How to Get Rid of Skunks and Keep Them Away For Good

That potent smell is unmistakable. Whether sitting on your back patio or resting in your sunroom when you smell it, the first thing you do is run to the computer and search “skunk removal near me.” With fingers crossed, you hope whoever pops up can come out quick!

Skunks are worse than other furry vermin because not only do they rummage around in your garbage, they stink. If you have one around, or worse yet, living under your house, there are a few things you need to know about skunks, how to get rid of them and keep them from coming back.

How to Find the Best Skunk Removal Near You

The foul scent you smell whenever a skunk is around is caused by the oily odorous liquid produced by a gland at the base of its tail. The furry nuisance can spray a target from up to 10 feet away to ward off potential predators from attacking.  

They don’t only stink when they spray. The odor remains on the animal and follows the critter wherever it goes. That means that unless you are one of the 1 in 1,000 who cannot smell a skunk, you’ll have to get rid of these nasty critters.

The 3 Steps on How to Get Rid of Skunks

Skunks do serve a purpose in the ecosystem. They are omnivorous and eat a wide variety of garden pests, such as mice, voles, larvae, crickets, beetles, and wasps. They also remove animal carcasses. They are beneficial scavengers.

However, that is not how you will feel if one is living under your porch. We have provided skunk removal services hundreds of time in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, so we have prepared a small guide to show you the best skunk removal methods, and the three steps you can take to rid yourself of these cute but pesky little mammals.

1. Locate and Eliminate the Food Source

If there is a skunk nested somewhere under or around your home, the first thing to do is to see what made the critter stop at your house when home shopping. Insects are usually the reason. That is their main food source.

So, if you find that you have insect infestations around your home, a skunk may decide that is a good place to get its favorite meal. Eliminate the other pests and the skunk will have one less reason to set up residence.

Insects are not all they eat, so if you don’t have a bug problem, but find that you need skunk removal, the food source may be from something else. Take these steps to eliminate possible food sources:

• Cover trash cans and secure compost
• Remove fruits and nuts that have fallen from trees
• Mow lawn regularly
• Avoid feeding pets outside
• Secure garden entry 

2. Deter From the Property with Repellents

Skunks won’t only be searching for food. A female gives birth an average of once every year and will have up to 10 offspring in one litter. The soon-to-be-mother will search for a place she feels is fit to give birth. When that place becomes your basement, it’s time to take action. No one wants to be the one to evict a pregnant mom, so it’s best to deter the maternal creature from choosing your home as her nursery.  

As experts in skunks removal, we think that the best ways to deter this critter are:

• Install motion-sensor lights
• Place lattice at the base of patios, decks, and crawl space vents
• Use commercial skunk repellent

Skunks are nocturnal and very fearful of humans, larger animals, and bright lights. Also, they are not good climbers. Therefore a 3’ fence will keep them out of any area. Another helpful, professional tip is that you can purchase repellent at nearly any store, or you can also make your own. There are some natural repellent recipes online. 

3. Hire a Skunk Removal Professional

Trapping and removing the animal is the only way to ensure that you get rid of the critter. Skunks are docile animals that are mostly harmless to humans, but a skunk’s sulfur-based spray lasts for two or three days before it fades away.

When we have provided our skunk removal service, we have found that tomato juice baths are a popular remedy when you get sprayed, but there is no evidence that this odor removal technique actually works. Avoiding contact is best. For that reason, you should leave trapping the animal to a professional.

When searching for skunk removal services, consider the following:

• Do they offer a guarantee?
• How will they dispose of the animal?
• Are their methods safe for your pets?
• Are they reliable and arrive on time?
• What will it cost?

If you have decided to risk tackling skunk trapping and removal on your own, consider the dangers. Some states have laws making it illegal to trap a skunk without professional credentials. Before you head to the local hardware store or lawn and garden shop, check with the laws in your state. 

How Critter Stop Gets Rid of Skunks and Keeps Them Away

Skunks have a high level of control over their spray. They can control the intensity of the fragrance and the amount of fluid they release. There are six different species and subspecies of skunks in America. They are bold but won’t aggress a larger animal until it feels threatened. Yet, you never know what unforeseen dangers may be lurking around with this little irritant.   

Skunks could have rabies, fleas, and other diseases. That is why hiring a professional is your only option. At Critter Stop, you can get a free consultation, where a skunk removal professional will determine the best method of removal and come up with a customized plan to keep this and other vermin from moving in.  When you hire us for skunk removal, you are hiring a team of experts who will not only remove the animal. They will also restore your home and offer a lifetime guarantee of all of their services. 

Have skunks moved into your home? Don’t let the stinky pest get comfortable. Call us at (214) 234-2616, and schedule a free consultation. Let our experts from Critter Stop handle your skunk-situation now! 

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