The distinct odor of a skunk’s spray is a smell that you’re never likely to never forget. A skunk can spray from 10 or more feet away and get that noxious smell onto people, pets, plants, buildings, and roads. But rather than a devious act, this is a defense mechanism for skunks. People and pets often disturb and startle skunks accidently in the yard, so the best way to avoid that smell is to prevent a skunk infestation with reliable pest control methods.

Here are the telltale signs of a skunk infestation to watch for and how to remove skunk odor if you or your property accidentally get sprayed.

Signs of a Skunk Infestation

Aside from the smell of a skunk’s spray, there are many other ways to tell if there are skunks in your yard. Since skunks eat soil-dwelling insects, you may notice small holes about three to five inches wide from where they have dug. Skunks are also known to eat fruit that has fallen from trees.

You may notice skunk tracks in mud around your home, and skunks have five toes on each foot. Skunk droppings are typically up to ½ inch in diameter and between one and two inches long. Other signs that you have skunks in the yard include dogs barking more than usual and a faint odor that lingers from a skunk’s previous sprays.

Ways to Remove Skunk Odor

You can find numerous commercial products in retail stores designed to eliminate skunk odor. But you can also make a DIY recipe at home with a quart of three percent hydrogen peroxide, a teaspoon of liquid dish detergent, and a quarter cup of baking soda. This is a mixture that can be safely used on humans, pets, and even furniture.

Unfortunately, tomato juice, lemon juice, and Febreze don’t work very well to eliminate skunk odor, so a recipe with these three ingredients is your best bet. For exterior buildings and decks, you can mix a cup of liquid bleach with a gallon of water, just as long as you aren’t concerned with discoloration from the bleach.

Safe and Humane Skunk Pest Control

One thing you can do to prevent skunks from entering your property is to ensure that you aren’t inadvertently leaving food waste or even pet food behind for them to eat. Also, make sure to seal up holes around outdoor decks and fill in holes in the yard that you notice. Precise Pest Control is experienced with safe and humane skunk removal, so let us know if you notice signs of skunks in your yard. For a free inspection, contact us today.