How to Get Rid of Skunks in Your Yard Without Getting Sprayed!

Last Updated on March 20, 2025 by Kravelv

Skunks may look cute, but they bring serious problems to homeowners. From digging up your lawn to spraying their awful-smelling defense mechanism, skunks are unwelcome guests in any yard. If you’re struggling with skunks invading your space, this guide will help you understand why they’re there and, more importantly, how to get rid of them effectively.

Identifying Skunk Activity

Signs of a Skunk Infestation

Before taking action, confirm that skunks are the culprits. Here are some common signs:

• Small holes in your lawn from skunks digging for grubs
• Foul, musky odor lingering around your property
• Skunk droppings, which resemble cat feces but contain insect remains
• Tracks with five toes and claw marks

Why Skunks Are Attracted to Your Yard

Skunks don’t just wander into your yard for no reason—they’re looking for food, shelter, and a safe place to nest. If your yard provides any of these, you’re basically rolling out a welcome mat for them. Here’s what draws skunks in:

1. Easy Food Sources

Skunks are opportunistic eaters, meaning they’ll snack on whatever is available. Some common food sources that attract skunks include:

• Trash cans – If your garbage isn’t secured properly, skunks will happily rummage through it for leftovers.
• Pet food – Leaving dog or cat food outside overnight is an open invitation for skunks.
• Fruit and vegetable gardens – Overripe or fallen produce provides a feast for these critters.
• Lawn insects – Skunks love grubs, worms, and other insects that hide beneath your grass. If they sense a meal, they’ll start digging up your lawn to get to it.

2. Shelter & Nesting Spots

Skunks prefer dark, quiet, and undisturbed areas to make their dens. Your yard may be providing the perfect hideout, such as:

• Woodpiles or brush piles – These offer great cover from predators.
• Sheds, decks, and porches – If there are gaps or openings, skunks will crawl under them for shelter.
• Abandoned burrows – Skunks often take over empty burrows left by other animals.

3. Water Sources

Like any other animal, skunks need water to survive. If you have a birdbath, leaky hose, or a water dish outside, it might be attracting them.

By understanding why skunks are coming into your yard, you can take the right steps to make your property less appealing to them.

Natural Ways to Deter Skunks

If you want to keep skunks out without using harsh chemicals or harming them, there are plenty of natural solutions that work effectively. Here are the best ways to repel skunks without putting yourself—or the skunks—in danger:

1. Use Strong Smells

Skunks have a highly sensitive sense of smell, which means strong odors can drive them away. Try these natural repellents:

• Citrus peels – Scatter lemon and orange peels around your yard to create an uninviting scent.
• Ammonia-soaked rags – Placing rags soaked in ammonia near skunk entry points can help deter them.
• Cayenne pepper or chili powder – Sprinkling these around the yard irritates their noses and keeps them away.
• Predator urine – You can buy coyote or fox urine online, which makes skunks think a predator is nearby.

2. Install Motion-Activated Lights & Sprinklers

Skunks are nocturnal and prefer dark, quiet places. Motion-activated lights and sprinklers startle them, making your yard feel unsafe. These are particularly effective near known skunk entry points.

3. Secure Your Trash & Pet Food

If food is available, skunks will keep coming back. To avoid this:

• Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids to prevent scavenging.
• Bring pet food and water dishes indoors at night.
• Regularly clean up fallen fruit or garden produce.

4. Seal Off Hiding Places

Since skunks love burrowing under sheds, porches, and decks, block off access by using wire mesh or lattice. Fill in any holes or burrows they might be using as dens.

5. Try Homemade Skunk Repellents

Mix a solution of dish soap, water, and castor oil and spray it around your yard. The strong scent can make your property less inviting.

DIY Skunk Repellents

Homemade Skunk Repellent Sprays

Mix the following ingredients and spray them around your yard:

• 1 quart of water
• 1 teaspoon of dish soap
• 1 tablespoon of hot sauce or cayenne pepper

Installing Physical Barriers

Fencing and Skunk-Proofing Your Yard

Skunks aren’t great climbers, so installing a fence at least 3 feet high with a foot of it buried underground will prevent them from digging underneath.

Sealing Off Entry Points

Inspect your property and close off any potential hiding places, such as:

• Gaps under sheds or porches
• Openings in your foundation
• Holes in fences

Humane Trapping Methods

If skunks persist, humane traps can be effective. Bait the trap with peanut butter, marshmallows, or canned fish and release the skunk far from residential areas.

Using Professional Skunk Removal Services

If DIY methods don’t work or you’re dealing with multiple skunks, professional wildlife removal services can safely and legally relocate them.

Preventing Future Skunk Infestations

Once you’ve removed the skunks, the last thing you want is for them to come back. Here’s how to make sure your yard stays skunk-free for good:

1. Maintain a Clean Yard

• Trim bushes and overgrown grass – Skunks love hiding in tall grass, so keep your lawn well-maintained.
• Remove clutter – Get rid of woodpiles, brush piles, and any debris where skunks might hide.
• Regularly clean up fallen fruits and vegetables – If you have a garden, harvest your produce before it overripens.

2. Secure Your Home’s Foundation

Skunks love burrowing under structures. Prevent this by:

Sealing gaps under sheds, decks, and porches with wire mesh or concrete.

Checking for holes in your foundation and filling them.

Making sure there are no open crawl spaces skunks can use as shelters.

3. Install Skunk-Proof Fencing

A properly installed fence can keep skunks out:

• Use a buried fence that extends at least 12 inches underground to prevent digging.
• Choose solid fences instead of chain-link, as skunks can squeeze through small gaps.

4. Continue Using Deterrents

Even after you remove skunks, it’s a good idea to keep using natural repellents like motion-activated lights and predator urine to make sure they don’t return.

5. Stay Vigilant

Regularly inspect your yard for signs of new skunk activity. If you notice fresh burrows or digging, act quickly before the problem gets worse.

What to Do If You or Your Pet Gets Sprayed

Effective Skunk Odor Removal Solutions

If you or your pet gets sprayed, use this proven odor-neutralizing formula:

• 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of dish soap Rub it on the affected area, let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

FAQs

1. What is the best natural skunk repellent?

Citrus peels, ammonia-soaked rags, and predator urine are highly effective natural skunk repellents.

2. Can skunks be dangerous to humans and pets?

Yes, skunks can carry rabies and their spray can cause temporary blindness in pets and humans.

3. How do I know if a skunk is living under my house?

Look for burrow holes, skunk droppings, and a strong musky odor near crawl spaces or under decks.

4. Do mothballs keep skunks away?

No, mothballs are not a reliable skunk deterrent and can be toxic to pets and wildlife.

5. What should I do if I see a skunk in my yard at night?

Stay calm, keep your distance, and avoid startling it. Make noise to encourage it to leave on its own.

Final words

Getting rid of skunks doesn’t have to be a battle. By making your yard less inviting, using repellents, and sealing entry points, you can keep them away for good. If all else fails, professional help is always an option. Stay proactive, and soon your yard will be skunk-free!