Do Mothballs Really Help Deter Skunks From Your Yard? (& Better Alternatives To Try)

When it comes to skunks in your yard, there may be some panic. It all starts with knowing that they're there. There are some dead giveaways skunks are living in your yard, like finding holes in your lawn, or perhaps you've seen them yourself. Once you become aware of a problem, your focus is on finding a solution. Some sources suggest using mothballs in your yard to deter skunks, but there are definitely better ways to get your yard back.

Mothballs are chemical pesticides. When kept in a sealed environment, chemicals are released over time, which are toxic to moths and other insects protecting your clothing against these pests. According to pest experts, mothballs can be dangerous to pets. As fumes escape into the air, they can even cause respiratory problems.

Skunks dislike the scent of mothballs. Though experts warn that the dislike is not stronger than the draw of whatever food or shelter they found in your yard to begin with. Skunks are likely to put up with the scent of mothballs, leaving them ineffective and risky for your pets or children. Using mothballs as your only defense is just one of many mistakes people make when dealing with skunks.

Better alternatives to ward off skunks

If your yard has skunks, your family and pets may live in constant fear. To top that off, if you just found out that your plan to use mothballs is subpar, at best, for deterring skunks, you might really be freaking out right now. Never fear — there are plenty of clever hacks to keep skunks from your garden.

Moving away from olfactory approaches, skunks are scavengers that will feed on any available nutrients. It's important to secure your trash can lids and even consider keeping trash indoors until trash removal day. Make sure to monitor any gardens or other plants on your property that may produce nuts, berries, or other nutrients. This goes for any pet food or birdseed left out as well. Skunks are more likely to leave as their resources diminish.

Another way to deter skunks is to remove their hiding places. Porches, decks, and sheds can offer homes for skunks as they can climb or burrow beneath, out of sight. Covering any obvious openings with rock, plywood, or fencing can prevent them from getting in. Yard maintenance also has a place in skunk prevention. Rake and remove brush piles, organize lumber stacks, and maintain branching on low vegetation. These steps can all prevent a skunk from moving in.

If changing your own habits does not work, there's no shame in asking for help. When it comes to trapping and removal, different states have different regulations regarding skunks. Contact a specialist from a wildlife services office for assistance.

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