How to Get Rid of a Skunk in New Jersey

Skunks are a common nuisance in New Jersey, often lurking in backyards, under porches, or in sheds. While they play an important role in the ecosystem by keeping rodent populations in check, their presence can cause major headaches, especially if they decide to make your property their home. Their infamous spray can leave an overwhelming odor that’s hard to remove, and they may even cause damage to your property while foraging. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help New Jersey homeowners safely and effectively get rid of a skunk.

1. Identify Skunk Activity

Before taking any action, it’s crucial to confirm that a skunk is indeed on your property. Skunks are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night, which can make spotting them a bit tricky. However, there are telltale signs you can look out for:

• Tracks or Digging: Skunks often dig for insects, grubs, and other small critters. If you see small, round paw prints in your garden, around trash cans, or near structures like sheds, it’s a sign a skunk is nearby.
• Visible Burrows: Skunks dig burrows to shelter themselves. Check for holes around your home’s foundation, under decks, porches, and sheds.
• Odor: The musky scent that skunks release is unmistakable. If you notice a persistent bad smell, especially at night, it’s a strong indicator that a skunk is living nearby or has been startled and sprayed.

2. Eliminate Food Sources

Skunks are opportunistic feeders, and they will stick around if they find an easy food source. To deter a skunk from setting up camp near your home, take steps to make your property less inviting:

• Secure Trash: Skunks are attracted to garbage, especially food scraps. Use tightly sealed trash cans, preferably with heavy lids, and make sure they’re kept away from areas where skunks might have easy access. Consider placing trash in the garage or a shed if possible.
• Remove Pet Food: If you feed pets outdoors, be sure to remove any leftover food after feeding. Skunks can easily smell pet food and will take advantage of this easy meal.
• Clear Yard of Fallen Fruit and Vegetation: Rotting fruit that has fallen from the trees can attract skunks (and many other rodents and pests!), so make sure to clean up any fallen fruit. Skunks also love vegetables and insects, so trimming back overgrown vegetation and clearing your garden will reduce their food options.

3. Seal Possible Entry Points

If the skunk has already made itself comfortable on your property, it’s time to seal off potential shelters. Skunks tend to live under structures like decks, porches, sheds, and even in attics. Here's how to safely prevent them from returning:

• Inspect Structures: Check your property for any holes or gaps where a skunk could enter. This includes looking under porches, decks, sheds, and around the foundation of your home. Pay attention to areas around pipes or vents where skunks could squeeze in.
• Block Access: Use sturdy materials such as hardware cloth (not chicken wire, which is too weak), wood, or steel mesh to seal gaps or holes. Skunks can squeeze through openings as small as 3 inches wide, so make sure all entry points are adequately sealed.
• Install One-Way Doors: If the skunk is already living under a structure, consider installing a one-way door. This allows the skunk to exit but prevents it from re-entering. Make sure the door is installed at night when skunks are most active and likely to leave their shelter.

4. Use Natural Repellents

Skunks are (ironically) sensitive to strong odors and sounds. Using natural deterrents can make your property less appealing to these smelly creatures. Some effective methods include:

• Ammonia-soaked Rags: Skunks dislike the strong smell of ammonia. Soak rags in ammonia and place them near areas where the skunk is most active, such as entry points or burrows. However, be cautious about using this method near areas where pets or children may come into contact with it. In addition, you’re just trading one strong smell for another, so this isn’t the DIY skunk deterrent we would go with first.
• Citrus Peels: Skunks are not fond of citrus smells. Place orange or lemon peels around your yard or near suspected skunk hiding spots. This one actually smells nice and can be a great use for those peels you may have otherwise thrown away.
• Predator Urine: The scent of predators like foxes or coyotes will make skunks feel threatened. You can purchase predator urine at many garden or hardware stores. Apply it around your property’s perimeter or near the skunk’s shelter.
• Motion-Activated Deterrents: Skunks are nocturnal, so motion-activated lights or sprinklers can be effective in driving them away. These devices surprise skunks, scaring them off without causing harm. Install them near potential entry points or areas where skunks have been spotted. But remember: anything that startles a skunk can cause it to spray, too.

5. Live Trapping

If other deterrents fail, live trapping may be necessary to remove the skunk from your property. However, it’s essential to take extra care when handling a trapped skunk to avoid being sprayed. Here’s how to proceed with live trapping:

• Choose the Right Trap: Purchase a live trap designed specifically for skunks. These traps are typically larger and feature a one-way door for easy capture. Set the trap near the skunk’s burrow or where it has been spotted foraging.
• Bait the Trap: Use attractive food such as canned tuna, peanut butter, or marshmallows as bait to lure the skunk into the trap.
• Trap Placement: Place the trap in a quiet area away from your home or other pets. Check the trap frequently to avoid stressing the skunk or leaving it trapped for too long.
• Cover the Trap: Once the skunk is trapped, cover the cage with a cloth to calm the animal and reduce stress. Avoid handling the trap directly or making loud noises near it.
• Release the Skunk: After trapping the skunk, take it far away from your property (at least 5 miles) to release it. Be sure to do this at night, as skunks are nocturnal and will feel more comfortable in familiar darkness.

6. Call a Professional

If you’re dealing with a persistent skunk problem or if trapping isn’t something you feel comfortable doing, it’s best to call a professional wildlife control expert. Local wildlife removal specialists in New Jersey are trained to handle skunk removal safely and humanely. These professionals will:

• Assess your property for potential entry points and advise on how to prevent future skunk invasions.
• Use the right equipment and techniques to safely trap and relocate skunks.
• Ensure that the removal process is compliant with local wildlife laws, as skunks are protected in many areas.

7. Prevent Future Skunk Encounters

After successfully removing the skunk, it’s important to take proactive steps to prevent another one from making your property its home:

• Maintain Your Property: Regularly inspect your property for signs of new wildlife activity. Skunks are more likely to move in if there are still food sources or accessible shelter.
• Trim Overgrown Vegetation: Skunks are nocturnal and prefer dense vegetation to hide in. Keeping your yard trimmed and tidy will reduce places for them to hide.
• Install Fencing: If you have a large property or garden, consider installing a fence to prevent skunks from entering. Make sure the fence is buried at least a few inches in the ground to prevent burrowing.

Professional Wildlife Removal

Dealing with a skunk in New Jersey requires a thoughtful approach to avoid stress for both you and the animal. By eliminating food sources, sealing entry points, using repellents, and employing live traps, you can successfully rid your property of skunks. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to contact your local professionals at A-Academy to ensure safe and humane removal. Taking these steps will not only solve your current skunk problem but also help prevent future invasions, keeping your property safe and skunk-free.