10 Plants That Repel Skunks Naturally

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Skunks are cute but can be a nightmare when they start invading your garden. Luckily, there are several plants that you can grow to naturally repel skunks and keep them away from your yard. Here are the top 10 plants that skunks hate and won't go near.

Skunks are indeed cute creatures, but their smell can be quite off-putting. They dig holes in your lawn, eat your fruits and vegetables, and could even spray you or your pets if they feel threatened. That's why we've compiled this list of 10 plants that could help you repel skunks naturally.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm has a strong scent that skunks find unpleasant. You can plant it around the perimeter of your garden or near areas where skunks hang out. You can also use the leaves to make a homemade repellent spray.

Mint

Plant mint around the border of your garden to ward off skunks naturally. You can also use the leaves to make a natural spray repellent. Mint plants are also effective at repelling other garden pests like mosquitoes and spiders.

Marigolds

Skunks dislike the smell of marigolds. You can plant them in your garden or in pots around the perimeter. They also add a pop of color to your yard!

Alliums

Alliums, such as garlic, onions, and chives, have a strong sulfuric smell that skunks find off-putting. Plant alliums around the border of your garden to keep skunks at bay. They also have the added benefit of repelling other unwanted insects in your garden.

Lavender

Lavender has a strong scent that skunks dislike. You can plant it near areas where skunks commonly hang out, or use the leaves to make a DIY spray repellent. Lavender also has a calming effect on humans and can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Daffodils

Daffodils contain lycorine, a chemical that skunks find distasteful. Plant daffodil bulbs around the perimeter of your garden or in pots to naturally repel skunks. They also add a pop of color to your yard in the springtime.

Coleus Canina

Also known as the 'Scaredy Cat Plant', coleus canina emits an odor that is unpleasant to skunks and other small animals. Plant it around the border of your garden or near areas where skunks hang out. It's also effective at keeping cats and dogs away from your garden.

Nasturtiums

The pungent scent of nasturtiums helps to deter skunks as well as other common garden pests like aphids and beetles. Grow them along the edges of your garden or in hanging baskets on your porch or patio. Their bright flowers also make a colorful addition to salads and other dishes!

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus has a strong scent that skunks don't like. Place eucalyptus leaves around the perimeter of your garden or near areas where skunks commonly hang out to naturally repel them. Eucalyptus also has several health benefits for humans, such as improving respiratory conditions and reducing stress.

Rosemary

Rosemary has a strong smell that skunks find offensive and is also effective at repelling other common garden pests like mosquitoes and flies. Plant rosemary bushes around the perimeter of your garden or in pots on your porch or patio. You can also make your own natural repellent spray with rosemary and water.

Skunks might be cute to watch, but they could damage your garden, eat your vegetables, or spray you if they feel threatened. Thankfully, there are many plants you can grow to naturally repel skunks and keep them away. Try planting one or more of these 10 plants around the perimeter of your garden, and say goodbye to unwanted skunk visitors!

• Can I use more than one of these plants to repel skunks? Yes, you can. Combining different plants that repel skunks can create a more effective barrier against them.

• Do any of these plants harm skunks? No, these plants are safe for skunks and won't harm them.

• Can I still get sprayed by a skunk even if I have these plants in my yard? Yes, you can. While these plants might repel skunks, they're not foolproof. Skunks could still wander into your yard if they're attracted to something specific like garbage or pet food.

• Will these plants repel other garden pests? Yes, most of these plants have repellent properties that affect several garden pests like mosquitoes, aphids, or beetles.

• Where can I buy these plants? You can find these plants at your local garden center or plant nursery.

• How do I make a DIY skunk repellent spray with these plants? Mix equal parts of chopped up leaves of the plant and water into a spray bottle. Leave the solution overnight to allow for the flavors to mix in. Use the spray to mist around the borders of your yard and other skunk-prone areas.

• What are some other natural ways to keep skunks away from my yard and garden? Keeping a clean yard, removing trash regularly, and securing garbage cans can significantly reduce the chances of skunks infesting your yard. Using bright solar lights around key points in the yard especially during the night can prevent skunks from venturing into areas near your garden.

• Are there any plants that attract skunks? No, not really, skunks aren't typically attracted to specific plants, but they might be drawn to spaces where there are plentiful food sources and shelter.

• Can't I just use a chemical skunk repellent instead of planting these plants? Chemical repellents might work, but they're usually not eco-friendly or safe for humans and pets.

• What should I do if I get sprayed by a skunk? Can these plants help with the smell? Skunk spray is highly irritating and has a strong and unpleasant odor. To remove the smell, you may need to use special enzyme-based cleaning solutions available at your local pet store. These plants won't help when it comes to the smell, but they could significantly reduce instances of getting sprayed in the first place.