Valentine’s Day Stinkers
Valentine’s day is just around the corner and we humans are not the only ones feeling the love. Our most romantic holiday just so happens to coincide with mating season for skunks!
Skunks are not malicious, they are peaceful creatures that tend to keep to themselves whenever possible. Sightings may be more frequent during mating season as amorous skunks are on the prowl for a potential mate. Most of our run ins with skunks can be attributed to the unsuspecting skunk being disturbed by humans or their pets. Spraying is not the skunks first line of defense. They will issue prior warnings. Your best bet to escape unscathed is to slowly retreat.
Dealing with Skunks
If you or your pet find yourselves on the business end of a skunk, you will most likely hear everyone and their cousin suggesting you douse yourself with tomato juice. Bathing in tomato juice is folklore. It masks the smell, but it does not get rid of it.
A much better remedy is a mixture of one part hydrogen peroxide, one part baking soda, and six parts water. Soak your clothes in this mixture for at least an hour. Then place clothes in a washing machine; use your regular detergent. After that cycle, hang clothes to dry. Using the dryer can infuse the odor into the fibers. Try to contain the stench by remaining outdoors until completion of treatment when possible.
Efforts can also be made to keep skunks away from your home and property. Remove any sources of food. Erect mesh fencing around your yard that is high enough to prevent access and extends at least 6 inches under ground to discourage burrowing. Loud noises, bright lights, certain herbs and spices have also been known to discourage skunks from setting up shop in your yard!
May your day be filled with love, laughter and happy times in a skunk-free home!
Happy Valentine’s Day from our family to yours!
Look out for next month’s post about another celebration…St Patrick’s Day. What’s the connection between St Patrick’s Day and pest control? You need to read to it to find out.
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