The appearance of small holes or turned-over patches of sod is a clear sign that a nocturnal visitor has been foraging for food. This digging, often attributed to skunks, can be frustrating for homeowners. Stopping this behavior requires understanding the animal’s motivation and implementing non-lethal strategies to make the property less appealing. By eliminating the primary food source, installing physical obstructions, and utilizing sensory deterrents, you can protect your lawn and encourage skunks to seek sustenance elsewhere.
Understanding Why Skunks Dig
Skunks are omnivores that rely on their sharp claws and keen sense of smell to find food. The most common motivation for a skunk to dig in a lawn is to forage for a high-protein meal of white grubs, such as the larvae of Japanese beetles or European chafers, or earthworms. They are searching for food just below the soil surface, where grubs reside.
The damage left by a skunk is typically characterized by small, cone-shaped holes, generally about three to four inches in diameter, which is roughly the size of a skunk’s nose. Skunks may also peel back or overturn small patches of turf where the grass roots have been severed by the grubs, making the turf easy to lift. This shallow, localized digging is distinct from the larger, more extensive holes or mounds created by animals like raccoons or woodchucks.
Eliminating the Primary Food Source
The most effective long-term strategy for preventing skunk digging is to eliminate the underlying grub infestation that attracts them. White grubs feed on grass roots, and a large population serves as a reliable food beacon for foraging skunks. Removing this primary food source eliminates the incentive for skunks to visit the area.
Grub control uses both chemical and biological methods, and timing is important. Preventative chemical treatments, often containing ingredients like chlorantraniliprole, are typically applied in late spring to early summer (June to early August) to target newly hatched larvae. These systemic products are absorbed by the grass roots and kill the grubs when they feed.
For a curative solution later in the season, such as late summer or early fall, products with active ingredients like trichlorfon or carbaryl can control actively feeding, larger grubs. It is important to water these curative products into the lawn immediately after application so they reach the grubs in the soil. A biological method involves applying beneficial nematodes, which are microscopic worms that parasitizes the grub larvae. Species in the genus Heterorhabditis are effective for white grub control and should be applied when the soil is moist and the grubs are actively feeding.
Implementing Physical Barriers and Exclusion
When the food source cannot be immediately eliminated, or to prevent denning under structures, physical barriers provide exclusion. Skunks are not adept climbers but are proficient burrowers, making it necessary to extend barriers below ground level. Installing a low fence made of woven wire or hardware cloth can protect vulnerable areas like gardens or the perimeter of a deck.
To prevent skunks from digging underneath, the bottom edge of the wire mesh should be buried at least 6 to 8 inches deep. The mesh should be bent outward at a 90-degree angle, forming an “L” shape footer that extends another 8 to 12 inches away from the structure or fence base. This forces the skunk to dig directly into the wire mesh, which quickly discourages the attempt.
For temporary protection of an already-damaged lawn area, lay a roll of fine mesh netting or chicken wire flat onto the turf. The skunk will encounter this physical obstruction when attempting to dig, making the effort of foraging too difficult. This temporary barrier can be anchored with stakes or rocks until the underlying grub problem has been resolved.
Using Sensory Deterrents
Sensory deterrents can make the yard temporarily undesirable for skunks. Because skunks are nocturnal, they prefer quiet, dark areas, making motion-activated sprinklers or bright lights effective. The sudden activation of light or a burst of water can startle the animal and encourage it to leave the area immediately.
Skunks have a highly developed sense of smell, which can be exploited using strong, unpleasant scents as repellents. Rags soaked in ammonia and placed near known digging sites or potential den entrances can deter them, as the pungent odor is highly offensive. Commercial repellent products often utilize capsaicin (derived from chili peppers), peppermint oil, or predator urine to create an environment that is distasteful or alarming. These scent-based deterrents require frequent reapplication, especially after rain, to maintain their potency.