Can skunks dig up my lawn? Yes, skunks can and often do dig up lawns. They are looking for grubs and other tasty insects found just below the surface. This digging can leave your yard looking like a minefield of small holes.
Dealing with skunks digging up your lawn can be frustrating. Those small, unsightly holes disrupt your beautiful green space. But don’t worry, there are many effective ways to stop skunk digging and protect your lawn from skunks. This guide will walk you through various skunk deterrents, repelling skunks, and methods for skunk burrowing control. We’ll also touch upon humane skunk removal and how to prevent skunk damage through skunk proofing yard techniques.
Why Do Skunks Dig?
Skunks are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. However, their favorite meals often lie hidden beneath the soil. These include:
- Grubs: The larvae of Japanese beetles and other insects are a prime target.
- Earthworms: Another protein-rich food source.
- Insects and their larvae: Many other soil-dwelling insects appeal to skunks.
- Small rodents: Occasionally, they might dig for voles or mice.
When skunks scent these food sources, they use their sharp claws to tear up the turf, creating those frustrating holes in your lawn. This behavior is most common in spring and fall when insect populations are high.
Identifying Skunk Digging
Skunk digging typically leaves small, cone-shaped holes, often no larger than a few inches in diameter. Unlike moles, which create raised tunnels, skunk digging is focused on extracting prey from beneath the surface. If you see patches of disturbed soil with small holes, especially after a rain when grubs are closer to the surface, it’s likely skunks are the culprits.
Effective Skunk Deterrents and Repellents
The best approach to prevent skunk damage is to make your yard less appealing to them. This involves a combination of discouraging their food sources and using scents or barriers they dislike.
Natural Skunk Deterrents
Many homeowners prefer natural methods to keep skunks away. These often rely on scents and tastes that skunks find unpleasant.
Scent-Based Deterrents
Skunks have a keen sense of smell, and certain odors can be very off-putting.
- Castor Oil: This is a popular ingredient in many commercial skunk repellent spray products. Castor oil irritates a skunk’s nose and mouth, making them avoid treated areas. You can create a DIY solution by mixing castor oil with water and a bit of dish soap to help it emulsify.
- Application: Spray liberally on affected lawn areas, around potential entry points, and near any visible burrows. Reapply after rain.
- Essential Oils: Oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and citronella are known to deter skunks.
- Application: Soak cotton balls in these oils and place them around your yard, especially near problem areas. Renew the cotton balls weekly or as the scent fades.
- Ammonia-Smelling Substances: Ammonia has a strong, pungent odor that skunks dislike.
- DIY Solution: Mix ammonia with water and spray around the perimeter of your lawn. Be cautious as ammonia can be harmful to plants in high concentrations.
- Cayenne Pepper or Chili Powder: Skunks don’t like the spicy sensation these powders cause when they come into contact with their noses and paws.
- Application: Sprinkle generously on your lawn, particularly around the edges and areas where you’ve seen digging. Reapply after rain or watering.
Taste-Based Deterrents
While less common for lawns, some substances can be used to deter skunks from specific areas.
- Bitter Apple Spray: Often used for dogs, this spray has a bitter taste that can discourage skunks from nibbling on plants or digging in treated soil.
Commercial Skunk Repellent Spray and Granules
Numerous products are available specifically designed to deter skunks. These often contain active ingredients like castor oil, predator urine (coyote or fox), or essential oils.
- How They Work: These products are typically sprayed or sprinkled onto lawns and garden beds. The strong scents and tastes are meant to make the area unappealing to skunks.
- Application: Always follow the product instructions carefully. Many require regular reapplication, especially after rain.
Predator Urine
Skunks are prey animals and will avoid areas where they detect the scent of their natural predators, such as coyotes or foxes.
- How it Works: Commercially available predator urine can be sprayed or applied to granules around your yard.
- Effectiveness: This can be an effective deterrent, but the scent can dissipate quickly, especially in wet weather, requiring frequent reapplication.
Physical Barriers for Skunk Proofing Yard
Making your yard physically inaccessible or less desirable is a crucial part of long-term skunk management.
Securing Trash Cans
Skunks are attracted to easy food sources. Secure trash cans are essential.
- Methods:
- Use cans with tight-fitting lids.
- Secure lids with bungee cords or clamps.
- Consider locking trash cans if skunk problems are severe.
- Ensure trash bins are stored in garages or sheds when possible.
Removing Pet Food and Water Sources
Leaving pet food or water bowls outside overnight is a direct invitation to skunks.
- Recommendations:
- Bring pet food and water bowls inside after your pets have finished eating.
- Avoid overfeeding pets, which can lead to leftover food attracting scavengers.
Fencing
While skunks can dig under fences, certain types can be effective deterrents.
- Type of Fencing:
- Solid Fencing: Solid fencing can deter skunks from seeing your yard as an open invitation.
- Wire Mesh Fencing: Use sturdy wire mesh (like chicken wire or hardware cloth) with small openings.
- Installation:
- Bury the Fencing: Bury the bottom edge of the fence at least 6-8 inches deep to prevent skunks from digging underneath.
- Angle Outwards: Consider angling the bottom 6 inches of the fence outwards at a 90-degree angle to create an “L” shape. This makes it harder for skunks to get a foothold to dig under.
- Height: Ensure the fence is at least 2-3 feet tall.
Sealing Entry Points
Skunks will seek shelter under decks, porches, sheds, and even in unused structures.
- Inspection: Regularly inspect your property for any potential shelters.
- Sealing Methods:
- Use sturdy wire mesh (hardware cloth) to block off openings under decks and porches.
- Ensure the mesh is secured tightly to the structure and buried slightly into the ground.
- Seal any gaps or holes in sheds and outbuildings.
Modifying the Lawn Environment
Addressing the root cause – the food source – is a key strategy to stop skunk digging.
Grub Control
The most effective way to prevent skunk damage from digging is to eliminate their primary food source: grubs.
- Identification: Proper identification of grub species is important for effective treatment. Look for C-shaped, white grubs in the soil.
- Treatment Options:
- Beneficial Nematodes: These microscopic worms are a natural and effective way to control grub populations. They infect and kill grubs.
- Milky Spore: This bacterium specifically targets Japanese beetle grubs. It takes a few years to build up in the soil but provides long-term control.
- Insecticides: If natural methods are not sufficient, consider using grub control insecticides. Opt for products that are specifically labeled for grub control and follow application instructions precisely. Apply them at the correct time of year for maximum effectiveness (usually late summer or early fall).
- Proper Watering: Overwatering can bring grubs closer to the surface, making them easier for skunks to find. Water your lawn deeply but infrequently.
Aeration and Dethatching
A healthy lawn is less appealing to grubs and other soil-dwelling insects.
- Aeration: This process creates small holes in the soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper. This can improve lawn health and make it harder for grubs to thrive.
- Dethatching: A thick layer of thatch (dead grass clippings) can harbor pests and create a damp environment for grubs. Dethatching removes this layer, promoting a healthier soil environment.
Humane Skunk Removal and Deterrence
When skunks have already established themselves, you might need to consider humane skunk removal or more direct deterrents.
Exclusion Devices (Live Trapping)
While not strictly removal, live traps can be used to temporarily relocate skunks.
- Legality: Check local wildlife regulations before trapping any animal.
- Humane Practices:
- Use live traps specifically designed for skunks.
- Bait traps with marshmallows, peanut butter, or sardines.
- Place traps in areas where skunk activity is observed.
- Check traps frequently (at least twice a day) to ensure the animal is not stressed or injured.
- Relocate trapped skunks to a suitable habitat far from your home, adhering to local laws.
- Important Note: Relocating wildlife can be challenging and may not be effective long-term if the habitat is still attractive.
Repellent Sprays and Devices
Beyond simple scent deterrents, there are more advanced options.
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These devices detect movement and spray a burst of water, startling skunks and encouraging them to leave. They are a very effective deterrent for multiple types of wildlife.
- Ultrasonic Devices: These emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but irritating to skunks. Their effectiveness can vary, and skunks may become accustomed to them over time.
Dealing with Skunk Odor
If a skunk sprays your property or pets, immediate action is needed.
- Pet De-Skunking: A mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap is highly effective for removing skunk odor from pets.
- Recipe: Mix 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1-2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap.
- Application: Apply the mixture to your pet, avoiding their eyes. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat if necessary. Caution: Do not store the mixture, as it can explode.
- Yard Deodorizing: For areas where skunks have sprayed, use a similar solution or commercial odor neutralizers.
Creating a Skunk-Resistant Landscape
Long-term skunk proofing yard involves thoughtful landscaping.
Planting Skunk-Repellent Plants
Certain plants have scents that skunks tend to avoid.
- Examples:
- Coleus canina (Scaredy Cat Plant)
- Rue
- Lavender
- Chrysanthemums (contain pyrethrin, a natural insecticide)
- Garlic
- Onion
Eliminating Hiding Places
Reduce the number of places skunks can feel safe and sheltered.
- Trim Bushes and Shrubs: Keep dense vegetation around your home trimmed back.
- Clear Debris: Remove piles of leaves, wood, or junk from your yard.
- Fill Holes: If you find existing holes that skunks might use, fill them with soil and tamp it down.
Table: Summary of Skunk Deterrents and Their Application
| Deterrent Type | Method of Application | Effectiveness | Reapplication Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castor Oil | Spray solution on lawn; soak cotton balls. | Good; irritates nose and mouth. | After rain/weekly | Natural, but can have a noticeable odor initially. |
| Essential Oils | Soak cotton balls and place around yard. | Moderate; scent-based. | Weekly | Peppermint, eucalyptus, citronella are common choices. |
| Cayenne Pepper | Sprinkle on lawn and around problem areas. | Moderate; causes irritation. | After rain/watering | Can be washed away easily by rain. |
| Predator Urine | Spray or apply granules to lawn perimeter. | Good; mimics predator presence. | Frequent (after rain) | Scent dissipates quickly. |
| Motion-Activated Sprinkler | Install and position to cover problem areas. | Excellent; immediate startling effect. | N/A | Requires water source; can deter other animals too. |
| Grub Control (Nematodes) | Apply to lawn as directed. | Excellent (long-term); removes food source. | Varies (seasonal/yearly) | Natural and safe for pets and beneficial insects. |
| Exclusion Fencing | Bury wire mesh 6-8 inches deep, angle outwards. | Excellent; physical barrier. | N/A | Labor-intensive, but very effective for long-term skunk proofing yard. |
| Sealing Structures | Use wire mesh to block openings under decks/sheds. | Excellent; eliminates shelter. | N/A | Essential for preventing denning. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the most effective way to stop skunk digging?
A1: The most effective long-term solution is to eliminate their food source by controlling grubs in your lawn. Combining this with physical barriers and scent deterrents offers the best results.
Q2: Can I use skunk repellent spray that I buy at the store?
A2: Yes, commercially available skunk repellent spray products can be effective. Look for those containing natural ingredients like castor oil or essential oils, and always follow the application instructions.
Q3: How do I protect my lawn from skunks without harming them?
A3: Focus on humane methods like natural skunk deterrents, installing physical barriers, removing attractants like pet food, and addressing grub populations. Motion-activated sprinklers are also a humane way to deter them.
Q4: How can I prevent skunk damage to my garden vegetables?
A4: You can use garden fencing buried several inches into the ground, or apply natural skunk deterrents like cayenne pepper or essential oil-soaked rags around plants. Ensuring garden areas are free of grub infestations is also key.
Q5: What are some humane skunk removal techniques?
A5: Humane removal typically involves exclusion devices or live traps, followed by relocation according to local regulations. However, it’s often more effective to make your yard less attractive to skunks in the first place.
Q6: My dog got sprayed by a skunk. What should I do?
A6: Immediately wash your dog with a mixture of 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1-2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap. Avoid their eyes. This mixture neutralizes the skunk’s oily spray.
Q7: Will repelling skunks also keep away other animals?
A7: Many skunk deterrents can also deter other animals like raccoons, opossums, and even cats. Motion-activated sprinklers are particularly versatile in this regard.
By implementing a combination of these strategies, you can effectively deter skunks and prevent skunk damage to your beloved lawn, ensuring a more peaceful coexistence with nature’s striped residents.