Skunks often make their dens in people’s backyards. They are unwanted guests because of the foul-smelling spray they use as a defense mechanism. Many homeowners want to get rid of skunks in their yard, but they do not want to use repellents because they are concerned about the effects they might have on their pets. Here are some strategies you can use to get rid of skunks that will not harm your pets.
Remove Food Sources from Your Yard
Skunks come into yards looking for food. If there is no food available, they will move on and look elsewhere. Cover your garbage can lids tightly. If possible, put trash out close to pick-up time to avoid attracting skunks. Do not leave pet food outside overnight, when skunks are active. If you have fruit trees in your yard, pick up fallen fruit to avoid attracting skunks.
Get Rid of Potential Hiding Places
Skunks look for places where they can hide and make dens. Eliminate hiding places in your yard, such as stacks of firewood, inoperable vehicles, and trash. This will also eliminate hazards that could injure your pets.
Use a Radio to Get Rid of Skunks
You can use a radio to encourage skunks to leave your yard. Tune it to a talk radio station and leave it near the skunk’s den. Just make sure there is a way for the skunks to escape without needing to get too close to the radio. Skunks will stay in their den if they are afraid to leave.
Use a Fence to Keep Skunks out of Your Yard
A fence can keep skunks out of your yard. Skunks are not good at climbing, but they are good diggers. Bury 12 inches of fencing material under the ground in an outward L-shape so the skunks will not be able to dig under it. You should only put up a fence if you are sure that there are no skunks in your yard so they will not become trapped.
Call Anderson Wildlife Control
If these methods fail to keep skunks out of your yard, you have another option. Call the professionals at Anderson Wildlife Control. We can humanely live-trap the skunks and move them to another location to keep them from coming back. We do not use any poisons or pesticides, so there will be no danger to the skunks or to your pets. Contact Anderson Wildlife Control for help with your skunk problem.
