Skunk

Skunk   Skunks are invariably the most bothersome critters in the garden. In search of food, they can upturn your entire garden, feasting on expensive plants. Imagine finding months of your hard work go to waste, all thanks to these striped invaders. The most common type of skunk found in North America, the striped skunk, belongs to the weasel family. It features a pitch-black fur coat with characteristic white stripes running laterally. Adult skunks can grow up to 20 inches long, with stocky legs and large, clawed feet, which aids the burrowing. As opportunistic omnivores, skunks are a source of immense inconvenience to gardeners. They feed on almost everything found outdoors, from garbage and grubs to plants and nuts. The most common sign of a skunk incursion is missing chunks of grass. Skunks pull out large areas of grass and make cone-shaped burrows, approximately 3 inches wide to feed on the grubs underneath. To differentiate between a skunk burrow and those of other critters, check the location and depth of the burrows. Skunks usually burrow under a shed, large rock, piles of wood, or any other protective surface. With a highly sensitive sense of smell, skunks can sniff food from miles away.   Read on to learn what attracts skunks to your gardens and some practical ways to keep them away. What attracts them to the garden?   Skunks are capable of causing great damage to your gardens. With their sharp claws and extensive palate, they can leave behind a trail of destruction. Therefore, it is necessary to know what is attracting them to your garden, so you can effectively prevent them from entering your gardens. Feeding opportunities The primary reason why skunks are attracted to your garden is the vast variety of food available. From easily accessible garbage and leftovers to pet food and grubs, skunks love exploring yards for different food options.   Grub-infested gardens are more prone to skunk attacks, providing them with an easy and readily available food source. They also feast on fallen fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, along with nibbling on the lower parts of your plants. Water sources   Skunks mainly feed on grubs due to high protein and water content in their bodies, getting both nutrition and hydration from their diet. However, they also need a proper water source for their hydration, especially during the summer season. Gardens with leaking faucets, hoses, ponds, and fountains provide a convenient source of hydration, resulting in greater skunk turnover. Shelter In addition to food and water, garden critters also require a safe space to hide from predators, rest, and make a den. What better option than your overgrown backyard with dense vegetation, piles of compost, sheds, and garages? With ample space for accommodation as well as concealment, gardens serve as an ideal shelter for these uninvited guests. How to deter them away? Now that you know what attracts the skunks to your garden, you can implement deterring strategies and make your garden less appealing to critters. By making the living conditions unfavorable for skunks, you will undeniably force them to find another residence. Let’s take a look at some practical tips to keep these mischievous garden critters at bay. Natural deterrents to keep them away: Habitat modification Modifying the habitat by minimizing the food and shelter options is an excellent way to keep these nocturnal visitors away. By treating your yard and killing the grubs, you are taking away the major source of the skunk’s food, compelling them to move out of your yard. Additionally, move your pet food indoors at night.   Always seal your trash cans properly, and tie your trash bags with a bungee cord to ensure maximum protection. Clean your yard regularly and do not leave compost or wood piles outdoors, giving them a chance to seek shelter.   By sealing all entryways and potential shelter spots with a welded wire mesh, you can discourage skunks, as well as other critters from nesting in your garden. You can also fill holes with soil, straw, or gravel to reduce the likelihood of nesting. Spraying repellent Skunks do not have sharp eyesight, hence they rely on their sense of smell to navigate their way. By spraying a strongly scented liquid on your plants and around your yard, you can effectively repel the skunks from your garden. The best part is you can make this spray at home. Make sure you reapply this repellant every 3 to 4 days or after rain.   Chop an onion, jalapeno, and cayenne peppers and dump it in boiling water for 20 to 30 minutes. Once infused, strain the mixture and spray it on your plants. You can also soak a few rags in ammonia and place it at different locations throughout your garden, forming an unpleasant barrier.   Additionally, growing crops with strong smells, such as garlic, mint, rosemary, cedar, and citrus also works as a natural deterrent in keeping skunks away. Fencing Installing a sturdy fence around your garden and burying it a few feet underground shows remarkable results in discouraging the skunks from entering your yard. They are excellent diggers, so make sure you use a hardwire cloth or chicken wire for the fence. Skunks can climb up to 6 feet high, hence, your fence should be higher than that. Premise of other deterrents Keep a pet dog A natural predator, such as a dog works great as a deterrent in keeping critters away. By keeping your dogs out, you can scare away the skunks. The skunks can sense their presence by the sound and smell of dogs and refrain from venturing into your outdoor spaces. Trapping Skunks can easily be trapped using live traps and fish-flavored cat food as bait. Alternatively, large barrels placed in burrows can also effectively trap skunks. Since they are not smart like raccoons, the sight of food will lure them into the trap. Cover the trap with a blanket to minimize the risk of spraying during relocation. Motion detecting lights As nocturnal animals, skunks despise light and prefer coming out only during the night. Therefore, installing motion-detecting lights around your yard can help keep them away. The sudden illumination can scare the skunks, ensuring your garden’s safety.