improved” ones that are marketed as modern and technological might not suit everyone’s needs and liking. Some people prefer to stick to traditional ways that are less harmful both for the environment and their families. Natural repellents can work the same as the marketed artificial repellents, and we have compiled some of the best ones that you can use at home:
Oils & Spices
There are a lot of oils and spices that really tick off skunks and most of these are relatively easy to find. One thing you can do is chop up an onion and jalapeno then proceed to heat it up with some cayenne pepper. The solution needs 2 quarts of water and needs to be boiled for about 20 minutes. After it’s done boiling you have to strain the fluid into a squirt bottle and spray it onto areas you want the skunk to avoid. The solution should last for about 5 days. Another way to keep away skunks is to puree garlic and mix it with hot pepper, then add in a bit of oil for easy spraying, apply this solution the same way you would with other spray type deterrents. The easiest to make is one that involves mixing cayenne pepper and water, a simple solution but very effective as well. Using essential oils also helps keep wildlife away from your home, as well as making your home smell a little better. All you have to do is spray oils (such as eucalyptus, cinnamon, or peppermint) around the area and you're looking at a more fragrant and secure home.
It is important to note that if you have children or pets to be cautious around the solutions you’ve made. This is because the solution might irritate them and might cause harm. It is also best to avoid spraying at trees and plants that bear fruit because it may result in an odd-tasting harvest. Most of the essential oils present are also highly toxic to most household pets, as such it is best to keep them away from the essential oils as well.
Plants
Another way to keep these pests away is to use plants and other forms of vegetation. This not only keeps the pests away but also helps your home look more beautiful in the process. Summer squash is a favorite amongst skunks, however they have a certain type of leaf that irritates their skin. The leaves of this plant spread far and wide making it a good defense against the skunks. Be sure to plant them annually. Crown Imperials are a beautiful flower that has an odor that sends all the skunks running away. The plant itself is perennial so there’s no need to replant it, making it an efficient deterrent. Holly leaves or even Mahonia are also plants you can use to protect your home. They are thorny plants that deter skunks by intimidating them with their sharp thorns. With these guys in your garden, you can create your own hedge and/or fence because these guys can simultaneously fence up your home while also making it look great.
Dogs
Another natural deterrent you can use to keep skunks away is man’s best friend. Dogs keep most wildlife away due to the fact that they fear falling prey to a dog. Once the skunks pick up a dog’s scent they tend to leave the area right away, this is because they don’t like having confrontations with predators. Another way you can utilize pets is to use their fur by sprinkling it in areas with wildlife activity, this will pretty much have the same effect as having a dog roam about the area.
Go back to the McHenry County wildlife removal home page.