Skunks!!!!

OK, I don't mind feeding the squirrels and I've gotten past feeding the occassional raccoon (as long as they don't destroy my feeders), but I'm drawing the line at skunks. I've seen a skunk out under my feeders at night before and wasn't too keen on having them visit but last night, one "let loose" in my back yard (actually, I smelled like it was in the bedroom!) and DH and I both woke up coughing, so I'm declaring war. I'm not sure what set the skunk off (maybe the raccoons or a neighbor dog?) but there was no trace of it anywhere this morning. So, how do I get rid of a skunk? Actually, I'm amazed at how little I know about skunks-I thought they ate bugs and frogs and such so was surprised to see one at my feeder. I raked all the old seed up off the ground and sprayed some repellent but is that going to be enough? I also am sad because my Mourning Doves prefer to eat off the ground, but I guess they will have to put up with the platform feeder for the time being. So, if anyone has any advise on sending them packing, I would love to hear it . . . .
Help me please!!
Deb

Check out:

http://www.getridofthings.com/getridofskunks.htm

http://www.critter-repellent.com/skunk/skunk-repellent.php?source=GoogleAW&gclid=CMKMt93IrJwCFRMhnAodCFKXkQ

Hack

This message was edited Aug 18, 2009 2:23 AM

So you smelled a skunk! Each year at a timely matter our local skunk visits the little wildlife habitat garden called "God's Garden:. At approximately 10:00 pm each night for a period of a week or two ach season he is seen walking down the sidewalk. Once we thought it was a dog for he was only several paces in front of a pedestrian--seriously this actually happened. He stops for the luscious blackberries, a mouse or two, and yes if extra hungry your seed from the feeder although he is probably after insects among and nearby on the ground. So stop feeding during this time, and keep your area clean. Note your calendar--could be he or she if simply passing through. We simply pick up the litter off the ground much as we pick the litter off the ground with the dogs-clean the feeders and wait for the next day or wait for two or three weeks and try again. Before you decide to use harsh means remember 3 rodents a night (yes rodents also visit your feeders) will be needed by a Barn Owl to feed its baby. That’s a total of 16 mice needed by the mother to feed her young within a 24-hour period. Who cares, you say! Well how about those majestic hawks and falcons as well as your pet cat. All of these are man’s friends who enjoy feasting on such rodents. The “Pest Free Remains Best" attack works best for the planet for it is only a matter of time before it comes back to effect us! Here is a possible solution-less costly and time consuming: move items around--leave your essence behind--the more your hand picks a weed the more the skunk understands someone is there perhaps even know (hence that smell which came into your room) poo! poo! With raccoons this works but just uncase it fails for a last resort try a squirt or two of vinegar in various parts of the area he appears to frequent (caution not to damage your lawn or plants--try it on crack between sidewalks--works great and rids the weeds as well; some people have tried soaking ammonia and placing the rag near garbage cans--again this was for raccoons but who know it may also work--again-caution (We never had to tried this --never needed too) the smell, with children, dogs, cats, etc...??

Good Luck!

"God's Garden" Wildlife Habitat Garden

Well, I haven't just smelled the skunk, I've actually seen him.( Living in rural MN smelling skunks is an everyday occurence) He frequents my yard in the early mornings-my DH leaves for work at around 0430 and I often get up to let the dog out, that's when I've see him. I don't mind him being there, but it does make me nervous about the dog and him meeting. My dog has a medical condition (Cushing's Disease) that makes it a real urgency for him to go out in the morning-and he's always tied up when he goes out. I'm a real proponent for "all God's Creatures" and normally live and let live (I rarely even kill bugs) but I would really rather not have to worry about Buster meeting the skunk at 0430 . . . .

Hack, thanks for the links-I've been learning a lot about skunks!

DMurray, you're welcome.

Hack

I currently have a skunk digging up the front yard, he's been visiting about every other night, this happens about every August. Apparently he does not have any confrontations so his "stink isnt on" thank goodness.

We usually get a whiff of one or two around here. But haven't had any so far this summer.
Not complaining mind you!

I assumed that skunks are often found in Northeastern U.S.? Since I moved South, I've not seen or got a whip of them in years past. Thank goodness! Oh but don't take me wrong, we've plenty of other wildlife here. lol

I know they live in California and Minnesota. I've always assumed that they live everywhere, but I guess I don't really know.

Update on my skunk-on Friday there was dead skunk in the road about 2 blocks away from my house . . . now I feel bad. I'm not actually sure it was my skunk-they all kind of look the same :-)