Are you looking for the best tips for getting rid of skunks? Have skunks been causing trouble around your property? Have you stopped opening your windows or sitting on your front porch because skunks are wandering around leaving a horrible smell in their wake? You may not have to deal with it any longer. There are some preventative steps that you can take to help minimize or remove the problem completely.  A little prevention goes a long way!  If you are motivated, you can send these creatures packing.

First of all, it helps to try to put yourself into the mindset of a skunk. Try your best to think like a small, wild animal looking for easy food and shelter. Skunks are not that ambitious. They are generally creatures of opportunity. If you have a skunk problem in your yard or on your property, chances are that you are providing what they need. You are providing a home or food.  You may even be unknowingly providing both!  Free food and rent?  Who wouldn’t want to move in?

So, what can you do? Here are some tips for getting rid of skunks to help you get started:

Remove access to their living quarters. Where do skunks live?  Skunks love to live under front porches or back patios. It is dark, quiet and cool during the day. At night, they don’t have to travel far to find food on your property. If you have ever wondered if you have a skunk living under your front porch, you probably do. You will need to remove any point of access that a skunk could find to the area under the porch or patio. Skunks have a lot of fur, don’t be fooled into thinking they can not fit into a small opening. Close and cover every opening that you find, regardless of size.  Taking care of this problem is a huge step toward getting rid of skunks.

If you don’t want to close it up unless you are sure that there is not a skunk in there, call a local exterminator. They will usually be willing to clear it out for you. This is probably a great idea. A dead skunk under your house cannot be a good thing!

Skunks love sheds and garages. Be sure they are secured completely.

Pick up any dog or cat dishes that you have outside. If at all possible, find a new spot to feed your pets. Even if you feel that your pet eats all of his or her food, this is a good idea. The smell remains and skunks are attracted to that. Not to mention any bits or pieces that have fallen out of the bowl and are left behind. If you do not want to feed your pet inside, try the garage. If this is not an option, be very meticulous about picking up the bowl and scraps in the early evening.

Make sure your outside trash bin is very secure. If it is knocked over, will it stay closed? Also, be sure that anyone who is charged with emptying the trash to the outside bin is aware of the importance of making sure that every bit of trash goes into the bin and not onto the ground. Skunks love table scraps! If necessary, remind them to secure the lid tightly every time they use the trash bin.

Cut any tall grass or weeds. These make it easy for a skunk to move around undetected. Remove their sense of security.

Do you love to BBQ? Do you have an open grill with some scraps on it or nearby? Not a good idea. Cover your grill after it cools down. A bit of meat left behind is an open invitation for a skunk. At the very least, the smell will be attractive to skunks.

Now is not the time to compost. If you have a compost pile, skunks will be attracted to it. If you must continue to compost, purchase a secure bin.  If these animals have become a huge problem and you want to take every step you can toward getting rid of skunks, composting may need to wait.

Remove any rock piles or wood piles. If a skunk can find a small opening to relax and feel safe, they will use it. The same goes for fallen trees and brush.

Take a walk around your house and property. What looks like it would be appealing to a skunk? If anything catches your attention, get rid of it.

If you follow these tips for getting rid of skunks, they will eventually move on to another yard that is more inviting.

For more information and ideas for getting rid of skunks, visit Skunk Smell Removal.