Comments on: Need Some Suggestions

By: Rainy

Rainy — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 03:37:24 +0000

I did a search and mostly came up with products that you shake or throw about where the skunks are, lots of them seemed to have some kind of wild animal urine in it.
One answer that seemed possible was checking into your local humane society and see if you can get a few non-harming traps from them where you would put food in and trap the skunks.
Mothballs seemed to be a recurring method for keeping them out.
Good luck.

By: Millie Bullock

Millie Bullock — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 03:14:45 +0000

Since the problem here is neighborhood wide, I think the suggestions about animal control and city council may be the best idea. The neighbor who is feeding those babies is almost certainly violating fish and game regulations and you also might want to call them.

Personally, I like Haven’s suggestion of using Jaunty. Anne could dress him up in his best diplomat’s costume and he could go reason with the skunks, explain that you need a pleasing environment to write your next book.

By: Margo Maguire

Margo Maguire — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 02:28:25 +0000

Good suggestions … but we don’t keep any compost, and our trash is in a covered container. Some of my neighbors had compost in the past, but most everyone has quit that because of a rodent problem. Which might also be a draw.

I think I’m going to have to start going to city council meetings again. Maybe if enough people demand that something be done …

By: ladydawgfan

ladydawgfan — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 02:22:21 +0000

Is there an extension service at a local college in your area? They might have a suggestion for you to try. Also, what are the laws in MI re relocating wild animals that have been caught should you go with a Have-a-Heart trap? I know that some states forbid you to remove the animal from the area unless it is destroyed first. I don’t know about MI, but this is probably something to find out before you decide what to do.

RE what might be drawing the skunks, the only thing I clearly remember from my Girl Scout and camping days is that one of their favorite foods is chicken, so if you have a compost pile or outdoor garbage cans, make sure that you dispose of chicken bones and remains in a way that skunks cannot detect them. Try pouring 1/4 cup of a strong smelling cleaner like Lestoil or Murphy’s oil soap in the bottom of your trash bags or garbage can to mask odors and discourage foraging.

Good luck with this one.

By: Margo Maguire

Margo Maguire — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 00:31:37 +0000

Christy – I love this! Just wait until I tell my husband!

By: Christy H.

Christy H. — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 00:27:20 +0000

I live in a rural farm area and we have skunks also. Live traps are always an option, but then you have to deal with actually moving and relocating the skunks without getting sprayed.

A neighbor of mine uses this concoction and swears by it: Mix 8 oz. Murphy’s oil soap with 4 oz. of
castor oil and 1 oz. (a shot glass) of human urine into 1 gallon of water.
Spray this mixture on your entire yard.

By: Shana

Shana — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 23:22:48 +0000

I don’t have any suggestions, Margo. I rarely see skunks around here. We have lots of squirrels and possums, but I like having those around. Good luck!

By: Margo Maguire

Margo Maguire — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 22:53:48 +0000

Wow – I see a lot of good suggestions here. Gonna have to try some of these!

By: catslady

catslady — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 20:42:35 +0000

My only added comment would be to never leave any cat or dog food dishes outside – I feed ferals and that’s when the other wildlife shows up. Luckily (for my ferals but not my wallet) my cats just stand aside and let them eat and they go on their way. Then of course the cats want more food lol. I was amazed to see the cats less than a foot away from raccoons, possums and skunks.

By: Helen

Helen — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 20:29:50 +0000

I wish I could help Margo the problem sounds awful but we don’t have skunks here in Australia so I don’t know much about them I hope you find a solution I think a neighberhood meeting might come up with a solution.
Helen