Skunk Prevention Tips for Homeowners

Skunks may look cute and cuddly, but they can be a real nuisance when they show up in your yard. Skunks are known for their strong smell and their ability to dig holes and damage lawns, gardens, and other outdoor areas. While skunk removal is best left to the professionals, there are some steps you can take on your own to prevent skunks from invading your property in the first place.

Continue reading to learn some safe and effective tips for skunk control that every homeowner should know!

Call 317-847-6409  for Skunk Trapping in Indianapolis Indiana.
Call 317-847-6409 for Skunk Trapping in Indianapolis Indiana.

How to Get Rid of Skunks Using Safe Methods

1. Prevent Access: Skunks can squeeze through very small openings, so it’s important to make sure your property is well secured. Check the perimeter of your home and yard for any openings that skunks could use to gain entry, such as gaps in fences or cracks in foundations. Make sure all windows and doors are closed tightly and sealed with weatherstripping to keep out pests.

2. Keep Food Sources Away: Skunks are attracted to food, so make sure you’re properly disposing of all edible waste in your yard and keeping pet food indoors. If skunks find a source of food on your property, they will likely come back for more.

3. Remove Potential Den Sites: Skunks like to hide in dark, sheltered areas and will hollow out dens under decks or sheds if given the chance. Make sure you regularly inspect your property for possible skunk den sites and remove any debris or clutter that could be used for nesting.

4. Use Deterrents: If you’re still having skunk issues, there are a variety of products available designed to deter skunks. These include commercial repellents and ultrasonic devices that emit noises or vibrations to scare away pests.

By following these simple tips for skunk prevention, you can keep these pesky critters out of your yard and help ensure the safety of your family and property. If you’re ever in doubt, contact a professional skunk removal expert to get the job done right. Good luck!                                                                                                   

What You Need to Know About Nuisance Skunk Control

Skunks can spread diseases and parasites, so it’s important to take proper precautions when dealing with them. Never try to handle the skunk directly. If you suspect you have a skunk on your property, contact your local wildlife control company for skunk trapping and removal services. Additionally, make sure you check with your state’s Fish & Wildlife Department to find out what laws apply to skunk control in your area.  Knowing the laws and regulations can help ensure you stay within legal boundaries when protecting your property from skunks.

A professional critter control service is the best solution for skunk problems. If you’re still having trouble with nuisance opossums, contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for safe and effective animal trapping and removal services for skunks. We serve residential and commercial clients in Indianapolis and all throughout Central Indiana.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Skunk Smell

Frequently Asked Questions About Skunk Smell

Many people are curious about skunk smell. Although beautifully-adorned with glowing white stripes atop a luscious black coat of shiny fur, these common land critters tend are pretty, but also pretty stinky! Below you will find a list of the most frequently asked questions about skunk smell and skunk spraying, including how to protect your property against nuisance skunks.

Skunk Trapping Indianapolis Indiana 317-847-6409
Skunk Trapping Indianapolis Indiana 317-847-6409

Skunk Smell FAQS

Why Do Skunks Spray?

Skunks spray to defend themselves. It’s that simple. If someone or something gets too close and threatens their safety or comfort, they will stomp their feet, puff up, and lift their tails in warning. They will follow this demonstration by spraying if the threat is persistent. Curious dogs are the most common victim of skunk spraying because they do not easily give up after just a sniff or two.

How Does a Skunk Spray?

Skunks have two anal scent glands that hold the substance that generates their spray. Skunks use their anus muscles to eject the spray out of two nipple-like ejectors on both sides of their anus, below their tail. These ejectors can spray a target up to 10 feet away! But after a full discharge, it can take over a week for a skunk to regenerate their spray reserves.

Will Skunk Spray Harm Me? Will it Harm My Pet?

Skunk spray is not necessarily dangerous, and it is certainly not toxic or disease-ridden, but it is very unpleasant smelling and overwhelming. Without the right cleaning approach, it can linger on clothing, skin, and fur for weeks. Skunk spray is a chemical-based liquid that contains organic compounds known as thiols. These compounds contain sulfur, which is responsible for that tell-tale skunky smell.  The most common side effects of the smell are nausea, headache, and agitation. So long as you do not approach a skunk in the wild, you should not have anything to worry about.

The only issue you have to worry about in terms of skunks and outdoor pets is how to remove skunk smell if they are ever sprayed.

How Do I Remove Skunk Smell on My Dog or Cat?

To remove skunk smell on a dog or cat, combine 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide with a ¼ cup of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap. Be sure to wear gloves when using this solution! Simply apply it as you would shampoo and use it to clean skunk smell from your pet’s fur, as well as your clothes, skin, and hair. Repeat the cleansing process multiple times until the odor is eliminated. Finish by using your pet’s regular shampoo product.

How Do I Prevent Skunk Spraying Encounters?

You can significantly reduce the likelihood of a skunk encounter if you protect your property against wildlife intrusions. Skunk trapping and removal should be carried out by a licensed and insured Indianapolis critter control company. They have the resources, training, and permits to safely remove skunks and implement proven animal-proofing strategies to get rid of skunks and keep them away for good. If you live near wooded or forested areas, or near a large body of water, you need a solid animal-proofing plan in place whether you see skunks around or not.

Are you noticing an increase in skunk activity around your property? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for licensed and insured skunk removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

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Do This if You See a Wild Skunk

Skunks are native to 50 states, which means they are likely roaming close to your community as well, or wherever you will be traveling. Because skunk populations are so healthy, it is common to encounter one on a walk through the woods, down the bank of the river, or around the pond. You may even encounter a skunk on your very own property, as they are a common nuisance animal in suburban areas too. If you live near wooded or forested areas, or bodies of water, you can assume that wild skunks are nearby.

In order to protect yourself and your loved ones, continue reading to learn exactly what you need to know about skunk encounters, and what to do if you ever see one close up.

Indianapolis Skunk Removal and Control 317-847-6409
Indianapolis Skunk Removal and Control 317-847-6409

How to Avoid Skunk Encounters

If you want to avoid the problem altogether, simply stay away from skunks. Skunks are nocturnal, which means they are active at night and rest during the day. This is opposite most of our schedules, but nonetheless, avoid nighttime walks or runs if you do not want to spot a skunk. Furthermore, skunks need water, so they are often located near water sources, like ponds, streams, rivers, and lakes.

Another best practice for avoiding skunk encounters is skunk control. Basically, you want to thwart a skunk’s interest in your property by modifying it against their liking. Seal up shelter areas like hollowed trees, abandoned animal dens, and even openings to your patio or porch. Then cut off access to all food and water sources outside, such as pet food, gardens, trash cans, Koi ponds, bird baths, and more.

What to Do if You See a Skunk

The biggest and most common fear about encountering a skunk is getting sprayed. Fortunately, you can rely on the very proven fact that most skunks only spray if they feel threatened. So, if you see a skunk, simply stay still and let it pass, or turn slowly and walk away. They do not chase; they can’t even run fast, so you are in the clear if you follow these tips!

Sprayed By a Skunk?

Curious pets often get sprayed by an agitated skunk. Whether it’s your pet or yourself, here’s how to get rid of skunk smell: Combine 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda, and 1 or 2 teaspoons of dishwashing liquid. Then use this solution to wash yourself and your effected garments.

Are you dealing with nuisance skunks around your property? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for professional wildlife removal and control for skunks in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide residential and commercial animal removal services.

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Indiana Wildlife Removal and Control Company
Indiana Wildlife Removal and Control 317-847-6409

4 Safe Methods of Getting Rid of Skunks

Summertime is prime skunk time. If you have smelled skunk spray before, you know it is an unpleasant, putrid smell that lingers for a long time. It is no surprise that the scientific name for the skunk species is mephitis mephitis, which originates from the ancient Roman goddess of poisonous vapors, and literally translates to “bad odor bad odor.” But bad odors are not the only threat skunks pose; after all, they are considered a nuisance species for a reason.

Continue reading to learn more about skunk control, including the top 4 most effective methods of getting rid of them for good.

Indianapolis Skunk Removal and Control
Indianapolis Skunk Removal and Control 317-847-6409

Nuisance Skunk Problems

Aside from odorous spraying, skunks will also cause property damage. They are well-known for digging up lawns in search of grubs to eat, which make yards look more like a construction site. Lawn damages caused by skunks can take several seasons to repair, which is incredibly frustrating for home and property owners who take pride in a beautiful and healthy landscape.

Another reason you don’t want skunks around is for safety. Skunks are known carriers of several infectious and transmissible diseases that can be passed along to both people and pets. For this reason, it is vital to always stay current on your pet’s annual vaccinations. Although less serious, you also do not want your curious little pet becoming a victim of a skunk spraying. If this happens, you can look forward to a tedious and smelly bath session.

As for getting rid of skunks themselves, try these 4 safe and humane approaches:

Get Rid of Any Food Sources

As mentioned, skunks will dig up lawns and gardens looking for juicy grubs and other worms to eat. Of course, they will also steal any yields they find in the garden. To protect your gardens, try growing a natural fence that repels skunks and other wildlife, such as cucumbers or marigolds. They hate the prickly stems and leaves, and will not cross through them to get to your crops. Other food sources to eliminate include water dishes, pet food, compost, and garbage.

Block Off Any Sources of Shelter

If skunks have several great hiding spots, they will prefer that area over others. The privacy and shelter give them comfort because they feel safe from predators. If you have a lot of places on your property that would be perfect for a skunk hideout, you must get rid of them to thwart skunk activity. Things like log piles, hollowed tree trunks, and abandoned junk are perfect hiding spots for skunks. Make it harder for them to have privacy, and they will no longer feel safe on your property.

Use a Homemade Animal Repellent

You can make a homemade, non-toxic repellent that is safe and humane to use against skunks, other wildlife, and the environment. All you need is a plastic spray bottle, some household spices or essential oils, and fresh water. Use ingredients like cayenne pepper, black pepper, menthol, peppermint, spearmint, or eucalyptus. Skunks hate these scents and sensations, and will stay far away from them. Simply spray the solution around the perimeter of your yard, and more generously in the areas where you notice heightened activity. Be sure to supervise pets outdoors while making these applications because this solution will also irritate their senses.

Hire a Professional Skunk Removal and Control Service

Call Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 to help with nuisance skunks in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our DNR licensed and insured wildlife control specialists offer humane animal control services for all species of Indiana wildlife, but specialize in raccoons, bats, birds, and squirrels. We also offer cleanup, restoration, and repair for animal damages, and can even provide insurance claim work. Start with a free estimate or advice, today!

Modern Wildlife Control Indianapolis
Modern Wildlife Control Indianapolis