Using Irish Spring soap as a way to repel skunks is a myth, says a wildlife expert
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Irish Spring soap, known for its fresh scent, is often touted online — in blog posts, social media exchanges and elsewhere — as a way to repel skunks. Yet wildlife experts say the popular home hack is more of a myth than a proven solution.
Some homeowners say that the strong smell of soap can help discourage skunks from living near flower beds, garbage cans and other areas around the home.
A popular DIY method often involves placing soap bars or shredded pieces in plastic bags around the area, especially in areas where skunks have been spotted.
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Florida-based wildlife expert Ned Bruha, president of the Wildlife Whisperer, said homeowners should question the allegations.
“Irish Spring soap, mint, essential oils, mothballs and other claims to deter wildlife are wives tales and snake oil,” Bruha told Fox News Digital.
Placing bars of fresh-scented Irish Spring soap around the perimeter of the home is often touted online as a way to repel skunks — but experts say there’s little evidence the method works. (Stock)
“If they were working, after 27 years of working, I would be using them.”
Skunks are common throughout North America and are known to burrow under decks, sheds, sidewalks and other structures in search of shelter.
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Bruha said restricting access to those areas is one of the most effective ways to keep skunks out of the area.
“Physical modification to keep skunks at bay, environmental modification and maintenance are long-term solutions,” he said.
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“Skunks are tenacious. If you leave an inch, they will dig badly and not be modified so they can live under your house, shed, sidewalk, air conditioner, porch 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.
Irish Spring soap, mint, essential oils, mothballs and other suspected wildlife deterrents are ineffective remedies to keep skunks away, wildlife experts say. (Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Bruha said homeowners are better off focusing on effective preventative measures, including securing trash, removing food sources and sealing off potential animal dens.
He also cautioned against assuming that trapping or moving the skunk will permanently solve the problem.
“Trapping, killing or transporting self-filling skunks is as useless as an ashtray on a motorcycle,” Bruha said.
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The wildlife expert noted that spring and early summer can be especially challenging because the young skunks, known as kits, are starting to emerge.
“Little skunk babies, called kits, are running everywhere this time of year,” he said. “They don’t fall into the trap.”
Skunks often take shelter under decks, sheds and other structures, making exclusion one of the most effective deterrents. (Stock)
Bruha said removing an adult skunk can sometimes create a new problem if orphaned resources are left behind.
“Orphaned swords remain, the weak die and the strong often eat their dead brothers and sisters,” he said.
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Irish Spring soap “burst onto the scene 50 years ago, starting with bar soap in the 1970s,” says Colgate-Palmolive Company, which owns the brand, on its website. “Since then, it’s been a beacon of rejuvenation, and in 2007, it expanded its program to include body wash.”
