How do I keep skunks away from my house?!?

Question

This is my first summer in a medium-sized city in upstate NY, and so far I've only seen 1 skunk, but I smell them almost every night! I have to keep my windows open because I don't have air conditioning. Usually the smell goes away fairly quickly, but is there any way to keep the skunks away from my house?! Please?! :(

Thanks.

Yeah, I don't think they stink normally, but they must be spraying something every night. There are some stray cats in the neighborhood, maybe they're spraying them. Who knows...

Answer 1

Skunks tend to like rooting through garbage and compost piles for food scraps, so if you have food scraps in your garbage you might want to seal them in a bag before throwing them away.
There are several commercial repellants on the market if the skunk is going for food in your garden.
If it's a serious problem, or if you suspect that the skunks may be rabid call your local animal control unit to come remove the skunks.

Answer 2

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The sites all say there is no repellant and that a professional wildlife trapper can remove them, but another will return. The only logical remedy I found was the electric fence although it has draw backs--Fencing is an option, but homeowners sometimes object to its use for aesthetic reasons or may not know how to erect a fence properly. "Properly" means burying the fence 6 to 8 inches and extending an "L" out away from the base of the fence an additional 8 to 10 inches. Skunks are efficient diggers and readily will dig under an improperly installed fence in a matter of minutes. Another option that often is as effective as burying a fence is to erect a single strand of electric fencing, or a "hot wire," at the base of a conventional fence, approximately 3 to 4 inches above the ground. When the animal approaches the fence to dig at its base and comes in contact with the electrified wire, the animal receives an unpleasant, but harmless, shock on its nose. This experience often is sufficient to prevent further attempts by the animal. Use of electrified fence material is not recommended in areas where small children have free access to it and any application of electrified materials must have clearly posted warnings alerting people to its presence and use.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How do I keep skunks away from my house?!?
This is my first summer in a medium-sized city in upstate NY, and so far I've only seen 1 skunk, but I smell them almost every night! I have to keep my windows open because I don't have air conditioning. Usually the smell goes away fairly quickly, but is there any way to keep the skunks...

Answer 4

Mothballs And Skunks

Answer 5

Amy & Elizabeth has the same idea as mine. I live in the city now, but when I lived in the country not only did I chase skunks, but ALL unwanted critters away with moth balls. Good luck.

Answer 6

1

Answer 7

Try spreading moth balls or flakes around the foundation of your house. This will keep them at bay. They do not like the scent any more than cats do. Good Luck!

Answer 8

Use lots of moth balls, as they do work...If the smell goes away quickly, they are called "polecats", and if it stays forever, they are really "skunks"...If you do get sprayed, however, a bath in tomato juice is in order...

Answer 9

Moth balls seam to work but the downside is that they make your house smell like a sani-hut. Perhaps an exterminator or a trap will work.

Answer 10

Moth balls!!! Lots of them all over the outside of your house! Works great