Let’s not beat around the bush. You’re here for one reason and one reason only—to get rid of the skunks around your home.
Now, I’m not sure how it started. Maybe you found a bunch of small holes in your yard, maybe you’re tired of your home reeking of the distinct skunk spray smell, or maybe you found a bunch of skunk babies under your deck.
It doesn’t really matter why you want them gone, but I’m here to help you do it! This guide breaks down exactly how to get rid of skunks and, more importantly, how to keep them from destroying your beautiful yard.
What to Do If You Have Skunks Around Your Home
It’s a tale as old as time — It’s evening, you head outside, and suddenly your porch light reveals glowing eyes and a fluffy striped tail. Uh oh, the tail is lifting up and you’re trying not to make any sudden moves.
This sounds like a funny story, but, trust me, it doesn’t end on a happy note.
If you believe there is a skunk around your home, here’s what you should do:
- Look for signs of skunk activity: The infamous skunk odor, small holes in your lawn, burrows under decks or sheds, and tipped-over trash cans.
- Stay cool under pressure: Yelling and screaming might seem like the easiest way to “shoo” these critters away, but that will only make your day worse. That tail is a warning sign, and you don’t want the full spray experience.
- Call a wildlife removal expert: Professionals (like Alpha Wildlife 🦨) know how to trap and exclude skunks humanely — without you having to burn your clothes afterward.
Skunks might be adorable in the movies, but they are nothing like Pepe Le Pew in real life. If you find skunk signs, relax and call a professional to get rid of them. Believe me, once that smell gets into your house, attic, or crawlspace, it doesn’t just “air out” — it lingers like a bad decision.
What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Skunks?
Forget tomato juice baths and internet “hacks.” The best way to get rid of skunks is through professional trapping and exclusion. Certified experts have a thorough process that ensures skunks are removed quickly and humanely.
- Inspection — locate burrows, food sources, and access points.
- Humane trapping — use professional-grade traps to capture skunks safely.
- Exclusion & sealing — close off den sites under decks, porches, or sheds.
- Cleanup & deodorizing — skunks leave behind odor and damage that need to be addressed.
This approach solves the problem and provides permanent solutions.
How Do You Keep Skunks Away?
Think of skunks like Harry and Marv from Home Alone. These guys are opportunists and they hang around where food, shelter, and water are easy to find. Now, skunks might not be as stubborn or as bold as the “Wet Bandits,” but these “Stinky Bandits” will overstay their welcome if given the chance.
If you want to keep skunks away, simply remove the invite, and they’ll move along.
- Lock down trash: Tight lids, no overflowing bags.
- Secure pet food: Bring pet food inside your house. Otherwise, your outdoor kibble becomes a skunk buffet.
- Eliminate water sources: No standing water, leaky pipes, or open bowls.
- Block hiding spots: Seal crawlspaces, porches, and decks. Bye, bye skunk Airbnb.
Things to Try That Actually Work to Keep Skunks Away
You can find anything online, but how do you know what works and what doesn’t? Some tricks are more myth than reality, but these are proven:
- Motion-activated sprinklers or lights — a blast of water or light usually makes skunks scatter. Yelling, “surprise” when you do it makes it even better.
- Exclusion barriers — wire mesh or fencing buried 12+ inches deep keeps skunks from digging under structures.
- Professional wildlife control — skunks don’t take eviction notices seriously, but we do.
What Can Keep Skunks Away Naturally?
If you are trying to keep skunks away with natural methods or at-home supplies, they can discourage skunks, but don’t rely on them for long-term solutions.
- Ammonia or vinegar-soaked rags — the smell is unpleasant enough to push skunks away temporarily, but it will also push your friends away as well.
- Citrus peels — bring on the orange or lemon peels! Skunks really don’t like strong citrus scents.
- Predator urine — it’s weird, but it works (at least for a while). Skunks will think a fox or coyote are nearby, so they’ll move to a “safer” area.
These methods might buy you a little time, but eventually skunks will return to your home.
The Verdict: What Is the Best Way to Keep Skunks Away for Good?
At the end of the day, skunks are resourceful little stinkers (literally). DIY methods might slow them down, but they won’t solve the problem.
The only guaranteed way to keep skunks away is humane trapping, sealing entry points, and professional help. Anything less, and you’re just prepping your yard for a skunk party and you’re left off the guest list.
FAQs
Q: What is the best way to get rid of skunks around my house?
A: Humane trapping and exclusion. Once removed, professionals seal off den sites to prevent re-entry.
Q: Do skunks spray every time they see people?
A: No. Skunks spray as a last resort when threatened. But if cornered, consider yourself warned.
Q: Do natural skunk repellents work?
A: Citrus peels (like oranges or lemons), ammonia, and predator urine can work temporarily, but they’re not a permanent solution.
Q: Can I remove skunks myself?
A: Not recommended. Skunks carry diseases and can spray you (and your dog). Professionals remove them safely.
Q: Why are skunks in my yard?
A: Food, water, and shelter. Trash, pet food, or crawlspaces are open invitations for skunks.
Quick Recap
Skunks outside? Cute.
Skunks under your porch? Not so cute.
- Skunk smell, burrows, or dug-up lawns? → You’ve got skunks.
- The best way to get rid of skunks is humane trapping and exclusion.
- Keep them away by sealing decks, removing food, and blocking hiding spots.
- Natural repellents may work temporarily, but won’t last.
- For a long-term fix, call Alpha Wildlife — your local skunk specialists.
👉 Alpha Wildlife provides safe, humane skunk control so your yard smells fresh and your home stays skunk-free.
