Striped skunk: tips to keep it away

Recognizable by its black fur and white stripe, the skunk—often nicknamed the polecat—is mostly active from dusk to dawn. It usually comes out at night to look for food and eats just about anything: insects, worms, eggs, fruit, nuts… Garbage cans quickly become a food source.

As for shelter, it uses a burrow (sometimes under decks or patios) to raise its young in spring and summer, and for semi-hibernation during the winter months. A poor climber, it rarely settles at height.

To limit its presence, you mainly need to eliminate food sources and block access to places where it could take shelter.

1. Protect your lawn and garden from skunks

If your lawn has cone-shaped holes, a skunk may have dug them while searching for grubs.

• Treat your lawn for grubs.
• In the vegetable garden, spread a commercial pepper-based repellent or make your own natural repellent.
• If needed, fence off the garden or the area under the patio with wire mesh. Use a mesh size of 5cm or less and posts 1.5 to 1.8m high.

2. Keep skunks from getting into your garbage

Food odours easily attract skunks. To keep them from rummaging through your trash:

• Use a closed, sturdy container for your waste, such as a wood or metal bin or a garbage can with a lid that’s hard to remove. If needed, secure it to a fence to keep it from being knocked over.
• Clean your garbage can often to eliminate odours that attract animals.
• Only put your trash out on the morning of collection day.

Here’s what you can do to get the animal out from under a porch or shed:

• Place a work light in the burrow or play a radio using speakers set on the ground and aimed at the opening. However, avoid blocking the entrance until you’re sure the skunk is gone.
• Temporarily plug the burrow entrance with rags soaked in animal repellent. Do this during the day while the skunk is sleeping; it will push the rags out to get outside in the evening.
• Repeat the process patiently for about ten days. The animal should leave. If the rags are still in place in the morning, it likely means the animal has left its den.
• Permanently seal the burrow entrance with wire, sheet metal, or sturdy mesh.

Yes, but only as a last resort and in compliance with current regulations. Transporting live skunks is prohibited in certain municipalities in the Eastern Townships and Montérégie to help limit the spread of rabies. If capture becomes necessary, call a pest control company.

Despite popular belief, tomato juice isn’t the best solution for getting rid of stubborn skunk odour. Depending on the situation, a few simple tricks can help you eliminate bad odours from your belongings or your pet.

1. How to remove the odour from clothing, furniture, or your home

Mix vinegar and water (1:10), then use this solution to clean the affected surfaces. Test on a small area first for more delicate fabrics and materials.

To get rid of odours in a car or garage, place an odour-absorbing sponge, available at pet stores and major retailers.

2. How to wash a dog that’s been sprayed by a skunk

If your dog or cat has been sprayed by a skunk, act quickly and wash it before it comes into the house. Prepare the following mixture (do not store it), avoiding your pet’s eyes, then rinse thoroughly:

• 1 litre of 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 1/2 cup of baking soda
• 2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
Striped skunk