Skunks are smaller and weigh up to 14 pounds. They have black coats lined with white stripes along the neck, back and sides. Skunks are not aggressive and will always try to retreat from a human. They will stomp their feet on the ground as a warning sign, and if that warning does not work, they will lift their tail, turn their bum towards the threat and spray. If you encounter a skunk, move away slowly, maintaining a steady pace and noise level to avoid startling it.
Skunks can cause damage to lawns and gardens and even make homes inside buildings or under porches and patios.
Basic aversion conditioning can be used by a homeowner to keep skunks from seeking refuge on their property.
- Natural remedies from garden stores to keep skunks from digging up your lawn for grubs (their food choice, which is located within our lawns), such as nematodes or blood meal
- Lay down one inch of mesh chicken wire to keep skunks from digging up your lawn
- Use flashing lights, motion sensors and louder noises to startle them and make it uncomfortable for them to wish to stay.
- Block off access points to your outbuildings and under your porches
- Remove all bush pikes or overgrown grass from your property.
Skunks can become trapped in uncovered window wells. Since skunks are not great climbers, we can help them out by placing a rough board or one with cleats into the window well, preferably at a 45-degree angle or less. This will allow the skunks an opportunity to climb out on their own, if we give them space and time – usually after dusk.
Skunks can spray up to 10 feet with great accuracy and have a significant amount of spray to remove the threat. If you or your pet is sprayed, here are some helpful tips:
- Flush the eyes with large quantities of clean water and consult your doctor or veterinarian as soon as possible. The irritation should subside as you flush.
- Wash with an acidic substance such as carbolic soap, tomato juice, vinegar and water, or if your pet was sprayed, you can use commercial shampoo or make your own mix. A mix of one litre of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 80 ml of baking soda and 5 ml of liquid soap – use the mix while it is still bubbling. Lather the mixture on and leave it for 30 minutes. Remember, the smell may linger after the first wash, and you may need to give your pet additional baths.
- Clothing can be washed in a dilute chlorine bleach, ammonia or vinegar; however, do a test spot to make sure there is no damage caused to the material.
