[Arid_gardener] SKUNK Problem

[Genie]

>Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2006 09:13:55 -0700 (MST)
>From: mdilucido at browningmoore.com
>Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page
>To: <arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu>
>Message-ID: <200606191613.k5JGDtXO012959 at Ag.arizona.edu>
>
>
>86303
>mdilucido at browningmoore.com
>
>We have a skunk living under our deck and are afraid that our dogs and house will eventually get skunked.  The space below the deck is not accessible (by a person) and we're hesitant to remove deck boards.  Any suggestions for convincing the skunk to move out without causing a big stink (literally and figuratively are appreciated.
>
>  
>
Hi,

Getting rid of skunks... requires aggressive action.  If it's a female, 
they have large litters!

1) Remove their food source.  Because you have dogs, be sure any 
leftover food is removed every evening.  Skunks will eat
just about anything (including grass), and your skunk(s) are likely 
eating insects, worms, and grubs - under the deck. 
Spray underneath the deck with insect sprays that kill all of them.  
After spraying, use insect granules to keep the insects away.
If they're getting into your trash, purchase locking trash cans.

2)  Consider purchasing rigid, heavy wire fencing (available at Lowe's 
and Home Depot -- by the roll).  Digging about 8" to 10",
set in the fencing to block it/them from getting under the deck.  You 
may need to bend the fencing in the same way that businesses
do -- to thwart thieves.  That is, bend the top portion of fencing in an 
outward fashion.

3) Skunks hate noise.  At dusk, set out a radio (protect it from rain 
and the elements).  Play music loudly.
If the loud music makes you and your hubby want to vacate, try one of 
those electric ultra sonic pest devices --
that work on a high frequency.  Make sure the high pitch doesn't annoy 
your dogs, too!

4) A skunk's natural enemy is the fox.  Purchase fox urine from a 
sporting goods supplier, put on disposable gloves, grab a
sacrificial rag, and smear the fox urine around the inhabited area.  PS: 
This stuff stinks to high heaven, and your hubby may
protest.  So, if this isn't practical... I had pretty good luck with 
moth balls. (They seem to hate the smell of napthalene.)
Be sure to get rid of the insects first, then scatter them around.  My 
dog hated the moth balls, BUT YOUR DOGS MAY
BE DIFFERENT... it may be necessary to fence the area (at least 
temporarily) to keep the dogs away from the insecticides
and naphthalene.

5) If all else fails, a .22 short caliber works very well -- however 
there may be issues -- i.e. neighbors, game and fish dept.,
or men that wear BLUE uniforms.  :-) 

Hope this helps!  Good Luck... and whatever method you choose... BE 
CAREFUL with dogs and/or kids!

Kindest Regards,  Genie







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