These nocturnal critters are found throughout the country, especially near water. Their diet consists mostly of small animals and insects. They are mild-mannered creatures and will only shoot their notorious spray when threatened. Skunks only occasionally bother the garden, perhaps feeding on corn that's close to the ground. Mostly, their damage is due to nighttime digging in lawns and flower beds looking for one of their favorite food: grubs. They may dig many 3-4" holes in one night.
Prevention and control
- Spread an animal repellent on the area you want to protect.
- Control grubs in your lawn and flower beds with beneficial nematodes or milky spore. A combination of the two is most effective.
- Skunks are nocturnal (active at night) and do not like bright lights. Install motion-activated floodlights near your flower beds.
- You can also place predator urine or ammonia-soaked rags in their den area (usually in old woodchuck holes or under outbuildings) to ward them off.
- If you have a problem skunk under a porch, woodpile, or stone wall, it's best to hire a pest control expert.
Visit our full Garden Pest and Disease Directory.
