Keep Skunks Away - Knowledgebase Question

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Question by nee2000
June 8, 2000
How do i keep skunks from diging up freshly planted flowers and bulbs. Someone told me that there looking for grubs. I treat for grubs every year?


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Answer from NGA
June 8, 2000
It's difficult to know that the problem is really a skunk as opposed to squirrels or other critters such as voles. I would suspect other critters because skunks don't usually bother plants but dig in the lawn instead. They are also nocturnal. Skunk activity seems to be increased in the spring and then lessen naturally, so the problem may stop all on its own. Apart from trapping and relocating the skunk (I would strongly suggest professional help with this project), there isn't a lot you can do if it is a skunk.

However, you might try an animal repellent spray, either a commercial product or a home made one based on red pepper and/or garlic. If the area is localized, you could also fence it in temporarily until the plants are larger and less subject to the disturbance. You may also want to try a little more detective work to see if the damage is attributable to something else.

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