Have you found yourself wondering why certain black-and-white animals keep wandering into your yard? You might be surprised to learn what’s drawing them in. Skunks have a varied diet, and their adaptable feeding habits often lead them to human environments. From outdoor pet food to fallen fruit, these curious eaters are excellent at sniffing out meals wherever they can find them. Knowing what skunks eat and the foods that tempt them can reveal why they’re in your yard and help you prevent them from sticking around.
For those of us in residential areas like Westminster, these unexpected visitors aren’t uncommon. You’re most likely to see them in your backyard, exploring for food after sundown. Questions like “Why are skunks in your yard?” or “Why do skunks dig holes?” often have simple answers—they’re searching for food. By understanding their dietary preferences and typical behavior, you can take proactive steps to protect your yard and discourage repeat visits.
What Do Skunks Eat? Surprising Foods That Attract Them
Skunks are opportunistic eaters with flexible diets. Being omnivores, they consume both plants and meat, depending on what’s readily available. Below, we’ve outlined 10 common food sources that might be luring these animals to your property. Some might surprise you!
- Pet Food Left Outdoors
One easy way to unintentionally invite a skunk into your yard is by leaving pet food outside. Whether it’s kibble or wet food, the high protein and calorie content is incredibly appealing to these animals. If bowls are left on porches or patios overnight, it’s like setting out a midnight buffet. Skunks aren’t picky about the source of their meals, and even a small portion left in the bowl can be enough to catch their attention.
To prevent this, bring pet food indoors after your pets have finished eating. If bringing dishes inside isn’t possible, invest in a covered feeder that skunks and other wildlife can’t access. It’s a simple way to make your property less inviting.
- Open Trash Cans and Garbage Bags
Garbage is another major draw for skunks. They’re skilled scavengers with strong noses, and open trash cans or loosely tied garbage bags are a jackpot. They’re happy to dig through trash to find food scraps, especially items like leftovers, vegetable peels, or anything sweet. Even waste that seems unappetizing to us can smell like a feast to a skunk.
A secure garbage system makes a big difference. Use heavy-duty trash cans with tight-fitting lids or invest in animal-proof bins to reduce the chances of an uninvited rummager.
- Compost Piles
If you’re into composting, you might not realize that it’s also appealing to wildlife like skunks. A typical compost pile contains a mix of food scraps, from fruit peels to eggshells, and even coffee grounds—all of which can attract scavengers. The organic waste we use to enrich our gardens can serve as an open buffet for these striped animals when left easily accessible.
To compost without luring wildlife, use a bin or tumbler with a lid to close off access. This allows you to continue your eco-friendly habits without worrying about unwanted guests.
- Bird Seed and Feeders
Feeding the birds is a lovely pastime, but spilled birdseed on the ground can have unintended consequences. Seeds that fall under feeders are prime targets for different animals, including skunks. During colder months, when natural food sources are scarcer, birdseed becomes even more appealing.
To avoid this, choose feeders designed to minimize waste and regularly clean up any seed that has fallen to the ground. Placement also matters—try avoiding areas close to known wildlife trails or covered spaces where skunks might be nesting.
- Fallen Fruits and Vegetables
A lush yard filled with fruit trees or vegetable gardens can create a strong pull for roaming animals. Overripe or fallen produce like apples, berries, and tomatoes are especially tempting. A single piece of fruit left on the ground can be enough to bring a skunk sniffing around.
To minimize this attraction, regularly pick up any fallen produce and harvest ripe fruits and vegetables as soon as possible. For gardens, consider using fencing or netting to keep animals at a distance.
- Grubs and Lawn Insects
One of the more hidden reasons skunks visit properties is their love of insects. Grubs, beetles, and worms are common yard residents and a major source of protein for skunks. If your lawn has an insect problem, you might notice small holes—skunks dig these while foraging.
To stop them from digging up your yard, address lawn pests early. Treatments to control grubs or keep soil healthy can help reduce this kind of activity.
- Leftover Barbecue or Outdoor Food
Gatherings in the backyard can unintentionally lead to visits from unwanted guests. The smell of leftover barbecue food or uncleaned grills can travel far, acting like a beacon for hungry wildlife. Similarly, spills, food scraps, or even sugary drinks left outside become immediate attractions.
Make sure to clean and store outdoor cooking equipment properly after use. Also, wipe surfaces like picnic tables if there’s been food or drink spillage.
- Pet Waste
It might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but pet waste can also lure hungry animals. Undigested food in dog or cat waste contains nutrients that are appealing to scavengers, including skunks.
A simple yet effective prevention method is cleaning up after your pets daily. Not only does this keep skunks away, but it’s also an important step in maintaining a sanitary yard.
- Dead Animals
Skunks are not just scavengers of trash—they’ll also feed on animal carcasses. A dead bird or rodent in or near your yard can quickly attract attention. While it’s part of the natural cycle, it’s not something most homeowners want to deal with.
Removing carcasses promptly and disposing of them safely can deter skunks while also preventing the spread of foul odors or pests.
- Nesting Spots Near Food Sources
Dense bushes, woodpiles, or man-made structures like sheds can create ideal hiding or nesting spots, particularly if they’re near a food source. These areas provide shelter and allow skunks to stay close to their meals, whether it’s fruit trees or compost bins.
To reduce this risk, clear away cluttered areas in your yard. Trim back dense vegetation and store firewood up off the ground. These small changes can have a big impact.
Why Do Skunks Dig Holes?
If you’ve noticed small cone-shaped holes in your lawn, it’s a sure sign these animals have been searching for grubs or insects. This behavior is linked directly to their diet—it’s their way of accessing a high-protein meal. It’s common during warmer months when lawns and gardens are rich with underground insect life. You may also find holes near potential shelter sites, like under decks or in dense foliage, as they dig to create burrows for nesting.
Best Way to Get Rid of Skunks
Now that you know what’s attracting these animals to your yard, the next step is preventing them from becoming regular visitors. The best solution is to remove what’s drawing them in and secure your property to make it less inviting. Here are some effective steps:
- Eliminate Food Sources: Bring pet food bowls inside at night, clean up fallen fruits, and ensure outdoor dining areas are spotless.
- Secure Garbage Cans: Use lids that lock or seal tightly to keep skunks from scavenging.
- Manage Compost: Cover compost piles or use bins that block access to food scraps.
- Clean Up Bird Seed: Regularly sweep up seed spills from beneath feeders.
- Remove Shelter Opportunities: Clear away woodpiles, dense vegetation, or other areas that could serve as a nesting spot.
- Address Lawn Grubs: Treat your yard for grubs or insects if digging is a persistent issue.
Why Prevention Works
While skunks can be beneficial by eating pests like insects and small rodents, they can also cause damage to your lawn and create unpleasant problems if startled. Prevention is always the best strategy. By removing the food sources and shelters that attract them, you can significantly lower the chances of them returning to your property.
Humane Wildlife Solutions in Westminster
For homeowners in Westminster dealing with persistent skunk problems, sometimes professional help is necessary. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we specialize in safe and humane solutions that respect both homeowners and the animals we work with. Our team uses one-way doors to allow skunks to leave your property on their own while ensuring they can’t return.
Understanding what skunks eat and why they may be digging holes in your yard is the first step in keeping your property free from unwanted visitors. We deliver the best way to get rid of skunks. Whether it’s securing your trash or managing outdoor food sources, small steps go a long way. If skunks are a frequent issue in your yard, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Westminster. Our services are designed to keep your yard safe and your home peaceful. Call us today to schedule an inspection!
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