While most homeowners try to avoid pests, some can be nuisances. Among the notorious pests are skunks. However, with the best skunk repellent, you will be able to bring them down.
Typically, skunks are known to spread a foul-smelling liquid that is detectable from far. They can also cause damage since they are prone to building nests in crawling spots. This can be daunting for many people.
But as much as there are different types of skunk deterrents on the market, getting the best one can be difficult. Fortunately, we researched different skunk repellants and found Natural Armor Animal & Rodent Repellent Spray to be the best overall.
This is because it keeps skunks away, is suitable for indoors and outdoor, and is easy to use. You will also find out what they are and how to use them, among other things. So let’s get started!
What is Skunk Repellant?
Skunk repellants are odors that scare skunks away. They contain a scent that skunks don’t like. Skunks can be difficult to manage if you leave them like that. On top of that, they will damage your property as long as they can crawl in.
Therefore getting the best skunk repellant will save you from the bad smell and damage. However, these repellants don’t kill them; they only keep them at bay.
How Does Skunk Repellant Work?
Different skunk repellants work in different ways. When you walk into a repellant shop, you will find different types of skunk repellants with different modes of action. Among them are:
- Odor repellents
- Sonic repellents
- Light repellents
Odor Repellents
Topping the list are odor repellents. Skunks have a strong sense of smell which they can use to locate grubs and other tasty items they eat. Also known as Olfactory repellents, they take advantage of their sense of smell and then fill the air with odors that skunks don’t like.
Sonic Repellents
Second on the list is sonic repellants. They emit sounds, both sonic and ultrasonic, to deter animals. Sonic sounds are audible to humans, while ultrasonic sounds are not audible to humans. Those sounds deter the animals by alternating pitches or bursts of sound in those ranges.
Light Repellents
Another skunk deterrent method is light. Unfortunately, skunks don’t like light because the motion-activated flashing lights will prompt them to run away.
With all that useful information, how far can a skunk spray?
How Far Can a Skunk Spray?
Skunks produce an oily liquid from the gland under their large tail. To produce this scent, a skunk blasts its foe with a foul mist that can travel as far as 10 to 15 feet (305 to 457 centimeters).
You don’t have to worry about the skunk spray since it does not cause real damage to its victims. On the contrary, it can make them uncomfortable. The worst part is that it can stay for long and defy attempts to remove it. Therefore, as a defensive technique, the spray will be very helpful.
How to Keep Skunks Out of Your Yard and Why
Skunks are notorious creatures that produce a foul smell that can cause no real damage to the victims. The better part is that there are many ways to keep them away.
On top of that, some of these methods are homemade and hence safe for the environment, animals, and humans. Therefore check out these potential tips on how to keep skunks out of your yard.
Keep Away Food Sources
If you have easily accessible food on your property, you extend an invited dinner to the black and white critters. Skunks will settle for any food. To keep them away, do not leave the trash can open. If your pet likes eating outside, provide a one-time meal, and remember to remove the dishes and clear food litter before nightfall.
Provide Disruptions
Skunks like foraging at night and not during the day. So provide disruptions. Go back to the old-fashioned methods, such as a scarecrow with light or water. These will spook them away.
Get Rid of Potential Habitats
Skunks’ main aim is looking for food. But, when looking for food, they can cause damage. Also, they dislike their habitats and love to nest somewhere different. So, get rid of any left habitats and cover openings with a wire mesh, ensuring they are above the soil surface. If not, you will not like the sight of skunk holes.
Use Smell Repellents
Skunks emit a foul odor, but it turns out that they don’t like strong smells. For example, they can’t stand three smells from citrus fruits (e.g., lemon, orange, or grapefruit peels).
Other Natural Smell Repellents Methods
- Take a mixture of castor oil and dish-washing detergent, then dilute in water. Skunks will find the smell offensive. Also, spray the area at night when the skunk is away foraging.
- You can use predator urine (dogs, coyotes) to repel a skunk.
- If nothing works, professionals have humane ways to trap skunks and transport them elsewhere. Skunk removal by trapping is often the only answer, but be aware that many wildlife species do not survive in a new habitat. Also, it can be illegal to trap and relocate wild animals in your area.
What are Skunks Good for?
As much as skunks have drawbacks, they also have a better side. So, what are skunks good for?
They Eat Garden Pests
Topping the list of the first benefit of skunks is that they eat garden pests. Typically, most gardens are prone to pests, and they can be disastrous if left to stay. They feed on plants causing stunted growth and death.
However, skunks can do the work for you. As omnivores, they will feed on pests such as mice, voles, beetles, various larvae, wasps, and crickets.
They Keep the Eco-system Free of Carrion
The ecosystem plays a very important part in the lives of animals and human beings. Sometimes, carrions may destroy the ecosystem. While controlling them is not a walk in the park, skunks are the real deal.
Skunks are known to be scavengers, and as it is known, scavengers play a vital role in the health of the environment. For this reason, they will seek animal carcasses, keeping the environment free of carrion.
What Attracts Skunks to Your Yard?
As mentioned earlier, skunks are little critters that love to stay in an abandoned habitat. They forage at night and can cause physical damage apart from their spray. As much as they can easily get into your home, some things drive them into your yard. Check out what attracts skunks in your yard.
Leaving the Trash Open
One thing that might attract skunks in your yard is leaving the trash open. Skunks live everywhere, and they love digging up too. So, when you leave your trash can without a lid, you will create room for them to come in and search for food.
While doing this, they will spray the liquid for defense if they sense or smell danger. This can be hazardous if you or your pet are near. As much as the liquid is not destructive, it can irritate or stay on a surface for some days. Therefore, it is wise to secure the trash to keep off these creatures.
Pet Food
Another thing that will attract skunks in your yard is pet food. Usually, skunks love to feed on anything. So, when they find pet leftovers, they will happily crowd in that area and feed them. So, clean up any litter and pet utensils to keep them away.
Walking Dogs on Long Leashes
The third aspect that attracts skunks in the yard is walking dogs on long leashes. When you use a long leash, your Pup might find a way to go to the yard fence. And as we mentioned earlier, skunks like digging up to enter the yard or garden. So they will sense the dog’s presence.
This way, they might get attacked by the liquid spray from skunks. Therefore, walk your dog on short leashes, make noise, and turn on exterior lights a few minutes before letting your dog in the yard. This act will make the skunks toddle off.
Do Skunks Dig up Lawns?
Do skunks dig up lawns? Yes, skunks love digging up anywhere they can, especially lawns. They normally do this to find a path to get into a yard, a new habitat, or anywhere they can feed. Another reason why they dig up is because they are slow and cannot climb.
How to use Skunk Deterrents
It might seem easy to use skunk deterrents, but there are some strategies that help when using skunk repellent. To use these products, consider the following aspects.
Location
The first thing is to be strategic about where you place it. To find the right spot, you need to check how skunks are coming into your property, then spray the area.
Such areas include garbage cans, trees, and gardens, which commonly attract skunks. Don’t forget to reapply liquid or granular repellents every few weeks or after it rains to keep skunks at bay.
Treat Common Skunk Areas
The second strategy is to treat areas that skunks love to visit. Again, identifying the common spots will make you keep them away. They will visit one spot and smell the spray, but they won’t return.
Create a Perimeter of Repellent
Yes, creating a perimeter of repellent around your home is vital. The spray will be around the compound, creating no room for skunks to enter.
Retreat the Area
Treating once will not solve the problem. Nice, the Repellant goes away, but skunks will visit you again. So, it is essential to keep on treating the area regularly.
The Best Skunk Repellants at a Glance
- Natural Armor Animal & Rodent Repellent Spray – Best Overall
- Epic 02120 All Natural Skunk Repellent Grandular – Best Granular Repellant
- GARDEN SECRETS Compact Solar Ultrasonic Animal Repellent – Best Solar Ultrasonic Animal Repellant
- Plantskydd Animal Repellent – Best Natural Skunk Repellant
- Bonide Animal Repellent – Best Repellant for All Animals
- Lycoming Skunk Repellent – Best Light Repellant
Our Top Pick for the Best Skunk Repellants
What is the best skunk repellant? Natural Armor Animal & Rodent Repellent Spray is our top pick for the best skunk repellants. This is because it gets rid of skunks, other critters, and pests. It also contains natural ingredients making it safe for use. Other than that, it is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. All you need to do is to shake and spray.
Your Skunk Repellant Buying Guide
Before buying a skunk repellant, you need to compare several things to make the right selection. Such aspects include type, ingredients, and weather. These factors will help you get the one that fits your home best.
Repellant Form
Skunk repellents come in three main types—spray, granular, and electronic.
Spray repellent – Spray repellants consist of a spray bottle liquid. These repellants will not cost you a fortune and won’t give you a hard time during the application. However, you need to apply them after a few weeks.
Granule repellents – Granule repellants have small, dry pellets that irritate the animal’s sense of taste and smell. They are easy to apply since they come in shaker bottles. As much as they can cost you extra dollars, they will last long.
Electronic skunk repellents – Electronic skunk repellents come in a box-like structure that looks like a motion detector and speakers. When the animal triggers the motion sensor, the speakers emit a high-pitched noise that scares them away. Power the speakers and motion detector using a battery and solar panel on the top of the unit.
The better part is that they are easy to install and last for a long time. But, on the contrary, they have drawbacks that can be a disadvantage to pets since they irritate them. For this reason, these repellents might make skunks spray their liquid for self-defense.
Natural ingredients
Another vital thing to consider is natural ingredients. Since you use them in the yard, they have natural, environmentally friendly ingredients. Unfortunately, some have common ingredients, such as peppermint essential oil, which skunks don’t like.
Expected Weather
The weather is also a factor to consider before getting a skunk repellent since sprays are applied outside. This is essential since each type of weather will determine how effective it will be.
For instance, applying the spray repellant during a rainy season will not do much. The rain will wash most of them away, and you will have to reapply again. However, the granules will stay in wet conditions compared to spray repellents.
On the other hand, electronic repellents will also endure the weather. What you need to do is charge the batteries to function well.
Skunk Repellents vs. Skunk Traps
Skunk repellents and traps do a good job. But choosing between skunk repellents or skunk traps is the best thing to solve your skunk problems. However, it goes down to the state that you are in.
For instance, if the skunks are in the crawling space, they may need traps to remove them. If they don’t come often, repellents are the real deal. However, remember that trapping them is illegal in some states.
Our Top–Rated Reviews on the Best Skunk Repellants
Natural Armor Animal & Rodent Repellent Spray – Best Overall
Key Features
- Contains natural ingredients
- Comes in spray form
Star Rating: 3.7 out of 5
General Description
Looking for the best skunk repellant spray? Opt for Natural Armor Animal & Rodent Repellent Spray. This green and white super spray from Natural Armor will eliminate skunks, raccoons, rats, mice, deer, and other critters. These critters normally affect homes, yards, flowers, and gardens.
It has a volume of 128 fluid ounces (3.6 kilograms), measures 12.44 by 8.07 by 5.67 inches (32 by 21 by 14 centimeters), and is suitable for outdoor and indoor use. Carrying it around will be easy since it weighs 8.38 pounds (3.8 kilograms).
While using indoors, apply to areas such as cellars, basements, and other crawling spaces. Spray on plants, lawns, shrubs, trees, furniture, Sheds, and trash cans for outdoor application.
A plus is that it comes in trigger-style, thus easy to use as you only need to shake and spray- thanks to the heavy-duty trigger sprayer. Moreover, the sprayer will not clog and covers many kilometers. Nonetheless, this spray is waterproof, meaning it will last on rainy days.
With a star rating of 3.7 out of 5, customers love it because it contains natural ingredients and a peppermint scent. If you don’t love it, you can return it within 30 days.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Safe since it contains natural ingredients
- Waterproof
Cons
- Instead of deterring raccoons, it attracts them
Epic 02120 All Natural Skunk Repellent Grandular – Best Granular Repellant
Key Features
- Unique natural formulas
- Comes from the U.S.A.
Star Rating: 3.8 out of 5
General Description
If you are looking for a skunk spray ready to use, opt for Epic 01120 All Natural Skunk Repellant Grandular. This spray from DeerScram will keep away skunks since it protects up to 3500 square feet (325 meters).
It measures 13.66 by 8.39 by 5.08 inches (35 by 21 by 13 centimeters) and weighs 5.91 pounds (2.7 kilograms). Besides that, it contains unique natural formulas proven to be highly effective from EPIC’sEPIC’s proven methods and experienced research & development team. This domestic and wild animal repellent comes in bottle form for easy storage.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Keeps skunks away
- Contains natural formulas this safe for the environment
Cons
- Quite pricy
GARDEN SECRETS Compact Solar Ultrasonic Animal Repellent – Best Solar Ultrasonic Animal Repellant
Key Features
- Powerful ultrasonic device
- Powerful solar panel
Star Rating: 3,5 out of 5
General Description
The perfect solution for maintaining your garden is getting rid of skunks and other little critters. However, this is impossible without the perfect spray such as GARDEN SECRETS Compact Solar Ultrasonic Animal Repellent.
This green repellant has ultra-powerful ultrasonic or other deterrent sounds, which scare away skunks. It will also eliminate animals such as rodents, mice, rats, birds, armadillos, cats, dogs, and bats.
The powerful ultrasonic creates an unpleasant living environment for the animals, and they will start to leave your property. Some animals will leave immediately, and others will leave after two or three weeks.
It measures 4.1 by 3.1 by 5.5 inches (10 by 8 by 14 centimeters). The good thing is that it is quiet since its frequency is completely undetectable to a human ear. This feature will help eliminate pests even at night without disturbing anyone. For better results on ultrasonic effect, select Mode 3 (also Mode 2 for people with insensitive hearing).
Yes, this Repellant will save you from spending extra dollars and your time. You will get to charge your batteries automatically on sunny and on low-sun days. Connect the transformer or a solar panel in direct sunlight.
This product from Garden Secrets will not cause harm since it uses a humane way of getting rid of pests to avoid the smell of dead animals. But, of course, if you don’t like it, you can return the product.
Pros
- Does not contain harsh chemicals
- Uses direct sunlight to charge the batteries
- Easy to use
Cons
- The sound is audible to people
Plantskydd Animal Repellent – Best Natural Skunk Repellant
Key Features
- Comes in Liquid form
Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5
General Description
Are you having a hard time with animals such as skunks, deer, rabbits, moose, hares, voles, squirrels, chipmunks, and other herbivores? If so, why not try PlantsKydd Animal Repellant? This product comes from the U.S.A. and will help you get rid of skunks.
The green Repellant has a volume of 32 fluid ounces (0.95 kilograms). It measures 11 by 9 by 6 inches (28 by 23 by 15 centimeters) and weighs 2.55 pounds (1.2 kilograms). This product from PlantsKydd also works on flowers, perennials, shrubs, trees, and bulbs in case skunks are around this area; they will not come back.
Pros
- Gets rid of skunks quickly
- Environmental friendly
Cons
- Has a bad smell
Bonide Animal Repellent – Best Repellant for All Animals
Key Features
- Contains natural ingredients
- Comes in granular form
Star Rating: 3.7 out of 5
General Description
Bonde Repels-Animal Repellent is a unique blend of ingredients that causes mild irritation to animals’ nasal passages. When an animal touches or smells it, it triggers the instinct to escape/avoid the pest leaves. It measures 7.3 x 3.5 x 11 inches (19 by 9 by 28 centimeters) and weighs 3.1 pounds (1.4 kilograms).
The granules repel squirrel, deer, rabbit, chipmunk, mouse, skunk, rat, beaver, raccoon, porcupine, bird, groundhog, and rodent species. All you need is to apply around homes, gardens, garbage cans, barns, swimming pools, sheds, woodpiles, decks, patios, and campsites. Read our article and find out what is the best mouse poison for the garden.
This will prevent grazing, chewing, gnawing, and nibbling damage to plants and property. The good thing is that the granules are chemical-free and will not harm animals when used as directed.
Pros
- Contains biodegradable granules
- Scares skunks and other pets in a minute
Cons
- Instead of deterring the skunks, it attracts them
Lycoming Skunk Repellent – Best Light Repellant
Key Features
- Has bright LED strobe lights
- Weatherproof design
Star Rating: 4.0 out of 5
General Description
Lycoming Skunk Repellant has a constant red bright LED strobe light that imitates the fire or predators’ eyes to scare nocturnal deer, coyotes, or other predator animals away from the coverage area. This LED light measures 3.15 by 1.2 by 2.3 inches (8 by 3 by 6 centimeters) and weighs 1.25 pounds (0.6 kilograms).
This product from Lycoming comes in one piece. It has a solar-powered and light-sensitive coyote repellent to protect your garden, poultry, livestock, or chicken coops against nocturnal animals attack. For better results, turn the ON/OFF button on its back.
When you do this, the solar-powered repeller will automatically turn itself “on” during the nighttime and “off” during daylight. Don’t worry about installing it as well as maintaining it. The weatherproof design protects it against moisture; it will continue to operate in the most extreme conditions, including severe heat and below zero temperatures.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Gets rid of skunks instantly
Cons
- Does not get rid of skunks, and the battery doesn’t last for long
F.A.Q.s on Skunk Repellants
Getting rid of skunks in your yard can be daunting. For this reason, you need to learn the tactics on how to keep them off. So, check out these frequently asked questions.
Q: Which smells do skunks hate?
A: Skunks hate different smells such as that ammonia, mothballs, predator urine, citrus, and certain essential oils. They will not get near these areas when they smell from far away.
Q: Are skunk deterrents safe to use with kids and animals?
A: Most skunk repellents are not harmful and thus suitable for use around pets and children. However, since they contain different ingredients, be cautious when using skunk repellents with pepper oil and capsaicin. These substances can irritate humans and pets. To be safe, always check the label.
Q: Do mothballs repel skunks?
A: Mothballs are a threat to many animals, such as skunks. Skunks hate the smell of mothballs and will not come near. While using mothball, be careful since it contains a naphthalene substance, which is toxic to humans and the environment.
Q: Do skunks light sunlight?
A: Typically, skunks seek forage during the night. Therefore, you will not see them during the day.
Q: What do skunks eat?
A: Most of the skunk’s diet is grubs, crickets, beetles, earthworms, and other insects.
Q: How do I keep skunks out of my yard during the night?
A: To keep off skunks in your yard at night, use scents from citrus, ammonia, mothballs, and predator urine. Besides that, keeping skunks out of your yard requires motion-activated lights or ultrasonic repellents to scare them away skunks.
Our Final Verdict on the Best Skunk Repellant
Skunks live everywhere, from the desert to the city. They are a part of life, but it is easy to reduce the risk of an encounter. Skunks are relatively harmless, but their presence stinks. For this reason, you need the best skunk repellant, such as Natural Armor Animal & Rodent Repellent Spray.
Natural Armor Animal & Rodent Repellent Spray is easy to use, suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and will keep skunks away in seconds. You can also find the one that will fit your need among the list outlined above. In the end, your yard will be free of skunks and critters.