During the evening hours when we are either in the back yard or we have the fans in the windows there are a number of skunks that like to walk through our yard. Is there a way to discourage this without keeping the other animals from coming into the yard? We have rabbits, deer, squirrels, and a number of other wildlife that come through our yard every evening and we enjoy watching them and spending time on the patio with them there. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Have a wonderful week!
Thank YOU,
Eds
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2007-09-22 17:05:38 · 8 answers · asked by Eds 7 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
EDIT:
I DO NOT want them harmed in any way and I DO NOT want them taken from the area. I just wanted to deter them from walking through the yard in the evening.
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2007-09-22 17:22:07 · update #1
Its pretty hard to be specific to skunks without affecting other wildlife. Even with things designed to make your yard less friendly to them. Chances are that you will lose other wildlife also.
But here is a link to a great page that will give you many things to try. Its by a local SPCA.
2007-09-23 04:49:54 · answer #1 · answered by Gandalf Parker 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
There is really no way, other than calling a pest control person to trap and kill them. Anything you put up will deter some of the other animals.
Why do you want everything but skunks? Yes, they have that odor, but they are a part of wildlife, just like the other animals. Skunks are great for the forest- they dig up bugs and help aerate the forest floors.
You do not have to worry about getting sprayed as long as you ignore them and they ignore you. Skunks can spray up to 12 ft pretty accurately, but they give plenty of warning before spraying (stamping, backing up, etc)
2007-09-22 17:13:42 · answer #2 · answered by D 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I owe an apology to Danielle. I accidentally clicked thumbs down, when I wanted thumbs up. I wish there was an oops button.
I've heard that moth balls around the perimeter will deter them from entering, but have no personal experience.
I think skunks are very cool. Of course, I don't tangle with them. They give plenty of warning before they spray. When threatened, they growl, hiss, turn their back and raise their tail, all of which gives you plenty of time to remove yourself from the 15' maximum spray zone.
On the other hand, the smell (not the actual spray) carries about a mile, so if that's your problem, you won't resolve it by banishing them from your yard.
Good luck.
P.S. The SPCA (site given in answer above) recommends Ro-pel and Get-Away. These keep them from eating your plants, but not from entering your property. They're usually used by gardeners to protect their plantings from becoming food for wild tables.
2007-09-23 11:04:32 · answer #3 · answered by cmw 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Use someyhing to make yourself and little Westie smell worse than the skunk. Maybe it will go find a place where it isn't #2. Skunks hate to be second best when it comes to smelling worst.
2016-05-21 03:42:56 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do they spray? Or what are they harming?
I dont know of a way to only deter the skunks..
I myself am fascinated w/ them...
id say.. leave out some extra food! lol
they spray only as a last resort.. unless they are mating..
2007-09-27 05:17:44 · answer #5 · answered by Racquel 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try rock salt. put it on the perimeter and it really doesn't take alot. Don't worry about the deer because it sticks to their hooves and when they lick it it encourages them to drink water, and it is sterile for any injuries they may have there.
2007-09-22 17:16:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Why single them out dear friend...
They were created by the same creator, that created us. May be they are meant to visit you place.. to test your patience and something else...
2007-09-23 02:51:30 · answer #7 · answered by bakhan 4 · 2⤊ 3⤋
leave the skunks alone and enjoy the fact that they are not yet extinct.
2007-09-22 18:12:49 · answer #8 · answered by KitKat 7 · 1⤊ 4⤋