The common suggestion that mothballs can deter skunks is a widespread myth that is both ineffective and potentially hazardous. While the strong odor of mothballs is intended to repel pests, skunks are driven by powerful instincts for food and shelter that override an unpleasant smell. Using these chemical pellets outdoors will not reliably solve a skunk problem and introduces serious risks to the environment and your household. Homeowners should avoid this method and instead focus on proven exclusion techniques and habitat modification for long-term wildlife management.
Why Mothballs Fail as a Skunk Deterrent
Mothballs contain high concentrations of chemical pesticides, typically naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene (PDCB), which slowly release a heavy vapor designed to kill clothes moths in enclosed spaces. The theory behind using them for skunks is that the strong, pungent smell will make an area uninhabitable for the animal. However, this approach fails because a skunk’s motivation to find a secure den or an easy meal is far stronger than its aversion to a nuisance odor.
Skunks are highly adaptable and will often tolerate the smell or become accustomed to it over time, especially if the area provides shelter or a reliable food source. The chemicals in mothballs quickly lose potency when exposed to open air, rain, and soil, diminishing their limited repellent effect within a day or two. Placing mothballs around a den site provides only a temporary, unreliable disruption that does not address why the skunk is present.
Toxicity and Legal Restrictions of Outdoor Mothball Use
Mothballs are classified as pesticides and are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The product label specifies that they are only approved for use in closed, airtight containers to protect fabrics from pests. Using them in open areas, such as gardens, yards, or under porches, violates federal law, as the label is legally binding.
Outdoor use is prohibited because the chemicals leach into the soil and groundwater, causing environmental contamination. Scattering mothballs creates a serious health hazard, as the pellets can be mistaken for candy or food by children, pets, or other wildlife, leading to ingestion. Ingesting or prolonged exposure to the fumes can cause severe health issues, including vomiting, respiratory distress, and damage to the nervous system.
Physical Exclusion and Habitat Modification Strategies
The most effective and safest approach to managing skunks involves prevention through physical exclusion and changing the environment to make it less appealing. Skunks are non-climbing animals that primarily seek shelter under structures like sheds, porches, or decks. To block access, install a barrier of heavy-gauge, galvanized steel mesh around the structure’s perimeter.
The mesh must be buried at least 12 inches deep and bent outward at a 90-degree angle, creating an L-shaped apron that extends 12 inches away from the foundation. This design prevents the skunk from digging underneath the fence and gaining reentry. For sandy soil or areas with highly motivated animals, a deeper or longer apron may be necessary.
Beyond physical barriers, eliminating attractants is equally important for long-term success. Habitat modification includes securing all garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and bringing pet food indoors at night. Skunks frequently forage for lawn grubs, so reducing this food source through proper lawn maintenance discourages digging activity.
Approved Repellents and When to Call Wildlife Control
While physical exclusion is the primary solution, certain approved repellents can serve as a supplementary deterrent. Commercial products registered specifically for skunks may contain capsaicin, derived from chili peppers, or castor oil, which irritate the animal’s senses without causing lasting harm. Motion-activated sprinklers or bright lights can also startle and discourage skunks from specific areas, as they are nocturnal and prefer dark, quiet environments.
If a skunk is actively denning under a structure and cannot be easily evicted, or if it is showing signs of illness, professional help is necessary. Wildlife control experts can safely use one-way doors to ensure the skunk leaves the den and cannot return, which is especially important if kits are present. Calling a professional ensures the animal is removed humanely and in compliance with local regulations, offering a safe resolution.