When it comes to animal removal, skunks are uniquely problematic in that they defensively spray when they feel threatened, creating an offensive, lingering odor that can be challenging to remove. Whether the smell is on you, your pet, or in your home, here are some ways to get rid of it.

What Should You Do When a Skunk Sprays You?

1. Shower Immediately

When you get sprayed by a skunk, shower as soon as possible, so the smell doesn’t linger. Use hot water and a deodorant soap or dish detergent, as this can help remove the greasy residue. You’ll also want to wash your hair with shampoo intended for oily hair.

If you'd rather avoid dish detergent, you can also soak for 15 to 20 minutes in a bath that has up to four cups of baking soda mixed in to neutralize the odor.

2. Clean Your Pets

If your pet also got sprayed, clean their fur thoroughly as well. Create a DIY mixture consisting of one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar, a teaspoon of dish detergent or baby shampoo, and one-quarter of a cup of baking soda. Work this mixture into your pet's fur until it creates a thick lather and let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing.

3. Ventilate Your Home

Once the skunk smell has permeated your home, it can linger in the air. To address this problem, open the windows to ventilate your space and run your fans on high.

If it's daytime, open your curtains to let more sunlight in, as this can help oxidize the odor. If the smell is severe and you want to take more extreme measures, you can also boil vinegar and let that sit until the skunk smell has disappeared.

Once you've successfully removed the smell, change the filters on your HVAC system so you don't run the risk of carrying it back into your home.

If you’ve come into contact with a skunk and need animal removal, put your trust the experts at American Bio-Tech Wildlife Services in New Milford, CT. This reputable nuisance wildlife removal company has been providing humane animal removal since 1971. Taking a proactive, three-step approach, they safely and ethically catch problematic animals and help prevent them from returning. Call (860) 355-1231 today for animal removal, or visit them online for more information.