Tag Archives: skunk smell removal

Common Skunk Myths

SkunkNow that we’re well into summer, you’ve probably smelled that familiar musky odor that can only be a skunk more than a few times. While skunks are a commonly known critter, there are still many myths about them. Since this is the time of year for increased skunk activity, it’s a perfect opportunity to dispel some myths about our smelly friends.

Common Skunk Myths

  1. Tomato juice will remove the smell of skunk spray.

We’ve all heard this one. In fact, you probably know someone who has bathed themselves or their pet in tomato after an unintended encounter with a skunk. Unfortunately, bathing in tomato juice will only make you smell like, well, tomato juice. And once the tomato juice smell goes away, you’ll be back to smelling like a skunk. See, a skunk smell is so strong your nose actually gets used to it by binding your smell receptors. This phenomenon is called olfactory fatigue.

  1. Skunks will spray you if you get too close.

Skunks only spray when they feel threatened or are frightened. It is their natural defense against predators and that’s what they use it for. If you find yourself close to a skunk avoid making rapid or quick movements or shouting. Dogs usually only get sprayed when they start jumping toward the skunk and/or bark. Simply walk away slowly and you should be just fine.

  1. Since skunks are nocturnal, they only come out at night.

Skunks are indeed nocturnal, but that does not mean they only come out at night. Some come out during the day to search for food if a predator has been preventing them from venturing out at night or a mother has been tending to her young.

  1. Fox urine is a skunk repellant.

Sorry to disappoint, but fox urine will not repel a skunk. The conventional wisdom was, if you spread fox urine the skunk would smell it and be frightened away since the fox is a natural predator. If skunks always ran away from fox urine, they wouldn’t have too many places to go in the wild.

As soon as you suspect you may have a skunk infestation, call us immediately at 847-464-1861 for removal. We are trained professionals and equipped to deal with wild animals.

Protecting Your Yard From Skunks

Skunk in a yardSkunks may not look very threatening, and they are not, but they can be a nuisance for your yard. In fact, they are capable of doing quite a bit of damage to property if you do not properly protect your yard. Follow these techniques to protect your yard against skunks.

Did A Skunk Move In?

First, be sure a skunk moved in. You will most likely smell its strong, musky odor before you see it! Another clue is 3-4 inch holes in your yard and around the exterior of your home.

Prevent Denning

If you see any holes around your yard, fill them loosely with leaves, straw, soil, crumpled up paper, and other similar materials. Filling it loosely with these types of things allows for an animal who may be in there to safely escape. After a few nights, if you see the material is undisturbed, you can permanently fill in the hole.

Make Your Yard Unattractive To Skunks

Now that the warm summer months are here, it is not unheard of to feed our pets outside. The only problem is skunks (and other creatures) love pet food as much as our pets. If you have to feed your pet outdoors, it is best to remove the food and dishes as soon as your pet is finished. Additionally, skunks are attracted to garbage. Try to limit the time your garbage is out and if you leave it in a place like a garage, keep that area secure so skunks can not get in. Another way to make your yard unattractive to skunks is to avoid over watering your lawn. Skunks dig for grubs and when the soil is drier, the grubs are further down and more difficult for skunks to reach. If finding food in your yard is challenging, a skunk will move on somewhere else.
If you suspect you have a skunk infestation, call Attic Solutions immediately at 847-464-1861 for removal. We are trained professionals and equipped to deal with wild animals.

How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell

For the most part, skunks are not a nuisance as they mostly keep to themselves but they are always a threat to spray a person or pet if they feel threatened. Pets are especially prone to getting “skunked” because other animals peak their curiosity and they are unaware of the possibility of getting sprayed. This spray has a pungent, unpleasant sulfur-like odor that will cling to your clothing, hair, and skin and it can be difficult to get rid of. The following is a recipe for a solution that can effectively clean the spray from you, your pet, or your clothes and remove the odor.

Myth: Tomato juice will remove skunk smell

Many people believe that bathing in tomato juice will eliminate the smell of the skunk spray but it is ineffective because it cannot break down the oils from the spray. Other remedies such as citrus juice, perfume, and air fresheners are also ineffective for getting rid of the skunk smell.

Get Rid of Skunk Smell Recipe

To create an effective solution for skunk spray, mix:

  • 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
  • ¼ cup of baking soda
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons of dishwashing liquid into a bucket

*Make sure this solution is mixed well before using it

How To Use The solution

This solution can be used on your body, hair, and clothes as well as your pets to eliminate the skunk odor. If your body or hair has been sprayed, give yourself a bath in the solution and rinse in the shower. You can wash your hair in the solution as well but be careful to avoid getting it in your eyes. If the skunk spray got in your eyes, immediately flush your eyes out with water. This process may have to be repeated several times to fully eliminate the skunk smell.

Skunk Removal From Clothes

If your clothes have been sprayed and have the skunk smell, they can be washed using this solution. Make sure to wear rubber gloves when washing your clothes and scrub them in a bucket but be aware that the solution can slightly bleach the fabric. This solution can also be used to remove the smell from your pet. It is best to wash your pet outside and be careful not to get the solution in its eyes as you wash. Work the solution into each section of your pet’s fur and let it soak in for several minutes. After letting the solution soak, rinse your pet with a hose and repeat the process if the smell is still lingering.

Additional Important Notes:

Make sure to keep this solution out of yours and your pet’s eyes and because this is an unstable solution, it should never be stored and must be diluted with water before getting poured down the drain.


As soon as you suspect you may have a skunk infestation, call us immediately at 847-464-1861 for removal. We are trained professionals and equipped to deal with skunk exclusion and removal, including humane live animal trapping (never poisons!). Click to read more about skunk removal services from Attic Solutions.