If you have ever experienced getting sprayed by a skunk, you know why the smell has been compared to strong smells like tear gas. This defense mechanism that skunks have built into their bodies can leave you with their lingering presence for what seems like months. Getting rid of this smell is no joke. That’s why A-Tex Pest Management is here to share some tips to help you get rid of it as soon as possible.
Why Skunk Spray Smells So Bad
When you experience skunk spray, the smell almost punches you in the face. That’s because it has sulfur-based compounds known as thiols. The kicker is that there are also thioacetates that are dormant at first but then turn into thiols if they come in any contact with humidity or water. This is what makes the smell so horrible and long-lasting. The thioacetates kick in days after the skunking has happened.
How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell on Humans
In the unfortunate event that you get skunked, it is important that you take a shower as soon as possible to turn the thiols into sulfonic acids. This will leave you with only a slight lingering smell left behind. When washing your body, you will want to use a deodorant soap or something that cuts grease like dish soap. Your shampoo of choice should be one that is formulated for oily hair. You can also soak your body in a baking soda bath that consists of 2-4 cups of baking soda in hot water to get rid of the smell. You will need to rinse off the residue after the soak.
Solutions for Dogs Sprayed By Skunks
Pets often fall victim to a skunk. They are naturally more curious, and many pets actually hunt rodents like skunks. There is a myth out there that you should bathe your pet in tomato sauce to get rid of the smell. This does help to mask the odor, but it will not actually take it away. To completely get rid of the smell, you can mix up a homemade concoction.
– 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide
– 1 teaspoon baby shampoo or dish detergent
– ¼ baking soda
Once mixed, you lather this into your pet’s fur and let that sit for up to five minutes before rinsing. Once you have rinsed it out, you can then wash your pet’s hair with their regular shampoo. You do need to keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide can lighten your pet’s fur so don’t leave it on any longer than that.
Skunk Inspections & Removal In Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Austin Texas
If you are struggling with skunks that won’t leave your property alone, you can rely on the pros at A-Tex Pest Management to get rid of them for good. It is best that you don’t attempt to remove them on your own for fear that you will probably get sprayed. Call us today to take care of your skunk problem!