How to Get Skunk Out of Garage
Discovering a skunk in your garage can be a distressing experience, not to mention the risk of it spraying and leaving an unpleasant odor. However, with patience and the right approach, you can encourage the skunk to leave without incident. Follow these step-by-step instructions to safely remove a skunk from your garage.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Keep a Safe Distance
Skunks are generally not aggressive, but they will spray if they feel threatened. To avoid being sprayed, stay calm and keep a safe distance from the skunk. Quick movements or loud noises can startle the animal, so it’s crucial to proceed with caution.
Step 2: Clear the Area
Make sure pets and people are out of the immediate area to reduce potential stress on the skunk and the risk of it spraying. Keep children and pets inside the house until the skunk has left.
Step 3: Illuminate the Garage
Skunks are nocturnal animals and prefer darkness. Turning on the garage lights might make the skunk uncomfortable and encourage it to leave. However, do this from a distance to avoid startling it.
Step 4: Open the Garage Doors
Gently open the garage doors to provide a clear and unobstructed exit path for the skunk. If you have a side door, open that as well. The more exit options you provide, the better.
Step 5: Create a Path of Escape
Remove any objects that might block the skunk’s path to the exit. You want to provide an easy and direct route for it to leave.
Step 6: Use Gentle Persuasion
If the skunk is not leaving on its own, you can try gently persuading it to leave by using gentle noise or light. This can include a radio playing softly at the opposite end of the garage from the exit or a flashlight beam directed toward the exit (but not directly at the skunk).
Step 7: Apply Gentle Repellents
You can use gentle repellents to encourage the skunk to leave. This could be placing ammonia-soaked rags near the edges of the garage, but not so close as to harm the skunk, or using a commercial skunk repellent following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 8: Be Patient
It may take some time for the skunk to decide to leave. Remain patient and give it time to make its way out.
Step 9: Seal Up Entry Points
After the skunk has left, conduct a thorough inspection of your garage and seal up any potential entry points. This may include fixing holes in the garage door, covering up vents with wire mesh, and making sure all windows and doors close properly.
Step 10: Clean and Deodorize if Necessary
If the skunk sprayed in your garage, you’ll need to deodorize the area. You can use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap to neutralize the odor. Always test a small area first to ensure it does not damage the surfaces in your garage.
Conclusion
Remember that safety should always be your primary concern when dealing with wildlife. If you feel uncomfortable or unsure about removing a skunk on your own, it might be best to contact local wildlife control professionals who have the expertise and equipment to handle the situation safely and humanely.