If You Don’t Have an Effective Skunk Repellent Now, You’ll Regret it Later

Skunks are unique animals. Catlike in behavior, they actually come from the mephitidae family and are closely related to ferrets, weasels, otters and badgers.

Skunks aren’t just smelly; they can also be destructive and dangerous. This post will explain why you need an effective skunk repellent to keep these creatures out of your yard.

Skunks are Smelly Diggers and Can Be Dangerous

Skunks have long front claws for digging. They dig holes in lawns in search of grubs and worms. They also will help themselves to your garden, eating roots, leaves and grasses. They are known to burrow under porches or buildings. They enter through foundation openings.

Aside from their ability to dig destruction in your yard, they also leave behind their infamously foul odor. Used as a defense mechanism, they can spray as far as 16 feet and often hit their target, as they have a high degree of accuracy with their spray.

The sulfur-containing chemicals are difficult to get out of clothes or animal fur, which any pet owner who has tried to wash out skunk spray from their dog’s coat knows all too well.

Another reason why skunks aren’t welcomed is the urine and feces they leave behind, which can attract other unwanted pests. Plus, skunks can carry rabies.

You Need an Effective Skunk Repellent

If your area is prone to skunks get a skunk repellent before you have a skunk problem.

A skunk repellent works by irritating the animal if they touch or taste it. Effective skunk repellents contain oil of black pepper, capsaicin and piperine. These active, all-natural ingredients will irritate the animal immediately if it tastes, touches or smells the combination.

When you look for a skunk repellent, choose one that repels a variety of animals. For instance, an effective skunk repellent will also serve as an effective racoon repellent. This means more protection from unwanted animal pests.

Also, the skunk repellent you choose should be OMRI listed. This means it’s been reviewed and approved for use in organic gardening, making it a safe solution for your garden, landscaping and yard.

Ideally, the skunk repellent should last for up to 30 days in normal weather conditions. A product that requires infrequent reapplication saves you time, energy and money.

Granular and Liquid: Which Do I Use When?

Granular is ideal for a perimeter barrier. Sprinkle it around your garden, along animal paths or around your home.

If it’s cold outside, as in colder than 40 degrees, you’ll want to use granular. Spray cannot be applied in temperatures below 40 degrees.

Granular can also be used indoors. Be sure to sprinkle it in non-living areas, such as the basement or cellar, shed and garage.

A benefit of using granular is you can easily tell if a reapplication is needed. As long as you still see the product, you know it’s working as an effective deterrent. If you no longer see the pellets, it’s time for another application.

Liquid, on the other hand, is ideal for protecting large areas. The spray-on formula is easy to apply.

Liquid repellents are for outdoor use only. A benefit of liquid is it can be sprayed directly on birdhouses to protect them from animal pests. Birds are unaffected by the active ingredients.

This post was written by Michelle Anderson, who writes on all things animal control, from skunk repellent to chipmunk traps.

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