Do These Skunk Repellent Remedies Work?

Skunks are unwelcome visitors to any home or property. If you live in an area that has a local skunk population, you may have noticed the signs of these creatures nearby. The most telling indication of skunks is their musty, powerful smell, but they are also known for damaging lawns and digging up gardens in search of food. Homeowners have come up with a variety of skunk deterrent solutions over the years, but which ones actually work? At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we specialize in skunk removal in Hamilton that works for you.

Natural Remedies

When homeowners realize there is a skunk problem on their property, they often make the mistake of trying to handle it without calling a professional first. Some property owners try natural remedies that are touted as skunk deterrents in the hope of saving money or solving the problem quickly. In reality, these repellents may work for the short-term, but they often don't address the root of their skunk problem. Natural remedies use scented ingredients from the pantry or cleaning cabinet to deter skunks. One natural fix many homeowners turn to is the peels from citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges and limes. Another scent that bothers them is the combination of cayenne and hot peppers. Unfortunately, unless you have a large number of peels and gallons of the homemade remedies, they are unlikely to deter a determined skunk.

Store-Bought Solutions  

There are also products designed to deter wildlife that can be found at grocery or hardware stores. Companies that specialize in insect and animal repellents make different items designed to keep skunks out of your yard or property. In the insect repellent aisle at a retail store, you may come across liquid skunk spray. Most of these formulas aren't specifically indicated for skunks. Instead, they are often general animal repellent sprays to use on garbage cans, plants and woodpiles. Another option is a granular repellent solution. This is similar to a retail spray but consists of dry pellets. It's necessary to sprinkle the granular solution all around the property and on top of places where wild animals may burrow. Like the sprays, these products are generally geared towards all wild animals that may be a nuisance.

Household Tips

Homeowners' best chance at deterring skunks is to make some changes to their property and yard to make it as unappealing to skunks as possible. One resolution that may work better to solve a long-term skunk infestation is to add motion-detecting lighting around the backyard and perimeter of the property. Bright lights may deter some shy skunks from making your garden or lawn their home. It's also necessary to make sure there aren't any items that are attracting skunks or other wild animals to your property. Trash should always be secured and stored in garbage cans with lid, any pet food should not be kept outdoors, bird feeders should be kept clean and tidy, and freshwater sources should be limited.

Skunk Removal in Hamilton

In many cases, home and store remedies don't keep a stubborn skunk from coming back over and over again. Professional services dedicated to removing wildlife safely, such as Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, have the expertise and experience required to keep these animals from damaging your property and causing a headache. Our team will survey your grounds and help with preventing skunks from digging a home under your deck. We can help you safely and humanely evict skunks from your premises, and prevent them from returning by using wire, fencing or other methods. Property owners should never attempt to physically remove or handle a skunk by themselves. Wild animals may carry deadly diseases, such as rabies, or harbour harmful parasites. Find out more about how to keep skunks from invading your yard with our services designed to block these nuisance creatures. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we focus on safe and effective strategies to keep wild animals from damaging your property.