Problems with skunks
 Skunks are nocturnal-they need a quiet and dark place during the daytime. Their homes are usually in burrows but they will also nest under houses, decks, woodpiles, etc. They are attracted by pet food, ripe fruit, water, snails and insects. They can uproot gardens and lawns when searching for food. Their nesting season is usually April through June. The common skunk in the Bay Area is the striped skunk, about the size of a house cat. |
Under house
Find the entrance, usually a loose vent cover, but sometimes a hole dug under the foundation. Wait until the skunk comes out and then securely close the hole. Make sure there are no babies still under the house. If there are babies under the house, leave the hole open and make the area unpleasant by lights and noise. Skunks are very sensitive to light. The mother will move her babies to another nest site and you can then safely close the hole. Sprinkle flour or cornstarch on the ground around the opening so you can more easily check for foot prints to see if the skunk has come out. |
Spraying pets or people
Keep pets indoors at night when skunks are more likely to be out. Keep dogs on leash when walking, especially in wild areas. If a person or pet is sprayed, wash with Simple Green, rinsing well. Follow with vinegar rinse.
You can also try washing with a mixture of:
1 qt. 3% hydrogen peroxide (from the drugstore)
1/4 cup baking soda
1 tsp. liquid soap.
Keep mixture out of eyes, nose, and mouth. Follow with a tap water rinse. Do not store mixture in closed bottle; it could explode. The above quantity is suitable for cat or small dog. Wash clothes with Simple Green and use a dilute bleach solution to rinse if the item is safe to bleach. Use a commercial skunk deodorizer, available from veterinarians or feed stores. |
Sprayed house
Wash sprayed surfaces with a bleach solution or a commercial skunk deodorizer. Boil water and rosemary on your stove to eliminate the odor from inside the house. |
Coming into yard
A 3' high wire mesh fence extended 6" beneath the ground surface will keep most striped skunks out. Commercial repellents may work on a temporary basis. Use around the perimeter of the yard. Make your own repellent of 1 cup castor oil, 1 cup liquid dish detergent, mixed with a gallon of water in a spray can. Spray well around the area. |
Out during the day
If the skunk is acting normally, it is probably OK. Sometimes skunks don't make it back to their den before daylight. If the skunk is acting abnormally or appears ill, call Animal Services (In Contra Costa County call 925-335-8300). |
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