Using Irish Spring soap as a skunk repellent is a myth, wildlife expert says
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Known for its fresh scent, Irish Spring soap is often recommended online in blog posts, social media posts and elsewhere as a way to repel skunks. But wildlife experts say the popular home hack is more of a myth than a proven solution.
Some homeowners claim that the soap’s strong scent can help deter skunks from staying near flower beds, trash cans, and other areas around the home.
The popular DIY method typically involves placing soap chips or grated pieces in mesh bags around a property, especially in spots where skunks have been seen.
THE EARTH’S OLDEST KNOWN LAND ANIMAL LIVING AFTER VIRAL DEATH IS THOUSANDS OF FOOL
Florida-based wildlife expert Ned Bruha, president of The Wildlife Whisperer, said homeowners should be skeptical of such claims.
“Irish Spring soap, peppermint, essential oils, mothballs and other substances that allegedly deter wildlife are just wives’ tales and snake oil,” Bruha told Fox News Digital.
Placing bits of freshly scented Irish Spring soap around a home is often touted online as a way to repel skunks – but experts say there is little evidence that the method works. (iStock)
“If it worked, I would definitely be using them after 27 years in business.”
Skunks are common throughout much of North America and are known for digging under decks, sheds, sidewalks and other structures to find shelter.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
Bruha said blocking access to these areas is one of the most effective ways to prevent skunks from settling on a property.
“Physical changes, landscaping changes and repairs to keep skunks away are long-term solutions,” he said.
CLICK FOR MORE LIFE STORIES
“Skunks are very tenacious. If you leave even an inch, they will dig voraciously and bypass changes so they can live under your home, shed, sidewalk, air conditioner, deck and other places.”
Many online guides suggest that strong-smelling products can help repel skunks by masking odors that attract them, such as food scraps, insects and other potential food sources.
Wildlife experts say Irish Spring soap, peppermint, essential oils, mothballs and other substances purported to deter wildlife are ineffective remedies for keeping skunks away. (Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Bruha said homeowners would be better off focusing on practical prevention measures, such as securing trash, removing food sources and sealing off potential animal habitats.
He also cautioned against assuming that trapping or relocating a skunk will permanently solve the problem.
“Repeatedly trapping, killing or relocating self-regenerating skunks is as worthless as an ashtray on a motorcycle,” Bruha said.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
The wildlife expert noted that spring and early summer can be particularly challenging as young skunks, known as kits, begin to emerge.
“Little skunk babies called kits are running everywhere this time of year,” he said. “They don’t jump into traps.”
Skunks often take shelter under decks, hangars and other structures, making exclusion one of the most effective deterrents. (iStock)
Bruha said removing an adult skunk can sometimes create a new problem if orphaned kits are left behind.
“Swarms of orphaned skunks are left behind, the weakest die and the strongest often eat their dead siblings,” he said.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
The Colgate-Palmolive Company website, which owns the brand, states that Irish Spring soap “emerged on the scene 50 years ago, starting with bar soap in the 1970s.” “It has been a beacon for freshness ever since, and in 2007 it expanded its product line to include body washes.”
