The Fresh-Smelling Cleaner That's Said To Repel Skunks (But Does It Actually Work?)

While dealing with a raccoon or possum in your backyard is far from ideal, having a skunk move in can really raise a stink! Skunks can cause damage to your yard by digging up grass and plants in search of food, and of course, their pungent spray is something no one wants to deal with. There's no shortage of tips online for keeping these critters at bay, but one of the most consistent methods involves using scents that skunks can't stand. They strongly dislike highly-acidic smells like citrus, pine, and ammonia. By taking advantage of this, you can outsmart them at their own smelly game. One of the easiest and most affordable solutions? Good old Pine-Sol — a popular household cleaner. However, while there is some anecdotal evidence that says this trick might work, no studies or reliable sources have backed up the claim. Therefore, it may or may not work for you.

Original Pine-Sol, available on Amazon in a pack of two 40-ounce bottles for $15, is a degreaser, disinfectant, and deodorizer. Skunks do not like the strong pine scent, and some people say that it has effectively repelled skunks from their gardens and homes. If you want to try using it for this purpose, simply dilute the Pine-Sol with water and soak rags or cotton balls in the solution. It has a strong scent, so a little goes a long way. Place these strategically around areas where skunks are known to frequent, such as potential den sites (wood piles, under sheds and decks) and your garbage bins. 

While Pine-Sol can be used as a temporary deterrent for skunks, it's not a guaranteed solution. Some homeowners have noted the cleaner's effectiveness at keeping skunks away, but the results of using Pine-Sol to repel skunks have not been well-researched. The effectiveness of this method can also diminish over time as the scent of the Pine-Sol fades or skunks become accustomed to it. In fact, some say that it doesn't work for them at all. It's also important to note that Pine-Sol has not recommended for this particular use by the manufacturer, it is only recommended to be used as a cleaning product.

Additionally, the product's environmental impact hasn't been studied. While Pine-Sol used to be made using natural pine oil, this is no longer the case. For a more natural pest control option, you could use vinegar or essential oils that'll stop skunks in their tracks like cedar, eucalyptus, citronella, or peppermint.

Methods like trap-and-release can separate skunks from their babies or lead to release in unfamiliar areas where they can't find food or shelter. Instead, the best approach to is always prevention — make sure garbage bins are tightly sealed and avoid leaving pet food outside overnight. It's also important to close off potential entry points by inspecting your home for gaps or openings that skunks might use to sneak in. By combining preventive measures with the temporary use of Pine-Sol, you can significantly increase your chances of keeping skunks away from your property. However, if the problem persists, consider consulting a professional pest control service.