Skunks, though cute, are the last guests you’d want on your artificial grass lawn. If they’re startled or annoyed by your kids, dog, or anything else, they’ll immediately spray. Their infamous spray can launch as quickly as 10 feet and leave an awful smell. So, what if it gets on the grass? Will it stink forever? Fortunately, there are steps you can take to clean the turf and sanitize your artificial turf grass.

Skunks are naturally shy and usually nocturnal, coming out at dawn to eat insects, plants, mice, and more. They spray their odors during mating season, which occurs in January and March. When frightened, they spray and leave behind an odor that’s hard to remove from your artificial turf lawn. No one wants to sit outside when that smell persists or covers your grass.

Removing a skunk odor from your artificial turf grass doesn’t have to be a hassle. You can use items you already have at home or purchase specialized products designed to eliminate skunk odor from artificial turf grass.

Follow these steps to help secure your home and practice some skunk-free resistance:

• Close any holes, vents, and other openings that might provide access beneath your home, deck, or shed. Also, look for any evidence of digging, as skunks have long nails that enable them to dig. However, if you suspect that you already have a skunk in your home, you may need to call a professional wildlife removal specialist as soon as possible.
• Crosscheck and ensure that your garbage can has a very tight lid.
• DO NOT feed your pets outside, as they may smell the food you gave them and become attracted to it.
• Take in your pet’s water at night.

And a friendly reminder from the Nice Backyard Team—always keeps that de-skunking recipe handy. With it, you can definitely prepare for their mating season when January arrives. Hopefully, you won’t have to worry about that unpleasant odor from them on your artificial turf grass.