What they do:
These two species certainly perform a service by eating insects and rodents. However, they also eat fresh vegetation from your garden and are fond of picking through trash cans for the best “leftovers” they can find. Raccoons have even been known to fish out of garden ponds, and enter homes through pet doors to munch on pet food. Additionally conflicts may occur when they nest in chimneys, window wells, basements or attics and occasionally they may get into confrontations with dogs and cats.

What you can do:

Raccoons and skunks are two common carriers of rabies—SO AVOID DIRECT CONTACT. Make sure your pets’ vaccinations are up to date.

Raccoons and Skunks also carry roundworms so occasionally check your pets stool for the parasite. *This is critical because raccoon roundworm, if contracted by people, can cause permanent brain damage and even death.

Don’t leave pet food outside.

Keep a close eye on pet doors—you may need to block them to avoid a home invasion. 

Secure trash can lids with rope, bungee cords or chains. If necessary stake cans to the ground. 

Cap chimneys and plug siding holes after making sure no nests are inside. 

Make sure garden fences are buried 6-8 inches under ground, or attached to a board that is sunk below the surface. 

Use repellents such as Capsaicin (hot sauce) to make plants taste nasty. 

“Milky Spore” is a natural bacteria available at most garden stores that gets rid of grubs in the yard. Raccoons and skunks are attracted to grubs. When raccoons raid gardens they are not eating the plants, they are digging for grubs. 

Protect your pond fish by creating shelters for them. Stack cinderblocks or rocks in the middle of your pond for them to hide around. Dig the center of your pond 18” deeper. When the raccoons start dipping their hands and noses into the pond the fish can swim to this deeper place out of reach. Raccoons cannot dive for fish. 

If a skunk moves in under your deck or patio try this trick. Mix 8 ounces of castor oil, 8 ounces of dish detergent and 1 gallon of water. Spray the area liberally. To see if your skunk is still in residence lightly stuff balled up newspaper into the entry hole. If the paper is pushed out the next day—your skunk is still there. 

Skunks have a limited supply of “ammunition” in their anal glands that they secrete when threatened—so they often warn before discharging. If you are getting too close—the skunk will stamp its feet in a warning gesture. That would be a good time to back off!

Note: If your dog tangles with a skunk, pet stores carry a variety of commercial products to help get you get rid of the smell. Here’s a tested at-home remedy:
* One quart of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide
* One Cup Baking Soda
* One teaspoon liquid soap

Wearing rubber gloves (and old clothes) mix and apply it to your dog immediately. Comb through his coat and rinse. Peroxide can bleach a dog’s coat (and your towels and clothes) so don’t leave it on too long. Make sure you discard any excess mixture--it can explode if confined under pressure.