How to Keep Skunks Away from Your Yard

Abell Pest Control

Skunks may be shy, but their notorious smell makes them unwelcome guests in most yards. These nocturnal creatures are drawn to human habitats, especially when food and shelter are easy to find. Follow these simple tips to avoid run-ins with skunks and keep your outdoor space smelling fresh.

What Are Skunks?

Skunks are small, black-and-white mammals famous for their defensive spray with a powerful, lingering odor. Their distinctive white stripes act as a warning to predators, signaling that they can spray if threatened.

Skunks typically dig small holes in the ground while searching for insects and grubs. If you notice faint skunk odors, dug-up lawns, or bites taken out of low-hanging garden plants, a skunk may be living nearby. They're also scavengers, often attracted to garbage, pet food, and unsecured compost bins.

How to Prevent Skunks from Moving In

  1. Keep Your Outdoor Area Tidy Skunks are opportunistic eaters. Properly seal garbage bins with thick, tight-fitting lids and wrap waste securely to minimize odors. Consider using animal-proof compost containers. If you have a garden, put up a sturdy fence to keep skunks from snacking on your plants.
  2. Seal Entry Points Skunks love dark, quiet hiding spots like under decks, sheds, and rock piles. Inspect your yard regularly and seal any openings they might use as shelter. Use durable materials like wire mesh or wood planks to block these areas.
  3. Keep Pets Indoors at Night Skunks are most active after dark. To avoid late-night encounters, keep pets indoors during these hours. Pets can easily provoke skunks and get sprayed, causing an unpleasant cleanup process. If your pets need to go outside at night, supervise them closely and keep them on a leash.

By staying proactive, you can keep your yard skunk-free and enjoy your outdoor space without worry. If you do have a skunk problem, call Abell Pest Control.


About the author:

Since 1924, Abell Pest Control has provided quality services, protecting our customers and their patrons from coast-to-coast. Our customers enjoy the expertise and resources of a national provider. Prouder yet, we are members of your community, ready to service your home or business 24/7.

We are reliable experts in pest control—experts who care. At Abell Pest Control, we bring experience, efficacy and knowledge to customers who are looking for a fast, safe and effective solution to their pest problem.

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