How Do I Keep Skunks Away from My House Permanently in Los Angeles?

Have you, of late, started noticing strange smells in your yard? It could be because of skunks. These black and white badger-like mammals often wander across Los Angeles neighbourhoods searching for food and shelter. 

These potentially harmless mammals can bite or spray at pets, and cause medical emergencies. However, the most disturbing aspect of having a skunk in your yard is tolerating their rotten-egg-like smell. Let us search for different ways to keep them away. 

How to Get Rid of a Skunk 

Did you spot a skunk near your home? Follow these simple steps to get rid of a skunk humanely without breaking a law or hurting them. 

1. Close All Entry Points
   1. Search for holes in different areas around your home, including porches, sheds, and decks.
   2. Cover the areas with wire mesh and fence. It blocks the area where skunks hide.
2. Remove Food Sources
   1. Close your garbage bins.
   2. Do not feed your pets outdoors.
   3. Collect fallen fruits or vegetables from your garden.
3. Use a Natural Odour Repellent
   1. Skunks do not like pungent smells like ammonia, citrus peels, or vinegar.
   2. Place these natural repellents near skunk entry places to keep them away.
4. Place Motion Lights and Sprinklers

• Darkness and quietness are dear to skunks.
• Bright lights and sudden water sprays frighten skunks away.

What Draws Skunks to Los Angeles Homes?

If you know what draws skunks to your area, you can stop them from entering or returning to your house.

• Skunks love trash cans, pet food, and leftover fruits.
• They build nests under deck spaces and sheds.
• Leaking pipes and pet bowls are water sources that skunks rely on to keep themselves hydrated.
• Warm weather and open yards welcome skunks. They find perfect spots to find and hide food. 

Prevent Skunks from Coming Back

Even after shoving skunks away, they might try to come back to your home. To stop their entry, these steps can be useful. 

1. Close Off Shelters – Ensure that there are no skunks in your house. Seal your surroundings with a wire mesh.
2. Keep the Yard Clean – Skunks usually hide under large grasses and piles of wood and leaves. Mow your yard grass regularly and clean your surroundings.
3. Use Skunk-Repelling Plants – Marigold, mint and lavender have strong scents. Skunks dislike the strong smell of these plants. Grow them in your front and back yard. 
4. Install Fencing – Skunks can dig deep in soil to enter your house. Put 9-foot-long fences; bury 6 feet underground and 3 feet high on the surface. This way, skunks will not be able to jump high or dig through the ground to enter your surroundings. 

Simple Home Remedies to Stop Skunks

Using chemicals and traps often catches and repels skunks. But they risk your life. Some home remedies work surprisingly well and are easy to use. 

• Vinegar or ammonia-soaked cloths: Soak clothes and old argos in vinegar and ammonia. Place them under decks and near fences. The strong smell drives skunks away.
• Coffee grounds or citrus peels: Spread grounded coffee and citrus peels in and around your home. They will stop the smells of food from spreading around your home.
• Epsom salt: Skunks and pests hate epsom salts. Sprinkle them on trash cans and around your garden to prevent them from digging.
• Turn on yard lights: Skunks savour dark areas. Keeping your yard well-lit throughout the night will make them uncomfortable, and they will stay away from your house.  

When to Call a Professional

If you cannot do anything to keep skunks away, give a call to wildlife control experts. They will check all the hidden spots in your property, catch these mammals and release them safely away from human locality. 

Final Thoughts

Skunks may not cause a huge problem in your life, but living in your Los Angeles home with a pungent skunk smell every day is not a pleasant experience. Moreover, they often bite pets and spread rabies easily. Hence, it is best not to ignore them. Clean your yard regularly and block all openings. If the problem persists, take the help of experts.