Skunks can be found throughout most of the United States, including Massachusetts. The animals are especially drawn to populated cities like Boston, where they are a generous offering of garbage and compost for them to rummage through. Skunks also tend to thrive in suburban and urban areas. For the most part, skunks are harmless and will not give you any trouble if they do not feel threatened. However, when a skunk does feel threatened, things can get pretty smelly.
The Lingering Effects of Skunk Odors
When a skunk is threatened, it releases a spray of musk from its anal glands that leave a foul odor in the air. Skunk odor can be so foul that it can cause your nasal passages to close, basically replicating the effects of pepper spray. If during its search for food or shelter, a skunk manages to get into your house and secrete its musk, then your lovely home will have an unwelcome stench laced into its very fabric, from the couches and other furniture to the walls and carpet.
8 Skunk Odor Removal Solutions
If you are faced with such a smelly situation, then you can try the following helpful tips to get skunk odor out of your house:
- Open windows and screened doors. Create an avenue for external airflow by opening up your home to allow fresh air in and bad smells out.
- Run fans. It is important to keep the air circulating in your home so that the smell can escape.
- Change out your filters. Skunk odor can stick to your air filter, creating the possibility of foul smells circulating throughout your home.
- Place bowls of vinegar around the house. Vinegar should be able to absorb much of the smell over 24 hours.
- Take a bath immediately. If you get sprayed directly by a skunk, then the smell can soak into your skin, leaving a permanent odor you do not want to carry around. Have a good bath for about 15 minutes. Afterward, rinse off and repeat the process the next day until the smell dissipates.
- Use a great deal of soap. Apply soap to both surfaces and yourself to help rid both you and your home of skunk odors.
- Clean with chlorine powder or tablets. Skunk musk is sulfuric in nature, and chlorine neutralizes sulfur. However, make sure to use chlorine that is used in swimming pools and hot tubs and not the chlorine-based bleach used for laundry.
- Call skunk removal experts. First and foremost, if there is a skunk in or around your home, contact wildlife professionals to trap and remove the critter before it can spray you or your home.
Professional Greater Boston Area Skunk Removal Services
If there is a skunk present on your Greater Boston area property or if you would like to prevent skunks or any other pests from invading your home, then call the experts at Critter Control® of Boston. Our licensed and trained wildlife technicians are experienced in handling skunks safely and effectively to minimize the damaging effects of skunk odors. Not only will we inspect your property to isolate and remove any unwanted wildlife, but we will also safeguard your home from future infestations and repair any damages caused by the invasive pests.
