there was a surfeit of very respectable mephitine persons somewhere i once lived. they would walk the perimeter of the property. they were very good neighbours. a real good 'you mind your business, I'll mind mine', looking out for one another from afar, friends-from-a-distance situation. great people. .. I've also been harrassed by a gang of miscreant skunks. followed, cut off, even trapped alone on a dark street at night between sects of their devious roving gang .. hopefully, the latter changed their bully ways, learned to chill, and are more like the awesome former.
anyway, i'd wanted to share some helpful tips, but i couldn't find the info on de-skonking i thought i had. so i looked some up.
{for a 'liquid soap / detergent', I'd revommend Dr. Bronner castile (unscented for use on dogs, cats, human children, and any other sensitivity-aware companion). might need to use less castile than called for}.
first up, to deter (with link to remove odors), Bob Vila --
How To: Get Rid of a Skunk - https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-a-skunk/
this link gives a bit of info on the substance of the smell, as well as how to remediate --
How to Remove and Deodorize Skunk Spray-House Cleaning and Stain Removal Tips - https://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/odor-removal/homemade-skunk-odor-removal.html
this one is a bit more informative on the skunkies, and addresses deterring their presence {please note that skunks are considered a vector species; in many places, there are laws necessitating a particular kind of training and certification to handle and/or transport skunks (bats and raccoons, oftentimes, too), so if you don't need a reason for l.e. to be in your business, consider being aware of the rules where you are} --
How To Get Rid of Skunks (Natural, Non- Lethal Methods - Predator Guard - Predator Deterrents and Repellents - https://www.predatorguard.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-skunks-natural-non-lethal
more of the same: some info, how to deter, how to deal if affected by spray smell --
11 Natural and Safe Ways to Get Rid of Skunks from Your Properties - https://www.welllivingideas.com/11-natural-and-safe-ways-to-get-rid-of-skunks-from-your-properties/
need to leave wifi soon, didn't find a skunk-specific page on this particular site, yet, but wanted to add a link from it anyway (it amused me, the juxtaposition); this link mildly explains baking soda, which is recommended in most odor remediation methods I've come across --
Why Does Baking Soda Absorb Odor? - https://www.marthastewart.com/7841356/baking-soda-absorb-odor-facts
caveats: be safe. be careful. be kind to all the people (specifically, the skunks). the links above are mainstream, home-privilege types, but the science still holds. as for the more home-having-specific aspects of the methods, i'd think the clever 'mother of invention'-inspired, and the more experienced, have found / would find ways to get around that. (i was homed the last time i personally actively participated in helping a sprayed friend, best i recall atm; more recently, i offered advice and support to friend when their dog bothered a skunk, but they were homed at the time).
hope we all stay unthreatened and stench-free.
~peace~
