Found These Little Holes In Your Yard? It Might Be A Skunk

Living in Michigan means you're surrounded by beautiful nature.

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It also means that you might find some unwanted critters in your backyard.

Something In The Backyard

In recent weeks our dogs Benny and Paddy have been going crazy at night barking at something in our backyard.

Since we don't live near a graveyard I'm ruling out ghosts.

The other morning I did see a baby possum running along our fence so that might have been what they were barking at.

Then the other night I heard Benny and Paddy going crazy like never before.

I ran outside and wasn't sure what they were barking at until I saw the scariest two colors in the world... BLACK and WHITE

It was a skunk, I yelled for Benny and Paddy to leave it and thankfully they actually listened and came inside.

I checked to see if they got sprayed and thankfully they didn't.

Signs of a Skunk

I decided to learn more about our stinky backyard guests and what possible options I have to deal with them, Here is what I found out.

Skunks are nocturnal animals, so they are most active at night.

Signs That a Skunk Might Be In Your Michigan Yard

Odor: Skunks are known for their strong, musky odor. If you smell a persistent, faint musky smell under a building or woodpile, it may suggest that a skunk is living nearby.

Holes in the lawn: Skunks will dig small, shallow holes in yards while looking for grubs. These holes are cone-shaped and one to three inches in length.

The hole is approximately the size of a skunk nose, and there can be so many holes that they coalesce into an area that looks like it has been tilled.

Soil disruption: Skunks will press their nose to the soil and dig with their long, front claws to find food.

This can cause shallow holes in the ground surrounded by a ring of loosened soil.

Damage to plants: Skunks may knock over plants or damage the lower leaves or ears of ripening garden crops, including corn.

Skunk tracks: Skunk tracks show five toes on each foot with visible claws and will often be seen in places where they live.

What Should You Do If You Run Into A Skunk?

If you encounter a skunk, it is important to back away slowly and avoid startling it, as skunks will defend themselves if they feel threatened.

What To Do If You Get Sprayed By A Skunk

Act quickly: As soon as possible, take a bath or shower to remove the skunk spray from your body.

The sooner you wash, the better chance you have of reducing the odor.

Use deodorant soap or dish detergent: Wash your entire body with deodorant soap or a grease-cutting dish detergent.

These products can help break down the oils in the skunk spray.

Wash your hair: Use a shampoo made for oily hair to wash your hair thoroughly

Soak in a baking soda bath: You can also soak in a bath with 2 to 4 cups of baking soda mixed into hot water for 15 to 20 minutes.

Baking soda can help neutralize the odor.

Seek medical evaluation if needed: If you experience severe or persistent symptoms of irritation, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation.

Remember, prevention is key when it comes to skunks.

If you encounter a skunk, calmly walk away or go inside to avoid being sprayed.

As I mentioned earlier, Michigan is known for wild animals, but that's not the only thing Michigan is known and famous for.