Skunks, they may seem cute from the outside, but no one wants to get close to one. Yesterday during my morning run around the neighborhood I found it difficult to breathe from a visting skunk! Skunks are mot known for their odorous defensive spray, deployed against perceived threats such as people, pets and automobiles.

Skunks spray is an odorous yellow-tinted, oily liquid stored in two sacs located on opposite sides of the anus. Each sac holds about a teaspoon of must and is enough for multiple sprays up and shoot up to 15 feet. Skunk musk is composed of primarily of seven ingredients, six of which are sulfur containing thiols that give the skunk its awful smell. Skunk must can temporarily blind and stun individuals when sprayed in the face. Symptoms of being sprayed by a skunk include, watering eyes, nasal irritation, nausea and difficulty breathing.

How to get rid of skunk smell:

• Remove the source of the odor.

• Ventilate the area with fresh air.

• Wash or apply deodorants to the source of the odor.

• Use air fresheners to mask residual odor in the air.

• Use laundry detergent to remove residual odor in the fabrics.

Skunk odor may reactive during periods of high humidity. If the odor does not decrease in a week or two, the skunk may have resprayed or died on the property.

Getting rid of skunk odor on people or pets can be difficult, but the below formula is the best way to relieve the musky odor.

• 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (best if new).

• ¼ cup of baking soda

• 1-2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap.

Mix in an open container and use immediately. The solution can be used on people or pets; avoid mouth and eye areas. Allow the solution to remain in the hair for five minutes before rinsing with water. Avoid using on clothing directly, but adding the mixture to the wash cycle will dilute it.

Does tomato juice work to remove skunk odor?

The old home remedy of tomato juice has proved to be effective. Research found the odor of the tomatoes replaces the odor of the skunk. The nose becomes overwhelmed by the skunk odor it stops recognizing the skunk odor.

If you think you may have a skunk dead or alive on your property, contact Thomas Pest Services, your local Colonie nuisance wildlife removal expert. Contact us today for your wildlife removal needs.