Whether they’re digging up your lawn or nesting under the deck, skunks can quickly become a nuisance. Stay stink-free and stop them from settling in by taking some preventative steps.

You know skunks are nearby when you catch a whiff of that unmistakable odour. Though kind of cute, these little black and white creatures aren’t exactly the best guests, especially if you have a dog or spend any time in your yard after sunset. The good news is that with a few simple strategies, you can make your property a whole lot less appealing to them.

First, Make Sure You’re Not Attracting Them

Like most wildlife, skunks are primarily looking for food and shelter. This means that anything from fallen fruit to accessible crawl spaces under decks and sheds might look like an appealing invitation. If your property has a buffet of skunk attractants, it’s time to make it less friendly:

• Secure the Garbage: Skunks love trash, and their strong claws can knock over lightweight bins or squeeze into partially closed lids. Make sure your garbage or compost bins are always closed and store them in a garage or shed if possible.
• Clean Up the Yard: The less cluttered your outdoor space is, the less appealing it’ll be for a skunk looking to settle in. Keep your grass trimmed and rake up fallen leaves and fruit. Remove woodpiles, old boards, or brush that could serve as potential shelter.
• Block Potential Hiding Spots: Walk around your property and look for any signs of digging near structures. You can seal off these spots with heavy-duty hardware cloth buried a few inches underground and bent outward to prevent digging.
• Eliminate Food Sources: Beyond the garbage, there are other food sources that might be luring skunks in. If you leave pet food outside, bring it in after your dog or cat has eaten. Birdseed can also be a problem, as skunks will eat the seed that falls to the ground. Grubs are another big one, so make sure you take care of any grub problems your yard might have.

Be Proactive with Deterrents

Once you’ve cleaned up your yard and removed food sources, you can take things a step further. These deterrents can help convince skunks that your property just isn’t worth the trouble:

• Scent Deterrents: Skunks have a powerful sense of smell, and some strong scents can encourage them to stay away. Citrus peels or even strong-smelling soap placed near entry points can sometimes do the trick. There are also commercial skunk repellents that use predator urine, like foxes or coyotes.
• Motion-Activated Lights and Sprinklers: Because skunks are nocturnal and easily spooked, motion-activated devices can be an effective way to deter them. A sudden burst of light or a spray of water can send them scurrying and discourage repeat visits.

When to Call a Pro

If you’ve tried all the DIY tricks and a skunk still seems to have made itself at home, then it is best to call a wildlife control professional. They can safely and humanely remove the animal and help you skunk-proof your property going forward.

But with a bit of prevention on your part, you can hopefully keep skunks from coming or paying you a return visit. Just keep things tidy, block off any cozy hideouts, and don’t offer any free meals, and they’ll have to look elsewhere.