A skunk’s odor is unmistakable, and you should count yourself lucky if you’ve never had the unpleasant experience of being sprayed. But have you ever wondered why they spray people? Here’s why they spray, how to remove the scent, and how to keep them away from your home with the help of a professional animal removal service.

What & Why Do Skunks Spray?

The oily spray is made up of sulfur compounds and isn’t water-soluble. That means no matter how much water you use to rinse it off, it won’t budge from clothes, skin, fur, or almost any other material. The spray, however, isn’t toxic.

While a skunk will normally try to escape when it faces a threat, the animals have terrible eyesight and hearing. Because of this, they can get spooked easily and move to their second and more potent defense mechanism—the spray.

There are a few warning signs to keep an eye out for. When a skunk feels threatened, it will hiss, stomp its feet, and raise its tail. If you notice any of these behaviors, leave the skunk’s area and call an animal removal service.

How Do You Get Rid of the Smell?

Despite being a popular home remedy, a tomato juice bath won’t remove the odor. There is, however, a specific mix of common household ingredients that should take care of the smell: mix 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1 teaspoon liquid soap. Rub the solution on thoroughly, let it sit for five minutes, and then rinse with lots of water. You might have to repeat the process, but the mixture will successfully break down the spray and remove the pesky odor.

How Do You Keep Skunks Away From Your Home?

If you find skunks have started to call your yard their home, you should always get the help of a professional animal removal service. Once the critters have been safely removed, you can take a few simple steps to keep them away. Lightly packing the skunk den hole with leaves or another light material, such as straw, can send a clear message to the animals and they should leave. Light and noise are also good deterrents. Skunks are also drawn to garbage and pet food that’s left out at night, so keep your property clear of these. 

Avoid dealing with skunk sprays by enlisting the help of American Bio-Tech Wildlife Services in New Milford, CT. For more than 45 years, these experts have provided humane animal removal services, including dealing with snakes, raccoons, skunks, and mice. Visit the website to learn more about their services, or call (860) 3355-1231 to speak with a team member.