Maine Wildlife
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Skunk

Most skunk problems result from them just being in the area. Many people just don't want skunks around smelling up the property. In the spring, young skunks have not yet developed the muscles for complete control of their spray and end up squirting essence as they walk. Many times a yard may smell like skunks, but they could just be passing through during the night looking for food. Skunks are omnivorous and prowl around at night and occasionally during the days for a wide variety of foods. Bird feeders and pet foods left outside are nutritious, easy to acquire sources of food. Skunks, like raccoons, also love grubs in lawns. They feed voraciously on the high protein grubs and can quickly turn a well maintained lawn into a brown earthen mess.

Another common complaint about skunks comes from their denning activity under porches, sheds, and houses. The secluded areas are an excellent spot for mothers to raise young. It is often the emergence of the young skunks with their inability to control their essence that alert people to the presence of skunks close by. Particularly if the smell continues to stay after repeated days.

Skunks are also known for getting into garbage, ruining golf courses, entering and attacking chickens and eggs in chicken coops when food is low, and destroying bee hives in an attempt to eat dead bees and honeycomb. If you are experiencing any of these problems, call us today.

Have you been sprayed?

Chemist Paul Krebaum discovered a solution that changes the odorous thiols into odorless acids, thereby chemically neutralizing the skunk odor.

The formula is:

• 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (fresh bottle),
• ¼ cup of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), and
• 1-2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap.

Ingredients must be mixed in an open container and used immediately. Never mix the ingredients in advance because oxygen released from the solution may cause a closed container to explode. The solution can be used on people or pets; avoid splashing the product in the eyes or mouth. Allow the solution to remain in hair for five minutes before rinsing with water. Repeat as needed. Avoid using this solution directly on clothing as it may discolor the fabric. Add the mixture to the wash during the wash cycle to dilute it.

Never overlook the simple act of taking a shower and washing clothes to mitigate skunk odor. Time and air eventually will remove odors from items. Any cleaning fluid or household chlorine bleach also can be used to remove skunk odor from fabrics. Use these products in separate steps — not together. Test cleansers first on an inconspicuous portion of the fabric before applying to the entire fabric. Soap and water can be used to dissolve the oils in the skunk spray to help remove it from fabrics and other surfaces. Wash laundry items a second time, then hang dry, preferably outdoors. Do not put them in the clothes dryer. Be sure to follow any directions that are specific to washing a particular fabric.

For clothing that cannot be washed or dry-cleaned, such as shoes, suspend them outdoors, allowing fresh air to carry away the volatile thiols. The odor will decrease over time, provided the material is not re-exposed to skunk musk.

For wood or concrete surfaces, mix one cup of bleach to one gallon of water. This method should be used only on the spot where the skunk sprayed. Be aware that bleach may stain surfaces.

A variety of odor control products are available in area stores, including Skunk-Off®, Odor-Mute®, Nature’s Miracle Skunk Odor Remover®, and Earth Friendly Products®. Homeowners also may find the following products helpful in deodorizing their property. With any product, always abide by label instructions.

Here you can find further instructions for removing skunk odor: http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/epublic/pages/publicationD.jsp?publicationId=1427

Other University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension Publications