Skunks may look cute from a distance, but no one wants them hanging around their home. They can dig up lawns, tip over trash cans, and spray a horrible smell when scared. If you’ve seen signs of skunks in your area, it’s time to act before they make themselves too comfortable.
This guide breaks down some simple and effective methods for how to keep skunks away using safe, practical steps. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn visitor or trying to stop problems before they start, these tips will help you reclaim your yard.
1. Block Them From Going Under Things
Skunks love to dig and hide under decks, porches, and sheds. Putting up barriers in the ground can stop them. Use strong wire mesh or hardware cloth and bury it at least 12 inches deep so they can’t dig underneath. Bend the bottom of the wire outward so it creates an L-shape in the ground. This helps block any digging.
Also, check the edges of fences and foundations for gaps or holes that skunks might be using. Patch any weak spots to keep them out for good. Make sure to inspect these areas regularly to spot new digging before it becomes a bigger problem. This is one of the most reliable methods for how to keep skunks away from your home and yard.
2. Get Rid of Their Food
Skunks won’t hang around if there’s nothing to eat. Keep pet food indoors and always put lids on trash cans. Pick up any fallen fruit from trees and clean up birdseed from the ground. The less food around, the less reason skunks have to visit.
You should also avoid feeding wildlife like raccoons or stray cats, since that can attract skunks too. Try using feeders that don’t spill or create messes. If you compost, keep the bin sealed tight so smells don’t bring in hungry visitors. Removing easy meals is a key part of how to keep skunks away.
3. Clean Up Hiding Spots
Skunks like quiet, hidden areas. Get rid of brush piles, wood stacks, or old furniture that might be lying around outside. Fill in holes where animals might try to burrow. A neat and clean yard makes it harder for skunks to find a place to stay.
Try trimming overgrown bushes and moving anything they could crawl under. Clear out unused items stored near the house. Even small crawlspaces or gaps under sheds can be turned into cozy dens if left open. Keeping skunks away starts with removing their favorite hiding spots.
4. Use Lights or Sprinklers That Turn On by Motion
Skunks are most active at night and don’t like being surprised. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers will startle them and send them running. Place these in areas where skunks have been seen or where they might try to dig or hide.
Choose products that are made for outdoor use and have adjustable settings. Aim lights or sprinklers near entry points and check that they’re working properly. These tools can also help with other night animals like raccoons or opossums. If you want to know how to keep skunks away without chemicals, this method is a great choice.
5. Try Natural Smells They Don’t Like
Some smells really bother skunks. Spray a mix of water and hot pepper around the yard. You can also soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them where skunks might be sneaking in. Citrus peels scattered in the yard can also help keep them away.
Replace these items every few days so the scent stays strong. You can also try garlic, vinegar, or a mix of essential oils as additional natural options. Always place them in areas that are safe for kids and pets. These natural repellents are another smart idea for keeping skunks away.
6. Put Out Ammonia or Used Kitty Litter
Soak some rags in ammonia and place them in a plastic container with holes, then set it near the skunk’s den. This strong smell might convince the skunk to leave. Used kitty litter can work too since it smells like a predator has been nearby. Be careful if there are kids or pets around.
Don’t pour ammonia directly on the ground since it can harm grass and plants. Instead, keep it contained. Always wear gloves when handling used litter or ammonia-soaked rags, and be sure to remove these items once the skunks are gone. If you’re wondering how to keep skunks away using strong smells, this trick can help.
7. Sprinkle Cayenne Pepper or Chili Powder
These spices can irritate a skunk’s nose. Sprinkle them around areas where skunks have been digging or walking. Be sure to reapply them after it rains or after watering the yard.
Try mixing chili powder with flour to help it stick better to the ground. You can also use garlic powder or crushed red pepper as alternatives. Just make sure pets stay away from treated areas so they don’t get irritated too. Spicy powders can be useful when thinking about how to keep skunks away from gardens or sheds.
8. Make It Feel Like a Predator Is Nearby
Predators scare skunks. You can buy animal urine from stores, like coyote or dog urine, and spread it around the yard. This tricks skunks into thinking a predator is nearby, so they stay away.
Use cotton balls or small cloths to apply the scent around the edges of your yard and near places skunks might be hiding. Refresh the scent every few days or after it rains to keep it effective. Creating a sense of danger is another approach to keeping skunks away.
9. Use Sound to Bother Them
Skunks like quiet places. Try leaving a radio playing talk shows near areas they like. You can also buy sound devices that make noises skunks don’t like. These can help scare them off without hurting them.
Keep the volume low enough that it won’t bother neighbors, but loud enough to keep skunks away. Move the sound source around every couple of days so the skunks don’t get used to it. Ultrasonic devices can work too, especially near gardens or under decks. When thinking about how to keep skunks away in a non-chemical way, noise can be effective.
10. Let Them Leave But Not Come Back
If a skunk is already living under something, set up a one-way door. This lets them leave but not come back in. Only do this if you know there are no baby skunks left inside. Check local laws before doing anything to move wild animals.
After the skunk leaves, seal up the entry with wire mesh or boards. Watch for signs of return, like fresh digging. If you’re unsure about using a one-way door, ask a wildlife expert to help do it the right way. Sealing entry points is a must when figuring out how to keep skunks away for good.
11. Keep Your Yard Tidy
Skunks are more likely to visit messy places. Keep the lawn trimmed and clean up fallen leaves and fruit. Check the yard often for signs of digging, and fill in any holes quickly. A clean yard is a strong defense.
Try to keep storage areas organized and close up crawl spaces. Remove outdoor food sources like compost piles or open trash bins. Tidy spaces make it harder for skunks to feel safe or find what they’re looking for. Regular upkeep is one of the easiest ways of keeping skunks away naturally.
12. Call a Wildlife Pro
If the problem keeps coming back or you are not sure what to do, it might be time to call a professional. Wildlife control experts can safely remove skunks and make sure they do not return. They can also help seal off any places where skunks might be sneaking in.
They have tools and experience that make the process safer for both people and animals. Look for services that use humane methods and always check that they are licensed in your state. When all else fails, calling a pro is the most dependable way for how to keep skunks away.
