\n
![\"Skunk](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/smLBLRAVnDaAn8zZWPgFNi.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n
(Image credit: Shutterstock)<\/p>\n
Even if you don\u2019t spot a skunk in broad daylight, they leave clear signs behind. Brandon Runyon, entomologist at Swat Pest Management<\/a>, says, \u201cYou may see signs of digging, knocked-over trash cans, and even smell that a skunk\u2019s been about.\u201d<\/p>\n Latest Videos From According to Angelika Zaber, lawn care specialist and gardening expert at Online Turf<\/a>, skunks typically dig 3-4-inch holes in lawns as they scratch around for grubs. And she also warns that the animals\u2019 unpleasant sulfur-like spray can penetrate clothing or furniture that\u2019s left outside.<\/p>\n If you keep livestock in your backyard, keep an eye on your coops. Zaber adds that skunks will target poultry and eat their eggs \u2014 a crime you can detect by an eggshell opened at one end, with the edges crushed inward.<\/p>\n You may like<\/p>\n What do skunks eat?<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Shutterstock)<\/p>\n Runyon explains that these black-and-white creatures are omnivores, obtaining energy and nutrients from both plant and animal matter. This leaves a whole host of opportunities for skunks in your backyard.<\/p>\n Apart from devouring fallen nuts and fruit in your yard, he says they\u2019ll also knock over trash cans to find food and will wreak havoc on your lawn, digging up Japanese beetles, beetle grubs and earthworms.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, if you leave out cat and dog food for stray animals or your pets, you\u2019re inviting skunks to tuck in.<\/p>\n Where do skunks shelter?<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Shutterstock)<\/p>\n While the skunks are causing havoc in your yard, rooting for food, they may also be looking for a suitable den. \u201cThis could be under your deck, your shed, your porch, or any other place where they can burrow, such as thick brush, wood piles and leaf piles,\u201d explains Runyon.<\/p>\n To deter them, Zaber recommends fixing any spaces that they can call home.<\/p>\n What to read next<\/p>\n Skunk deterrents<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Shutterstock)<\/p>\n There are natural repellents you can use at home to deter skunks, although Runyon says they\u2019re not long-term fixes. Instead, both experts recommend the following measures.<\/p>\n 1. Stop skunks from entering 2. Cover up your trash 3. Reduce potential den sites 4. Protect your lawn 5. Keep pet food inside Friend or foe?<\/p>\n While you might prefer to banish skunks from your yard, Back to the Wild<\/a>, a wildlife sanctuary in Ohio, recognizes what skunks have to offer.<\/p>\n In an Instagram<\/a> post, the sanctuary shares, \u201cThese nocturnal neighbors help control insect and rodent populations, and they actually help protect lawns, gardens and native plant life.<\/p>\n “They\u2019re shy, peaceful animals that would much rather avoid you than confront you. So if you spot a skunk wandering through your yard, don\u2019t panic! You may have a tiny pest-control specialist working the night shift.\u201d<\/p>\n Lawncare essentials we love<\/p>\n \n <\/a><\/p>\n Follow Tom’s Guide on Google News<\/a> and add us as a preferred source<\/a> to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. <\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/yjolrksv791774885936.svg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Lawn](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/9SXz5d5EsyzfvDKEPbqtJ8.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n![\"Freshly](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/nyt4WgG56tAmGvHeHBA94A.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n![\"Fallen](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/YGEXMYn5Vy9aeXkVnmmKME.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n
Place a big defender around your fence line to keep skunks from digging into your yard.<\/p>\n
Keep the lids on your trash cans and secure them with locks if practical. If your trash can is knocked over, the contents won\u2019t spill out if the lid is securely in place.<\/p>\n
Tidy up your backyard and remove any wood piles and leaf litter where skunks can make a den. Then, secure any other potential hideouts by closing up gaps beneath sheds and houses.<\/p>\n
Newly laid lawns are particularly attractive to skunks, as they are often well-watered and have plenty of grubs. To reduce both skunk and grub activity, apply a grub treatment and water your lawn correctly<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Avoid leaving pet food outside for any length of time, and if you can feed your animals inside your house.<\/p>\n![\"Google](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766920334_382_r3t8zZ5ve4GewFTeoCM3R6.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n