Tomato juice is the automatic response to a skunk spray. Always tomato juice. However, the effectiveness of this remedy isn’t proven. Many different people swear it works. Tomatoes are supposed to neutralize the oils in skunk spray. But, others say it doesn’t. This is up to you to discover. Skunks are common in suburban areas and are one of the few species to use smell as a defense.
When and why do skunks spray?
Spray from a skunk is their most effective defense weapon. As well as stench, the spray can irritate eyes causing temporary blindness in attackers. This highly accurate spray can be smelled by humans up to a mile down wind. Skunks use this weapon sparingly. They generally only have five or six sprays and require 10 days to produce another supply. Skunks rarely spray other skunks except males during mating season. Spraying is an absolute last defensive resort against predators.
They go through many different warning signs before spraying.
- Stomping their feet.
- Showing their teeth.
- Standing up on his back paws.
- Hissing, snarling or charging.
A skunk’s spray is a very unique balance of chemicals
The stink is produce from their anal glands. Two glands found on either side of the anus. Muscles located around the scent glands helps them spray up to 3 metres. Spray is a compound made of sulfur containing offensive and nauseating odours. It consists of three low-molecular weight thiol compounds. (E)-2-butene-1-thiol, 3-methyl-1-butanethiol and 2-quinolinemethanethiol as well as acetate thioesters of these. It is only detectable by humans at concentrations of 10 parts per billion. All of this results in the offensive stench produced by skunks.
How to get rid of spray smell
- Wash all sprayed fabrics, people or animals.
- White vinegar fights against natural oil in skunk spray.
- Commercial sprays designed to reduce smell.
- A combination of peroxide, baking soda and dish soap.
- Bleach on outdoor structures.
Guelph skunk removal
Skunks can den under decks, patios and sheds. If you discover evidence of regular skunk activity on your property they might have found a home in your yard.
Make sure to contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. We remove them from under structures and prevent them from getting back in.
Call us for effective skunk removal – 1-888-592-0387
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