A Pitiful Case, Am I Not?

We have skunks in our backyard. Two of them. They actually live in a hole across the street, but apparently have discovered that our backyard is a veritable all-you-can-eat buffet of grubs, and our prices are reasonable. So every night when the sun starts to set, two little skunks make their way across the street, up our driveway, under the fence, and into the buffet line. This results in two things:

1) Little holes all over our yard as the buffet is underground
2) Fear of going out in the yard at dusk/night because we don't want to startle them into spraying

The thing is, they can't stay and I know they can't stay. We're going to have to do something to stop them from coming back, especially since they like to lay in wait in a drainage pipe that comes out right next to our front gate/walkway. Talk about a potential surprise for any guests of ours who may be arriving or leaving! So something has to be done. But there's a problem - I grew up watching Pepe Le Pew.

See my dilemma? Cute skunk, just wants to find a special skunk of his own = Carrie can't agree to any of the ideas that Peter has had for discouraging the skunks from hanging out at our house. At this point we're left with stopping up the drain pipe where they hide (already done) and then trying to figure out what will kill the buffet so that they will be forced to look for a new restaurant. Apparently I don't have the same soft-spot for grubs that I do for skunks. Who knew?


  1. Oh, wow! We have moles around here, but I never thought about skunks. That certainly is a dilemma. :)

  2. Um, yeah. Being sprayed in no way seems like fun. But you might want to keep a few cases of tomato juice on hand just in case! ;)

    We've never really had a skunk issue, but I read that they don't like bright lights -- so perhaps you can put some flood lights in your yard where they like to dig and/or put them on a motion sensor. They're also supposedly not very good at climbing but will dig under stuff and can fit through a 4" hole -- so blocking off the area may not help if they feel the grubs are worth it. ;)

    And for the grubs, you can try getting some beneficial nematodes which will eat the grubs and nothing else. Neem oil will also repel grubs (Japanese beetles which lay eggs that become grubs) but you'll need to reapply it every few days and after it rains.

    Grubs aren't very good for your yard anyway so you really don't want to keep them around.

    Best of luck with the fight! ;)

  3. I'm surprised they're still hanging out around your house after Peter shot (at) one of them the last time we were there. :o) You must have a soft spot for skunks since you're willing to overlook the fact that the little critter got back at Peter by spraying into your air conditioner. That was a memorable night.... Anyway, I hope you come up with a solution that is acceptable to all parties. :o)

  4. I found you on the LeighvsLaundry blog. I"m so glad I did. I loved your stories about the little skunk critters! May your solutions be as creative as your writing!

  5. Hmmm I see your dilemma. I'd want to photograph them! And then might ring the SPCA to come and take them away??? Very cute until they spray you I would imagine.

    BTW, thanks so much for the lovely comment you just left on the blog!

  6. Poor little skunks! They do smell awful, but they're beautiful animals! There, did I make it harder for you?




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