[Arid_gardener] SKUNK Problem

[Dick Gross]

I would not mess with this litter of aromatic critters. Seriously, call in a professional animal removal person who knows how to translocate skunks.

 If you get sprayed in the meantime, burn the clothes and cleanse your body with green tomatoes in the open air. Don't do the green tomato thing in your front yard unless well acquainted with neighbors and the vice squad.

Hi, Genie. Your advice is sound.

Dick Gross,
MGV UofA MCCE 
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Genie 
  To: arid_gardener at CALS.arizona.edu ; mdilucido at browningmoore.com 
  Sent: Wednesday, June 21, 2006 10:35 AM
  Subject: [Arid_gardener] SKUNK Problem




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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