How to get a skunk out of your garage
You wake up in the morning and make your way to the garage to grab your car keys. As you open the door, you’re hit with a strong, pungent smell. At first, you think it’s just some old garbage that’s been left out for too long. But then you spot it – a little black and white striped creature scurrying around the corner.
“Oh no,” you groan. “It’s a skunk. How on earth am I going to get a skunk out of my garage?”
Don’t panic, because we’ve got you covered. Follow these simple steps to know how to get a skunk out of your garage in no time.
Step 1: Don’t try to catch the skunk
We know it might be tempting to try and catch the skunk and release it back into the wild, but trust us – this is not the way to go. Skunks are wild animals, and they can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous if they feel threatened. Plus, they have a pretty powerful defense mechanism – that potent smell they’re famous for.
Step 2: Keep your distance
Once you’ve spotted the skunk, try to keep your distance. Don’t try to corner the animal or chase it around the garage. This will only stress the skunk out and increase the chances of it spraying. If you need to, grab a broom or something else to gently nudge the skunk towards the door.
Step 3: Open the door and let the skunk leave on its own
This is the most important step, so pay attention. Once you’ve nudged the skunk towards the door, open it and give the skunk a clear path to exit the garage. It might take a little bit of time for the skunk to leave, but be patient. If you try to force the skunk out, you run the risk of getting sprayed.
Step 4: Deodorize the garage
Once the skunk is safely out of the garage, it’s time to tackle the smell. Skunk spray can be notoriously difficult to get rid of, but there are a few things you can try. One option is to mix together one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of dish soap. Apply this mixture to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a cloth.
You can also try using white vinegar to neutralize the smell. Simply soak a cloth in vinegar and use it to wipe down the affected area. If the smell is particularly strong, you can try filling a bucket with water and a few cups of vinegar and using it to mop the floor.
Bonus tip: Keep skunks out of your garage in the first place
Now that you know how to get a skunk out of your garage, it’s time to focus on prevention. Skunks are attracted to food sources, so make sure to keep your garbage cans tightly sealed and keep pet food and other attractants out of reach. You should also make sure to repair any holes or gaps in the foundation of your garage, as skunks can squeeze through surprisingly small openings.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to get a skunk out of your garage and keep them out for good. So don’t panic if you find yourself with a stinky visitor – just follow these steps and you’ll have your garage back to normal in no time.
FAQ
The most obvious sign is the smell. Skunks have a very distinctive and pungent odor. You may also see the skunk itself, as they are small, black and white striped animals.
No, it is not safe to try and catch a skunk. Skunks are wild animals and can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous if they feel threatened. It is best to let the skunk leave on its own and take precautions to prevent future skunks from entering your garage.
Keep your distance and don’t try to corner or chase the skunk. Gently nudge the skunk towards the door and open it to give the skunk a clear path to exit. Do not try to force the skunk out, as this increases the chances of it spraying.
There are a few things you can try to remove the skunk smell from your garage. One option is to mix together one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of dish soap. Apply this mixture to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a cloth. You can also try using white vinegar to neutralize the smell – just soak a cloth in vinegar and use it to wipe down the affected area. If the smell is particularly strong, you can try filling a bucket with water and a few cups of vinegar and using it to mop the floor.
Skunks are attracted to food sources, so make sure to keep your garbage cans tightly sealed and keep pet food and other attractants out of reach. Repair any holes or gaps in the foundation of your garage, as skunks can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. You can also try using a natural deterrent, such as a commercial skunk repellent or a homemade solution of water and vinegar.
