What plants do skunks eat?

What plants do skunks eat?

They forage for plant life like corn, cherries, grapes and berries, whether or not they are fresh. Skunks prefer food that has already fallen to the ground, making it more accessible, and consequently eat rotting fruits and other crops that humans would not harvest anyway.

How do you keep skunks out of your flower beds?

Citrus, ammonia, mothballs and predator urine (dog, coyote, etc) are three smells that can scare off skunks. If you use mothballs or ammonia-soaked cotton balls, be sure to keep them far away from children.

Will a skunk eat your garden?

Skunks are attracted to gardens because they provide both food and shelter. Skunks eat vegetables and dig for insects and grubs, which can disturb or destroy plants and make a mess.

What plants do skunks like?

Try growing an ordinary hedge and then intertwining holly plants with them. Holly leaves are prickly and may deter skunks. Oregon grape plants, or Mahonia, also have very prickly thorns on the ends of their leaves.

What is a natural skunk deterrent?

Skunks are nocturnal and their eyes are very light sensitive. A bright light or a motion sensor flood light will scare skunks away. Most animals, including skunks, dislike the smell of citrus fruits. Place orange or lemon peels around the yard as a natural skunk repellent.

Do skunks dig in flower pots?

When skunks invade flower gardens, they’re probably not there hoping the blossoms’ scent will rub off on them; instead, they’re looking for food. Although skunks sometimes dine on flowering plants, they’ve likely come to dig for grubs and insects.

Do skunks like strawberries?

Berries. Skunks that live in the wild will eat a variety of berries and your pet skunk can also enjoy this type of fruit. Items such as black berries, strawberries. blueberries and raspberries can all be purchased at your local grocery story or at fruit stands.

Do skunks dig in flower beds?

If your lawn or flower bed has lots of holes in it, you may have a skunk problem. Skunks dig up the turf looking for grubs. They move around at night and dig in grassy areas, making distinct 3- to 4-inch deep holes. Of course, skunk spray is a common sign of damage.

What do skunks like to eat the most?

Although skunks are known to eat opportunistically, they are most attracted to oily, meat-based baits like fish and chicken. They have a strong sense of smell, so anything particularly smelly works best – even peanut butter has been proven to lure in skunks.

What type of berries do skunks eat?

Skunks that live in the wild will eat a variety of berries and your pet skunk can also enjoy this type of fruit. Items such as black berries, strawberries.blueberries and raspberries can all be purchased at your local grocery story or at fruit stands.

What plants keep skunks out of a garden?

What Plants Keep Skunks Out of a Garden? Stinging Nettle. Skunks will avoid a large stand of nettles. Stinging nettle, Urtica dioica, is a perennial plant. Squash. Skunks dislike squash leaves. Although skunks may eat ripe summer squash if they can reach it, they will not walk on the leaves of squash plants. Fritillaria. Fritillaria imperialis, or Crown Imperial, has an odor that repels skunks.

Do skunks eat garden plants?

How to Discourage Skunks in Your Garden. Skunks are mammals with an appetite for both plant and animal material. Their feeding habits change with each season. They eat insects, larvae, salamanders, small rodents, lizards, earthworms, rats, birds, moles, frogs, snakes and bird eggs.