Dear Animal Lover At A Distance:
Dealing with a resident skunk can indeed be a challenge, but there are steps you can take to encourage it to find a new home. Skunks are beneficial creatures, but they belong in the wild.
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Noise and Vibration: Place a radio outside with music that has a strong bass line to create vibrations. This can be uncomfortable for the skunk.
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Smells That Repel: Use vinegar in a container with a rag. Skunks dislike strong smells, and this should help deter it.
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Lighting: Keep a floodlight on at night. Skunks prefer dark, sheltered spots, so bright lights will make your porch less inviting.
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Moisture: If you can, make the ground damp without risking damage to decking materials. A damp environment can discourage the skunk from staying.
The key is to make your porch an unappealing place for the skunk to reside. For more resources on wildlife management in Massachusetts, check Massachusetts Wildlife.
If you encounter larger wildlife, such as bears, you can also use sound to deter them by playing recordings of barking dogs.
Best of luck with your little visitor!
— Sally Cragin, Director of Be PAWSitive: Therapy Pets and Community Education
