This chemical fume is toxic to skunks. Mothballs and Napthalene contain organic compound that is rather toxic for the environment and can be harmful to humans as well. The outdoors is too large for mothballs to be in any way effective. So, you can use mothballs in places of waste food and around the dustbin. I had to prop the door open most of the summer to air it out enough to clean it out. The answer is actually more simple than you may think. Ammonia it is widely believed to repel most wildlife due to its pungent smell. Generally, mothballs have an instant effect on skunks. (All You Need to Know). - Humane Wildlife Removal, What to do if you find a nest of baby skunks? Peanut Butter and Apple gets just about anything out there:-)). Actually scares the you know what out of 'em. (All You Need to Know), Does Citronella Repel Wasps? Make a DIY skunk repellent spray with the following common ingredients. Experimentation with naphthalene continued over the next several decades, and another substance was eventually developed after it was discovered that burning naphthalene generated significantly large flames. These methods should be used with caution, however. Because ammonia and mothball lose their power quickly during the wind and moisture cycles, their long-term application will be required. Does Lysol Repel Roaches? Soon after, no more skunk. You can literally buy urine from anything these days. The scent acts as a signal for the skunks. Otherwise, the mothballs might be vaporized before repelling the skunks effectively. Skunks cant bear the presence of this fume. Mothballs true claim to fame comes from their usage when storing clothes and other insect-prone items. Although it appears ironic, they dislike certain odors (as if they have the ability to smell them). Best solution has been a combination of urine, pepper/onion mix and mothballs. So, applying mothballs can effectively repel skunks from your house. (All You Need to Know), Does Lysol Repel Mice? Seal the back end of the trap with the other 1515-inch piece of plywood. Pet Care advice, Reviews, and Animal Stories. I used this time to reflect upon the lives I'd taken. According to those that know relocating wild animals is not as humane as it may seem. Luckily, there are some things you can do to get rid of Pepe Le Pew: By nature, skunks are skittish, shy creatures, so if one finds its way into your yard, chances are good its got a meal reason to be there: i.e food. You cant put them randomly because mothballs are toxic. Anyone have any other solutionsor any thoughts on which would be most effective of the two suggestions I have so far? Mothballs dont smell pretty, which is why theyre so effective. Insect Repellent Mothballs' true claim to fame comes from their usage when storing clothes and other insect-prone items. Has any done any studies or research on what the scent of a "skunk" does to our human lungs?? You can keep skunks out of your yard by making certain that your yard has well-maintained fencing. The best removal method is to contact a wildlife removal company. I may go through a couple of big (14oz.) Sprinkle them around your yard, and they'll keep skunks away. Lighting the area may also work. Mix the peppermint oil and water in a clean spray bottle, and apply the solution to plants and other areas with frequent skunk activity or for getting rid of feral cats who like to hang around your home. It has a hole diameter of 12 inches, which makes it small enough to keep skunks at bay. They set a special door and secured the hole and perimeter. While moths can be used to keep skunks away, they are not the most effective or natural solution. These balls are effective in deterring moths. Since its near impossible to find and remove larvae from clothes, the most efficient and effective way to make sure your clothes are still in one piece when you unpack them is to add a few mothballs among your garments that are being stored for a month or more. This is going to haunt me in my nightmares! Just be sure your state allows you to move wild life without a permit or license. A cup of vinegar and two teaspoons of sugar should be mixed together to form a solution that can be sprayed around your property. It is hugely believed to repel a large number of wildlife due to its strong smell. These have several detrimental qualities including a high level of flammability. Skunks cant bear the fume or smell of mothballs for this reason. Skunks, which are small mammals with a close relationship to weasels, live primarily in the Rocky Mountains. After reading your comment, I contacted the North Carolina Wildlife Enforcement Division. There are no exceptions or exemptions to this restrictionand North Carolina state law does not allow any exemption to begiven. Do Mothballs Keep Raccoons Away? Mothballs To Repel Raccoons Make sure to shake the contents gently so the powder absorbs into the water and is evenly distributed. These extremely hot peppers will cause uncomfortable breathing. There are a few good methods to get rid of the mothball smell. While the fumes of mothballs and ammonia sting the eyes and nose of skunks, these methods have limited effectiveness. They are believed to deter skunks because of their stinging fumes and strong smell. I'm going with robot bomb, worked like a charm on that Dallas animal. Combine your cayenne pepper powder and water in a standard spray bottle. - Humane Wildlife Removal. So, you cant use mothballs randomly. There are no other useful applications for it. 3. 1. Skunks sense the smell of mothballs and keep away from the place. Theyre best known for the unpleasant and lingering skunk smell that they spray at humans and animals when threatened. 3. Chronic (long-term) exposure of workers and rodents to naphthalene has been reported to cause cataracts and damage to the retina. 3. Predator urine is incredibly efficient if there are baby skunks present. If skunks are irritated by vinegars strong scent, especially white vinegar, they will avoid their sinus cavities. Moreover, the toxic fume from the mothballs scares off the skunks. Within a couple of days, skunks will go away from those places. Skunks will scare off the place if they sense the toxic fume of mothballs. Additionally, running your sprinklers at night scares away skunks from your yard and as a humane way to get rid of chipmunks and squirrels. Skunks are nocturnal and hate light. Get Rid of Skunks in Your Yard Mothballs aren't just for moths! The good ol miles Kimball catalog has this solar powered stake that emits sound they don't like and a pretty stout peppermint spray that makes them crazy. Of the repellent substances in circulation, the most common are mothballs and ammonia. (Quick Answers), Do Mothballs Keep Squirrels Away? 2023 Rid My Critters. This may include covering the entrances with mesh, sheet metal, wood, or concrete. Clothing stored in mothballs should always be washed prior to use to get rid of any residue. All these animals are always sniffing. Sorry but that's far to much work and won't get rid of the current varmints. The door falls, and the skunk gets trapped inside the tube. the next morning, I seen where I got a visitor that night before and he/she dug up "one" hole about 2 inches wide and 2 inches deep and called it a night.it seemed to do the trick.crushed habanero peppers run from 200,000 to 300,000 on the scale.you got to take safety precautions spreading the flakes around as you don't want to come into contact with them (latex gloves?) Mothballs are classified as pesticides and are an effective insecticide. Skunks are night-dwelling animals, and do not like bright light. Mothballs scare off skunks. If the law, which I doubt, says I can't "relocate", then I'm left with killing the poor thing! It smells so badly because of the mixture of chemicals containing sulfur, called thiols. You can get in touch with a wildlife professional near you by using our nationwide pest control finder. - Humane Wildlife Removal, Tips to keep skunks out of your yard and garden - Humane Wildlife Removal, How to locate and get rid of a dead skunk - Humane Wildlife Removal, What to do with a skunk after you trap it - Humane Wildlife Removal, Is it legal to trap skunks? Tie a two-foot length of string to the plywood. Skunks are shy, intelligent, and adorable creatures, but not when they spray. This gas is extremely toxic to mammals and even humans who do not inhale it for an extended period of time. Although theyre exasperating, its best to avoid using harsh chemicals or poisons around your garden and home, particularly if you have children or pets. Using moth balls to get rid of skunks under your house Trapper Don CT Outdoor Show 876 subscribers Subscribe 10K views 1 year ago Trapper Don of D&D wildlife control does a film on. Not only will moth balls get rid of rats, they will deter mice, drive squirrels away, turn around armadillos, stop snakes, and chase off raccoons. Moreover, keep their confined areas always clean because skunks like dirty areas. Apratim, add to your website that moving live trapped wild animals by unlicensed people is illegal in many states. Lining the area under sheds and porches with mesh or chicken wire makes it harder for skunks to dig. The skunk wont be able to live in the house, but neither will you. Apply the spray to plants and any areas where youve noticed skunk activity. Make sure to clean up any remnants and store dog and cat food in a tightly sealed container. Although it may appear counterintuitive, skunks are sensitive to certain smells (owing to their ability to judge them). Can Toppers Fit Dog and Cat Food: A Comprehensive Guide, How to Use Canned Cat Food for Bluegill Bait, Is Dads Gourmet Cat Food Safe for Cats? Ammonia or mothballs can be placed in areas where skunks may be present as the animal has a sensitive sense of smell. Finally, other methods of home pest control have outpaced the effectiveness of mothballs, which means that moths and other pests are eliminated before they even make it to the places where you store your clothing. This new substance generated a similar vapor as naphthalene, making it an effective pesticide when used in the correct conditions. We service over 500 USA locations! Old Mothballs used Naphalene but new moth balls use 1,4 dichlorobenzene. Mothballs will not harm the skunks typically. I was also troubled by skunk some weeks ago.i founded a website which provided all info about skunk removal. At this point, I pulled out my katana, which is typically ceremonial and not used for skunk to repel skunks. Because of the risk of contamination with this product, it should not be used or handled by humans or pets. Luckily, skunks are sensitive, timid critters that are relatively easy to fend off. Read the package to determine how many of this particular brand of mothball you should use, and place the specified amount among your clothes. North Americas vast majority of wooded areas are home to a large number of skunks. First of all, put the mothballs in a container, so none of the chemicals can leech out. I purchased the hottest pepper flakes (not powder) they had. For example, under the furniture, under the deck or porch, etc., places are generally confined spaces. They also make a mess with farms/yards and garbage, digging cone-shaped holes as they search for grub to feed on. If skunks are afraid, essential oils, such as peppermint oil, can help them. These chemical balls contain naphthalene. The ammonia plant is a favorite hunting spot for skunks. You can use mothballs in places to keep skunks away from your house. Use them only in the source of skunks. Poison of any kind isn't advised, not only because it poses a threat to the skunks you're trying to get rid of, but to the plants, pets, and other animals in your area. If ammonia and mothballs are used in conjunction with the treatment of a certain area, poisonous snakes can spread. Place pieces of citrus peel around your property where you suspect skunks visit, or boil the citrus peels to make a DIY repellent spray. Email us at info@wildlife-removal.com - Professional and Humane Wildlife Removal Servicing the Entire USA, Raccoon Removal Information & How-To Tips, Squirrel Removal Information & How-To Tips, Opossum Removal Information & How-To Tips, Groundhog Removal Information & How-To Tips, Armadillo Removal Information & How-To Tips, Dead Animal Removal Information & How-To Tips, Other Wildlife Species Information & How-To Tips, Click here to hire us in your town and check prices. are three smells that can scare off skunks. (Quick Answers), Does Smoke Repel Flies? This caused them to become simultaneously aroused and confused. If you suspect a pet or child has come into contact with mothballs or inhaled the fumes, you should contact a poison emergency center immediately. Animals in their natural environment should be left aloneunless they are acting abnormally. Most people are all for repelling skunks from their vicinity, largely because of their very undesirable attributes of being smelly and being a primary carrier of the deadly rabies virus. Operating 24/7/365. I.bought a large container of cayanne pepper at Big Lots for about $3. Skunks are nocturnal, shy animals, so if theyre coming onto your property, it probably means that theyve discovered some tasty snacks. Trapping seems to be the best, most permanent method. There are plenty of reasons to want skunks gone. But it can cause you to experience a wide variety of negative health effects. Then you can only use the mothballs in that specific place. If opossums (aka possums) are a problem in your yard, mix together camphor oil with enough petroleum jelly to make a paste, and spread it around the base of trees. I have watched her come in with her baby and snatch apples, bread & potatoes for her evening meal. Keep light connected up for a few nights, he will make his home elsewhere. The acid has an unpleasant odor in addition to irritating their noses. Click here to hire us in your town and check prices - updated for year 2020. Make sure you place attractants such as bird seed or pet food near their den or on the property if youre having difficulty convincing them to leave. Doing this keeps the vapors from the mothballs concentrated on the intended items to eradicate insect larva. Best Answer. If the animal behaves strangely, it is possible that it is suffering from rabies. "Naphthalene is used in the production of phthalic anhydride; it is also used in mothballs. The skunks wont be able to climb over, but an hunger-motivated critter can dig under a fence, so consider burying several inches of fence or sprinkling chilli or cayenne powder around the fence perimeter to act as a deterrent. Then I see the thread gets hijacked by a Mr. or Mrs. KNOWITALL, who doesn't give any suggestions about the problem at hand, they just want to debate whether MOTHBALLS cause cancer.. IDIOTS. How To Get Rid Of Skunks Without Harming Cats - 9 Tips The best way to get rid of a skunk is to hook up a light that will shine all night under your porch. (Quick Answers). After 18 years as an operator for a local pest control company, Morgan has retired from the industry and is now sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience through writing and consulting. If that doesnt turn you away from using them, consider the fact that the toxic level of moth ball fumes for a skunk is also the toxic level for a human. Knowing how to use them safely can save a lot of heartache. Nothing on Jerry Baked site either. But mothballs are pretty effective in keeping skunks away. Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists. Mothballs are pesticides and are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just like any other pesticide. Want to know what attracts skunks? I am going to apply what I KNOW has worked on bear; 3. I know many male Kim's and Kimm's, one of whom played for the Kansas City Chiefs a while back. Although it appears ironic, they dislike certain odors (as if they have the ability to smell them). food. Skunks immediately leave the place once they smell mothballs. They leave behind an odor after being sprayed with skunk repellent to keep them away from you. You might know the smell and fume of naphthalene are strong. Secure bird feeders so they cant be tipped over, and frequently remove any fallen birdseed. Because the smell and fume are also toxic for them. Mothballs are a classic home remedy that has remarkable success against some critters. You need to screen the base of the shed, except in one area, after breeding season and baby-raising season is over. Applying predator urine around your garden and other areas is one of the best natural ways to get rid of skunks. Some animalstudies indicate that both active ingredientsmay have carcinogenic potential with long term, high level exposure". You can only use these chemical balls where necessary. Copyright 2020 by Wildlife Removal. These insects damage your clothes and beddings. Mothballs contain naphthalene that has a strong scent and fume. But mothballs are also effective in repelling other insects and small animals. Now that you know mothballs keep skunks away, you might want to see the application process. For some reasons, these substances may be temporarily effective, especially when they have just be applied fresh. Mothballs use one of two active ingredients: naphthalene and paradichlorobenzine. Does Soapy Water Kill Wasps and Yellow Jackets? Nice and cheap too. Make your yard a skunk-free zone by spraying motion-sensitive water sprinklers. No question mothballs work. Moths and carpet beetles love anything made of natural fibers, (think: your favorite wool sweater) because its a place to lay their larvae and guarantee their offspring have a hearty first meal. A great method of using ammonia is to pour some into a can and use a long piece of cloth to act as a wick. In order to attract skunks, use mothballs or ammonia as a scent. Was to a degree but it seems to get WAY OFF target with ranting - we are looking for solutions, not ranting. Now that you are aware of the cool things these little, toxic balls do, you might begin to see how stupid it is to think that they will work all the time for everything. Skunks: How to Get Rid of Skunks in the Garden In fact, too much handling of it could predispose an individual to cancer. Most people also repel them from their vicinity because of they are a primary carrier of the deadly rabies virus. You may want to hire a wildlife professional to skunk-proof your house. I commend you for being so polite w/that person. Getting Rid of a Skunk Den on Your Property. Do Mothballs Repel Skunks? Get a Skunk to Leave IMMEDIATELY! - Pet Animals Now its easy to relocate the skunk and release it in an appropriate area. The scent of predators will trick the skunk into thinking it's in danger, and they will flee the area. Mothballs are toxic to humans and other animals also. Unfortunately, this means theyre also quite unpleasant to people. Moth balls are safe, biodegradable, and NOT known to be carcinogenic in humans. Naphalene was shown to be a carcinogen in mice exposed to it daily after two years of continuous exposure (nice experiment). These can be used in combination with other methods to deter skake-repellent chemicals. The odor from the skunks spray can cause temporary blindness if it hits the eyes and while it will cause most people to have some short term lung distress it does not cause any permanent damage to human lungs. (All You Need to Know), Do Rabbits Eat Coreopsis? - Humane Wildlife Removal, The reason why skunks dig - Humane Wildlife Removal, How do I remove skunk spray? So, mothballs are a pretty effective and harmless way of keeping skunks away. Bury hardware cloth, aluminum sheathing, or quarter-inch stainless steel wire mesh at least two feet deep to prevent skunks from digging under the fence. Available data are inadequate to establish a causal relationship between exposure to naphthalene and cancer in humans. Over time, they dissolve into a toxic gas. Mailing Address: 9169 West State St., Suite 2867, Garden City ID 83714Phone No: (208) 549-9411. Insert the platform and feed the string through the hole in the tube. Through 2014 & 2015, I have had the pleasure of sleeping in an upstairs bedroom over an area where a friendly fox is fed nightly. If you have an exceptionally persistent skunk, you may need to resort to trapping it. Reapply the spray in three to five days or after it rains. 4. You did say that Mothballs are pesticides. In the past, I have had great luck, with spreading coyote urine granules for getting rid of feral cats. It should never be used against any species on the protected or endangered list, and its best to avoid using mothballs when you suspect it might come into contact with a protected critter. Its common for some families to store wedding dresses in mothballs to pass down from generation to generation, for example. The string should be plenty long so you can stand well back from the trap to avoid getting sprayed when releasing the skunk. Ammonia is really distressing to the nose and eyes of wildlife and has a better chance at being effective when applied in an enclosed space/area. I am going to try this on gophers & moles. (Quick Answers), Does Lysol Repel Flies? Add keeping skunks away to your list of reasons to mow the lawn more often. A friend suggested going to a pet grooming salon and collecting dog fur to hang in the garden in pantyhose nets. In addition, as the rise of synthetic materials like nylon, polyethylene, and polyester eclipse the presence of natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk in the closet, moths are less likely to seek out clothes as a food source. Squirt the mixture on plants, the garbage can, or wherever you notice skunk activity. The odor of skunks can be smelled all over the world, and they are famous for this trait. One frame should be the same size as the tube, and the other should be twice as tall to accommodate the sliding door. Those of us with Asthma will have a much stronger reaction because that is one of the many things that can cause a seriousAsthma attack. Wildlife Removal is the largest and most trusted wildlife control company in the United States. These insects damage your clothes and beddings. When the air is exposed to these chemicals, naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene emit extremely strong odors. So this poor skunk is slowly starving/choking to death, because I'm cowardly and don't want to get sprayed or have the front yard stink for a monthso I have to find a way to deal with this! So, you might be confused about whether mothballs keep skunks away. Still, theyre opportunistic omnivores that will happily take advantage of an easy snack. Skunks primarily feed on grubs and insect larvae. In real fact, the only thing moth balls are primarily good for is killing moth larvae. The best way to keep skunks away from your house is to eliminate their food and shelter sources. Works great as a deterrent, but when it gets wet the critters come back. After I was moved to another apartment, all was well. Was going to try Critter Ridder by Havahart but the reviews are not very good. But mothballs are also effective in repelling other insects and small animals. Once they came outside, I was doing "The Naked Man". Home Remedies for Getting Rid of a Skunk. Allow to cool, then strain the solution into a clean spray bottle. It is no longer surprising that mothsballs and ammonia compounds are some of the most traditional but outdated methods of repelling skunks. Leave your clothes to the people who know best. - Humane Wildlife Removal, Should you handle a skunk with bare hands? Long-term ingestion of1,4-dichlorobenzene may adversely affectblood cells and liver function. Pet food might quickly become pest food if you feed your pets outdoors. The skunk wont be able to live in the house, but neither will you (it gets more dangerous if you have little children around). Immediately finish closing off the base of the shed. skunks dislike citrus fruits, which can be avoided by keeping your yard clear of them and clean of them. This will frighten the skunk away, and it will go on to find another den. So we contacted people who are specialized in humane skunk removal. This means they cause cancer in lab rats and probably in people. If you use ammonia-soaked cotton balls or mothballs, be sure to keep them far away from children. Please do NOT use chocolate as a skunk repellent. Leaving exterior lights on at night or installing motion-activated outdoor lights is an efficient technique to scare off nocturnal skunks. Roadkill can also be a common issue when living near a buy road, and simply removing the corpse (if you can find it) might not get rid of the smell. If you can find where they are nesting, use the urine around that area, they will move out quickly. We may earn a small commission if you use the buy now button when making a purchase. The Skunk fires off a round of her unpleasant fragrance and this scent waifs up to my bedroom. Acute (short-term) exposure of humans to naphthalene by inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact is associated with hemolytic anemia, damage to the liver, and neurological damage. Or do the people that package that stuff follow the wild animals around with containers to catch the urine? So, you must know the advantages and appropriate process of using mothballs for skunks. The skake is an easy-going animal that helps to control common insect and rodent pests. Do not put them in areas where it will affect your edible vegetation or where ventilation will bring the odors into your house. My doctor tells me every year "keep doing what you're doing because your blood work is perfect and you are in excellent health". Sorry about your new fragrance.:-}. Theyre toxic to humans and animals and may contaminate your garden soil. as well as using chemical free cleaning products (http://www.honest.com/accept_invitation/333931) and certified organic bath & beauty products who's only ingredients come from nature (http://us.nyrorganic.com/shop/jaylynn444). If there is even the slightest chance it could cause harm, why do it? Use bleach on any items that it wont damage. Peppermint Essential Oil Skunk Repellent. That may work for some, Dave, but for those where discharging a firearm is against the law they will need to find out if that is a misdemeanor or a felony, and whether the fine or prison time is worth attempting to kill that animal. Skunks are especially attracted to strong-smelling and oily foods like sardines or peanut butter. Understanding the downsides of using this product will help you choose those times when a different method should be used. If mothballs are legal in your country, then you can now use them to get rid of raccoons in your home and garden. When exposed to mothballs too frequently, the risk of developing cancer increases. Be sure there are no food sources available and no places the skunk can use for shelter. The ammonia can easily be washed away and the skunk will come back. If your state, like mine, won't help, here is a Youtube video that I think is the most humane I've seen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9F16vTJXbk. How To Use Mothballs to Control Moths | OrangeBag OrangeBag are all smells that skunks associate with. 1. So, you have these golly unwanted visitors and you want to keep them off. Otherwise, you cant use mothballs here and there. I woke up in the middle of the night to smell skunk -- so strong! 1,4 dichlorobenzen can cause hemolytic anemia if you have G6PD (rare genetic disorder) but is otherwise considered safe. Is your trash container securely covered? This will allow the skunk to exit but not re-enter. Place one eyelet screw centered on top of the rectangular frame, and the other centered on top of the trap door.