How to Get Rid of Skunks Under Shed in 13 Humane Ways

Skunks are opportunistic cat-sized mammals native to North America. However, they are found in south and central Canada, northern Mexico, and throughout the United States.

The hog-nosed mammals have distinctive white and black striped fur and are also known for squirting foul-smelling liquid through their anal gland as a defensive mechanism.

If they have babies around, it is the right time to learn how to get rid of skunks under shed.

That aside, skunks are excellent diggers. For that reason, you’ll find burrows and holes under the shed. Also, they are excellent mothers who find a home under the shed because it’s a calm and safe area for their babies.

Moreover, if you notice signs of skunk under house, there is more food in the yard than in the forest. And being opportunistic mothers, they have found a home in your yard.

Other than leftovers, skunks feed on insects, vegetables, and fruits. So read to the end and learn how to get rid of skunks under shed.

Are Skunks Dangerous?

Skunks are non-aggressive animals. However, they carry the rabies virus and Leptospirosis bacteria that live in stagnant water. This bacteria affects unvaccinated pets and also humans.

Another danger of skunks is releasing a liquid from their anal glands as a defensive mechanism. This liquid can have a foul smell and also irritates the skin.

Surprisingly, a rabid skunk may be aggressive, circle, and stagger around the yard. As such, it’s wise to observe such behaviors and try to get rid of them.

How to Get Rid of Skunks Under Shed

Harming the mother skunk can leave the babies suffering. It’s advisable to humanely get rid of them, especially from April to the end of summer when they give birth and nurse their babies.

1. Cover or Clear the Trash Cans Around the Yard

Skunks will find a home under the shed if there are plenty of leftovers to feed on. Once you notice their presence, start by eliminating all their food sources.

As a way of survival, they will find a new location with their babies. 

2. Install a Wire Mesh

Once the skunks have relocated, fence the under-shed with a chicken wire to prevent them from returning. However, ensure it’s at least 3 feet underground because they may dig and get inside.

Luckily, you can fill the burrows with dirt and use the area for storage. On the other hand, you can use it as a chicken coop.

See also: What to put around bottom of shed to keep animals out

3. Pet a Cat or A Dog

Skunks are prey to cats and dogs. Tie your dog around the shed or keep the cat around the area to scare them.

4. Sprinkle Dog Urine Under the Shed

Since dogs are skunk predators, they will never live in an area that smells their urine.

Ideally, take some dog urine and sprinkle it on the openings. But leave one or two openings for them to escape through.

Failure to leave an exit space can cause them to dig deeper to protect their babies.

5. Make a Homemade Repellent

Skunks hate the smell of peppers, lemons, and onions. So, make a repellent using cayenne pepper, lemon, onions, and tobacco.

Smash them in an open can and boil for a few minutes. Later, add the solution into a spray bottle and spray under the shed. Remember to leave a few openings for them to exit through.

6. Trap and Relocate them

Trapping can be riskier because they release itchy and smelly fluid through their rectum. But a cage trap can get rid of them if you handle them with proper care.

Ideally, set a trap and cover it with a nylon bag to prevent them from spraying on you. Then, cover the trap with leaves unsuspectedly.

When the mother is caught, dig the burrow to get the babies because they may suffer without the mother.

Later, relocate them to a safe area or call the local animal control center to pick them.

See also: Ways to get rid of groundhogs under shed

7. Ultrasonic Repellents

If you have been figuring out how to get a skunk out of its hole, ultrasonic repellents are the best option.

These battery-powered devices release high-frequency alarm sounds that cause discomfort to the animals. And within a few hours, they will relocate.

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8. Predator Deterrent Lights

If you don’t intend to use the noisy devices, you can opt for predator deterrent lights. Skunks are naturally nocturnal; therefore, they will hate the area because of the lights.

The solar-powered deterrent lights have red LED flashes that scare the animals away. Luckily, they are waterproof, hence best for all weather.

9. Soak Ammonia in Cotton

Ammonia has a strong smell that skunks hate.

Here is how to get rid of skunks with ammonia;

Soak ammonia in cotton pieces and place them around the burrow entrances. You can leave one or two holes for them to escape through.

10. Use Kitty Litter

Kitty litters have a strong smell that repels the skunks. Sprinkle kitty litter around the under-shed, and you will notice the skunks have relocated in a few hours.

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11. Apple Cider Vinegar

Like other repellents, apple cider vinegar has a pungent smell that repels skunks. Sprinkle apple cider vinegar on the burrow entrance and leave one hole as usual.

The animals will relocate within a few hours.

12. Moth Balls

Moth balls are small chemical pesticides and deodorant balls that repel skunks like apple cider vinegar.

Place the ball around the under-shed or drop them in the burrow, leaving exit holes.

See also: Top-rated do-it-yourself shed kits

13. Motion Activated Sprinklers

Motion-activated sprinklers are automatic devices that detect motion 30 feet around. Once the sensor detects motion, the sprinklers spray water around for five seconds to scare the skunks.

FAQs About How to Get Rid of Skunks Under Shed

How to get rid of skunks under shed is less costly and simple. But don’t harm the mother skunks to prevent the babies from suffering.