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Ah, the ever elusive skunk. Most noted for their offensive odor they are also notorious for being avid scavengers. The mischievous little critters will raid your garbage cans, feast in your compost pile, rip up your lawn in search of grubs and use your garden as their own personal all you can eat buffet. Keeping them out of your yard and garden can be accomplished a number a different ways.

The first course of action is to determine if they have taken up residence on your property. They will make homes under porches or sheds and will remain there during the day. It is best to wait until night when they have left to go scavenging to block off any access to these areas.

Now that you have closed up their living accomodations you need to prevent them from wandering into your yard and garden. There are many options to try. You may need to experiment with a few before you find the most effective method.

1. BRIGHT LIGHTS

Skunks are nocturnal creatures and prefer the dark. Flooding your garden with light can prove to be an effective deterrent. Motion sensors attatched to flood lights in your garden may be enough to send a skunk running from it's moment in the spotlight.

2. WATER

Preferably skunks like to remain dry, although God knows they could use a good shower. An automated sprinkler hooked up to a motion sensor can put a damper on the garden free for all. A few sprays with the sprinkler and the skunk will surely seek alternative dining arrangements.

3. FENCING

One of the top capabilities of a skunk is not climbing. They don't excel in this area at all. A simple chicken wire fence around your garden will restrict their access. Although they don't climb well they are excellent diggers. Part of the fence should be burried underground to prevent them from digging their way under the fence.

4. REPELLENTS

Some repellents may prove to be effective in protecting your prized vegetables. Pepper spray can be applied to your plants, but it must be reapplied every few days. Repellents formulated for cats and dogs may achieve successful results. There are many different repellents you can try.

5. SMELLS

There are certain odors skunks just don't tolerate and this works to your advantage. Moth balls can be placed in your garden as they really dislike the scent. Ammonia is another smell they aren't fond of. Place ammonia soaked rags in shallow dishes throughout your garden. The dish will prevent the ammonia from damaging your grass or plants. For some reason skunks don't like the smell of citrus. Strategically placing some orange or lemon peels around your garden might send them packing.

The method really doesn't matter as long as it works. Skunks beware, when it comes to my garden nobody tangos with my tomatoes or pilfers my peppers.

Learn more about this author, Erin Knight.
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