by Shelly Mcrae

Created on: June 16, 2008   Last Updated: May 03, 2012

For skunks, your garden is an all-you-can-eat buffet of grubs and grasshoppers, mice, moles, rats, and even rabbits. If a skunk gets into your garden, he may feast on all the pests, but he can also wreak havoc. Skunks will tip over your garbage and get into your compost. They'll spray your dog and your precious pepper plants with their noxious scent. Skunks also like to dig, and who wants holes in their garden?

A protective perimeter

While you may not welcome skunks into your garden, you do not wish to cause them, or the local eco-system, any harm. Avoid using poison or traps, and opt instead for tactics that deter the skunk for entering your property or garden.

Do not leave bowls of  pet food and water outside as these attract skunks to your property. Compost heaps are equally attractive to these pests. Use enclosed composters that utilize small air holes rather than build an open-air heap.

There are certain things skunks hate. One of these is chicken wire. Since skunks can't climb, a chicken wire fence of about two feet will discourage nocturnal visits from these smelly creatures. Be certain your chicken wire fence is buried about two feet down as well. The enterprising skunk will burrow under a fence to get at your garden.

Protection in the garden

The smell of marigolds is repugnant to skunks. Include a border of marigolds around the garden to repel any skunks that make it past the fence. Cucumbers also offend skunks. The scent of the flowers and the overall aroma of the cucumber plant prevents skunks from wandering through the vegetable beds.

Bright lights may frighten off skunks as well. Add motion sensor lighting to the garden for added protection. Should a skunk saunter up to the garden gate, the sudden flash of bright light is likely to send him scurrying back to the woodland.  When installing the lighting, direct the lamp toward the ground, ensuring the light is flashes the small animal, rather than into your bedroom window or the neighbor's back yard. Position the sensor so it can pick up movement close to the ground. Otherwise, these small creatures could sneak in without being detected.

If you find that skunks are visiting your garden, and they are causing damage, a chicken wire fence, a border of marigolds, and a few well-placed cucumber plants may end the nocturnal excursions. Add a night-light, and the aromatic animals most likely will go in search of more amenable gardens.

Learn more about this author, Shelly Mcrae.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.