Skunks are attracted to a variety of things, including:

• Food: Skunks are opportunistic and attracted to low-hanging fruit like garbage and pet food left out at night, as well as convenient denning sites. They eat insects, earthworms, grubs, and other larvae that they may easily find in your yard’s soil during nighttime. They are also attracted to sunflower seeds, birdseed, fruit, acorns, and sweet corn.

• Water: Skunks need water to survive and will enter your property to gain access to it. They are attracted to ponds, rivers, pools, fountains, sprinklers, hoses, pet water bowls, and bird baths.

• Shelter: Skunks establish dens in any area that provides food, water, and shelter. They are nocturnal, solitary creatures that don’t travel long distances. They establish dens in crawl spaces, basements, and under decks and porches, where it’s also dark and protected from predators.

To prevent skunks from being attracted to your yard, you can take a few measures such as:

• Secure garbage cans: Make sure all garbage cans have tight-fitting lids.

• Remove food sources: Pet food placed outdoors should be moved inside before sunset. Trim overgrown shrubbery and keep your yard clear of debris, including wood and rocks, which attract insects and other skunk food sources.

• Eliminate water sources: Repair any leaks and remove standing water.

• Seal entry points: Seal any entry points to your home, such as holes in the foundation or gaps around pipes.

• Use deterrents: You can try using homemade deterrents such as rags soaked in ammonia, socks filled with mothballs, or old clothes that still bear a human scent to keep skunks away. You can also install motion sensor lights or a mechanical scarecrow to startle them.