Skunks are very well known for their ability to release a pungent, liquid odor, which makes it very difficult for us to want to be around them. Although the smell of the odor may be highly unbearable, it is not actually dangerous for us to be around, however, as they are scavengers, they often carry rabies, thus it is vital that you never approach a skunk. They can spray up to 15 ft. so it is always advised that you do not go close to a skunk but find other ways to prevent them from wanting to invite themselves into your home.
As previously mentioned, skunks are scavengers, and the reason they come uninvited is because they are attracted to your garbage. It is therefore important that you keep your vicinity as clean as possible. This can be done by using heavy duty plastic or metal trashcans with very tight and secure lids so that even when knocked over, the litter will still remain inside the trashcan. Also, if the trashcan is too full please do not be tempted to leave garbage around the trashcan because this is seen as a meal and an appeal for the skunks.
Skunks are nocturnal animals so it is a lot more difficult to keep track of them. What is important is that you make sure that you eliminate any kind of temptation for the skunks, namely grubs and beetle larvae, which are found underground. Skunks are determined to get to them and they will dig deep into the ground resulting in a very unattractive lawn. To avoid this, beneficial nematodes (organic pest control) can be put in place, which quickly consume the grubs and larvae. This means that there will no longer be any underground creatures to attract the skunks.
If you would rather something simpler and would perhaps prefer to use the resources that you already have, then consider installing bright light sensors. All nocturnal animals hate light and this will be a strong repellent for the skunks, therefore leaving you free of them. Sprinklers react in the same way; they are automated to sprinkle water whenever a skunk approaches. However, more determined skunks can battle through the water, leaving the sprinklers futile. There is a solution that has been proven to work by many skunk victims and that is simply spraying spicy pepper around the entire garden. Skunks are irritated by pepper sprays and they immediately back off from your home. This can only be successful with regular pepper sprinkling around the garden (usually leave two days between each spray).
It is clear that skunks are very stubborn and determined to battle, but they are not too difficult to detract with the solutions provided above. Pepper spray is reported to be the most effective source of treatment to get rid of skunks and is the easiest solution, as all it requires is a quick but effective spray around the garden; the pepper does the rest. But which ever you choose, you will certainly end up having no more skunk problems.
