STRIPED SKUNK

Striped skunks have adapted to various habitats — suburban homes, farms, fields bordering woods, or near streams, wherever they can find ample food, water and shelter. Skunks are considered nocturnal and are rarely seen in daylight. You may smell a skunk but never see it. They naturally feed on insects, berries, nuts, bird eggs and small rodents. However, pet food left out during the night will also provide an easy meal.Decks, garages, basements, and wood piles provide adequate housing for skunks as they’re not good climbers–they are diggers.

Preventing a problem

  • Secure vent screens on your house and close off raised decks. Wait until you are sure there are no babies inside to board up any openings.

  • Pick up pet food at night

  • Dispose of fallen fruit

  • Block access to your yard by extending the fence into the ground several inches and keeping gates closed.

  • To prevent any confrontations with skunks and resident animals, keep your pets secured at night. Remember, skunks can dig, so ensure proper housing for your animals.

Solving a problem

  • Pet food left out at night can attract skunks. Remove the pet food before dark and feed your pets during daylight hours.

  • Place ammonia-soaked rags in a can every three to five feet around the perimeter, and both sides of the entrance to the suspected problem area.

  • If skunks are digging up your lawn or garden, they are most likely looking for grubs to eat and other insects, leaving small cone-shaped holes. To deter this, install floodlights and keep them on at night. They don’t like bright lights and should move on. Also check with your garden supply store for the best product to use to get rid of your particular insect problem. If you eliminate the food source, the skunk won’t have a reason to dig.

  • Use a Hot Pepper Deterrent recipe on lawns and gardens as a deterrent for digging.

  • If a skunk sprays you or your pet, there are commercial products that claim to remove skunk odor. Tomato juice or vinegar is also helpful in neutralizing the scent. A mixture of 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1 tsp. liquid soap has proven effective in eliminating the odor. If a skunk has only passed through your yard, the odor will dissipate on its own after a time.