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Do It Yourself Skunk Repellent

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Tip

Hang fresh fabric softener sheets outdoors to repel skunks.

Warning

Stay away from tame, aggressive skunks that wander around during the day; they may be rabid.

Make sure that the skunk and its babies (if any) have left the area before sealing off the location with chicken wire. If not, the trapped skunks will die.

Relocating skunks severely hinders their ability to survive.

Identified by their repugnant-smelling spray, jet-black fur and white stripes, skunks are often found burrowed beneath porches or decks. Although skunks are generally docile, they are occasionally a nuisance to homeowners. Skunks invade crawl spaces, damage gardens and kill poultry. A rabid skunk can bite humans and infect them with the rabies virus, which is fatal if not immediately treated. You can keep skunks away from your property using homemade skunk repellents.

Castor Oil and Dish Soap Solution

Mix 1/2-cup of castor oil and 1 tbsp. of dish soap in a cup. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle filled with 1 qt. of water. Thoroughly mix the castor oil, dish soap and water.

Squirt the castor oil and dish soap solution liberally around the perimeter of the skunk’s dwelling. Spray the solution at night to prevent contact with the skunk. Skunks generally leave to forage for food at night.

Apply the solution daily, if necessary, until the skunk leaves the area. Once the skunk has left, seal the location with chicken wire to prevent the skunk from returning.

Corn Oil, Garlic Powder and Hot Sauce Solution

Mix 1/2-tsp. of corn oil, 4 tbsp. of garlic powder and 4 tbsp. of hot sauce in a cup. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle filled with 1 qt. of water. Thoroughly mix the corn oil, garlic powder, hot sauce and water solution.

Apply the solution generously around the perimeter of the skunk’s home. Do this at night to prevent startling the skunk, since it is usually away searching for food after dark.

Spray the solution daily, if necessary. Once the skunk has left the area, seal the area under the porch or deck with wire.

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