8 Things That Will Attract Skunks Fast in Summer

If you’ve been catching a whiff of skunk lately—or worse, spotting one waddling through your yard—you might be unknowingly inviting them in. Skunks are opportunistic, and summer brings out a lot of things that grab their attention. They’re not picky, but they are consistent.

If your property has food, shelter, or easy access to either, they’re going to notice. Before you’re dealing with spray or torn-up grass, here’s what to check.

Pet Food Left Outside

Leaving pet food out, even overnight, is a fast way to attract skunks. They have a strong sense of smell and zero shame when it comes to raiding a bowl of kibble.

If you feed your dog or cat outdoors, make sure the dish comes in as soon as mealtime is over. Skunks will come back night after night if they find an easy snack, and they’re not shy once they know where to look.

Open Trash or Compost

Skunks love an easy meal, and your trash is full of it. Leftover food, greasy packaging, or overripe produce in the compost pile can all pull them in fast.

Make sure your trash cans are sealed tight and stored away if possible. If you compost, skip adding meat or dairy in the summer, and turn it often to keep strong smells down. A little effort goes a long way in keeping critters away.

Uncovered Chicken Feed

If you’ve got chickens, their feed might be attracting more than hens. Skunks are drawn to the smell and will help themselves if it’s left out or easily accessible.

Store feed in sealed containers and avoid tossing extra grain around the coop or run. Clean up spills and check for weak spots in fencing—they’ll dig under or squeeze through small gaps if they smell a reward.

Overgrown Brush and Woodpiles

Skunks look for quiet, sheltered places to sleep during the day. Tall grass, piles of wood, and overgrown bushes can all give them exactly what they want.

Keep grass trimmed and clear out debris piles, especially near fences or buildings. If a skunk thinks your yard feels safe and hidden, you’ll have a hard time getting them to leave.

Fruit Left Under Trees

If you’ve got fruit trees in the yard, dropped or overripe fruit on the ground can turn into a buffet. Skunks will snack on apples, berries, and anything else that’s easy to chew and low to the ground.

Pick up fallen fruit regularly and keep tree bases clean. It doesn’t take much to draw attention—just a few pieces left too long can bring in more than you bargained for.

Bird Seed and Feeders

Spilled bird seed is an easy meal for more than birds. Skunks will gladly clean up the ground below your feeders, especially if the seed includes nuts or grains.

Sweep up underneath feeders often, and try using trays to catch what falls. You don’t have to stop feeding birds altogether—but you do need to make it less messy if you don’t want to lure in nighttime visitors.

Pet Waste in the Yard

It’s not pleasant to think about, but skunks will sniff out pet waste—and not just out of curiosity. The scent can draw them in and keep them coming back.

Pick up after your pets regularly, especially if they use the same spot each day. Even small amounts can build up and contribute to a scent trail you don’t want leading to your home.

Crawl Spaces or Sheds They Can Access

Skunks are always on the lookout for cool, dark places to rest. An open shed, a crawl space without screening, or a loose foundation vent can give them exactly that.

Check for access points around your buildings and block off anything they could get into. Once they settle in under a shed or porch, getting them out is a lot harder than keeping them from moving in to begin with.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.