Top 5 Best Skunk Repellents

Here are the general instructions on using skunk repellents based on type. However, you should still read instructions from the label to make sure you’re doing it correctly. Here is how to get the most out of the best skunk repellent options.

How to get rid of skunks with granules?

Granules are the easiest and best skunk repellent to use. 

Put the skunk repellents

1. in your yard,
2. the entrance,
3. around the house,
4. places you suspect skunks might have been,
5. and the skunk’s den (if you found it). 

Sprinkle the granules liberally around a meter away from the spots where skunks might cross. 

If you’re putting it near its den or its hiding spot in your house, make sure only to put repellent on one side (applying the repellent only on the left side of the den and not the right). This is so they can escape through the side without the repellent.

How to get rid of skunks using sprays?

Sprays are another easy and ready-to-use repellents that prevent animals from entering your property. However, it’s important not to attempt to spray directly on the skunks if ever found them. It may provoke them to spray back at you.

Determine where you should apply the product by inspecting the areas where the skunks might have been. Then, spray liberally around the locations you’ve determined. You should also spray the repellent only on one side of its den or hiding spot to give it a chance to escape.

How to get rid of skunks with ultrasonic skunk repellent?

Ultrasonic skunk repellents can effectively repel skunks and prevent pest infestations in your yard. They’re also the safest for kids.

These ultrasonic repellents are a little more complicated to set up than sprays and granules. Some products come with many pieces or units. Others only have one unit but are very effective alone (the above product is an example).

For multiple units, spread them around your property within the distance indicated in the instruction manual. For single units, it’s recommended to place them in your yard near and facing away from the entrance of your house or potential entry points. 

Simply place it facing the location for skunk dens and wait until the skunk goes away. However, it’s better to use repellents sprays and granules for dens. 

Granule repellents are the best perimeter protection and duration of effectivity.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Lasts long
• Most of them are rain resistant
• Harmless to pets and kids when used at the correct location.
• Easy to scatter
• Blends in with the soil preventing skunks
• It makes it difficult for skunks to find food.

Cons

• Smells terrible to many people.
• Skunks can adapt to the smell making the repellent ineffective. 

Essential oil sprays are the best ease of use and plant protection. In addition, the best skunk repellent brands use only natural ingredients.

Pros

• The easiest type of repellent to use
• Lasts long
• Smells nice
• Sprays using essential oils are usually rain/water resistant
• Most sprays deter skunks along with other pest animals.

Cons

• It might not last long on surfaces like walls or hard objects
• This might be ineffective in the long-term since there are cases of it not working. It might be due to skunks getting used to the smell of peppermint.

Ultrasound Is best in terms of consistent quality protection. It’s best in the long run if the ultrasonic repellent is solar-powered with a rechargeable battery. 

Pros

• No mess and no cleanups are necessary
• Effective in the long term as long as it’s functioning properly
• Usually rechargeable. Popular brands make use of solar power
• Not only repel skunks. Most ultrasonic repellents also deter other pest species like raccoons, insects, and squirrels.

Cons

• Indoor repellents usually only cover one room
• Vulnerable to damage
• It might not be usable for some people’s situations

Traps are technically the best way to drive away skunks since they are known to be solitary animals. Meaning they don’t live with other skunks. However, skunk traps should be a last resort if your skunk problems don’t improve with conservative pest control measures. Please educate yourself about your state laws regarding trapping before using them. If you want to be safe, rely on pest control service to use traps.

Pros 

• Skunks are easy to trap. The sturdiness and durability of the trap is the primary concern rather than the difficulty of trapping.
• Skunk baits are easy to come by (cat food, peanut butter, canned fish, etc.)
• Skunk traps are widely available.
• There is no need to use poisons or lethal methods; you can relocate the skunks instead. Some have easy release mechanisms.

Cons

• Can accidentally trap other pests depending on size, like raccoons
• It’s better to leave skunk handling and trapping to pest control service
• Risk of direct confrontation, injury, and getting sprayed

If you don’t plan on buying repellents, you can always make one yourself. Use the following scents skunks hate for homemade repellents that effectively deter skunks. These also use a skunk’s good sense of smell against it.

Ammonia

A highly effective homemade repellent. Simply soak a rag with ammonia and place it around your yard where skunks frequently go. Replace every week or two.

Orange/Citrus fruit peels

Simply make use of peels of orange or citrus fruits by spreading them around the house. Keep in mind that this quickly wears off. Planting citrus trees also help.

Cayenne pepper and chili powder 

Best skunk repellent that’s homemade. Spread cayenne pepper powder around the places where you want to repel skunks. Any chili powder, black pepper, and capsaicin can be used to substitute. The black pepper can either be ground or whole.

Vinegar

Put vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it around your house or places you wish to repel the skunks. 

Never fully depend on effective repellents or traps to fix your skunk problem. You can combine various pest control methods with preventive measures. However, it’s not recommended to use lethal methods like poisons. Here are some valuable tips to keep skunks away for good:

• Cover up and fix points of entry around your property. This can include damage in your house due to wear and tear and holes under your house’s foundation. Keep in mind that skunks can enter from under the house.
• Do some proper landscaping. Clean up any wood or rock piled since this can become potential dens for the skunks. 
• Clean any fallen fruits that skunks can consider as their food.
• Deal with insect and rodent pest problems. Skunks eat pests like mice and insects.
• Never leave food around your property. For example, don’t leave pet bowls outside.
• Seal or secure your trash cans. 
• Mildly harass the skunks. Skunks are nocturnal animals, so it’s best to do this during the daytime. Here are the ways:
  1. Fill up holes and dens with rocks and leaves,  
  2. Install some bright lights. Bright light bothers skunks because they’re nocturnal animals.
  3. Play loud sounds near their den. 
• Install an electric fence.  Bury an extra 2-3 feet underground since skunks are excellent diggers.

Are skunk repellent granules safe for pets? 

Repellent granules are safe for pets only if used as directed. It’s unlikely for your pets to try to get near the product.  In the case of consumption, it’s unlikely to cause adverse effects for repellents with non-toxic ingredients. Please consult with a veterinarian in case it happens.

Is skunk repellent safe for kids?

It’s safe if used as directed and stored out of reach of children. Consult with a medical professional for accidental consumption or significant exposures.

Is skunk harmful to humans?

Skunks, when left alone, don’t post much harm to humans. However, through close encounters, they can transmit diseases and spray putrid fluids.

The most dangerous disease skunks can transmit to us is rabies, which causes deadly neurological symptoms. The CDC considers skunks as one of the main vectors of rabies. Once rabies symptoms show, there’s an almost 0% chance of survival.

Despite being regarded as pests, skunks are considered beneficial animals too. For example, the Humane Society of the US says that skunks help us by eating many insects and rodents.

Why do skunks stink?

It is due to a defense mechanism they developed against larger animals like foxes and coyotes.

They have glands near their anus that can spray a special stinky substance 10-15 feet away. The spray is not deadly, but anyone unlucky enough to get sprayed may end up smelling like rotten eggs for 2 to 3 weeks, even with cleaning. It can also cause temporary blindness if it hits the eyes.

The best skunk repellent to go for is Epic Skunk Scram Granular Repellent. The manufacturers are specialized in pest repellents. It has the highest covered distance and uses a tried and tested scent.

If you’re not a pet owner and looking for a product with natural ingredients, go for Natural Armor Repellent Spray. The best skunk repellent spray provides the same level of protection the granules produce. Not pet-friendly due to the high concentration of peppermint oil.

Repellents alone are only effective in the short term. Use them along with other pest control measures to keep skunks away.