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Irish Spring soap, known for its fresh scent, is often recommended online (in blog posts, social media exchanges, and elsewhere) as a way to repel skunks. However, wildlife experts say the popular household trick is more of a myth than a proven solution.
Some homeowners claim that the strong scent of soap can help deter skunks from staying near flower beds, trash cans, and other areas of the home.
The popular DIY method usually involves placing soap chunks or grated pieces in mesh bags around a property, particularly in places where skunks have been seen.
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Florida-based wildlife expert Ned Bruha, president of The Wildlife Whisperer, said landowners should be skeptical of such claims.
“Irish Spring's soap, peppermint, essential oils, mothballs and other supposed wildlife deterrents are simply wives tales and snake oil,” Bruha told Fox News Digital.
Placing chunks of fresh-smelling Irish Spring soap around the perimeter of a home is often promoted online as a way to repel skunks, but experts say there is little evidence that the method works. (iStock)
“If they worked, after 27 years in business, I would certainly use them.”
Skunks are common across much of North America and are known to dig under decks, sheds, sidewalks, and other structures in search of shelter.
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Bruha said preventing access to those areas is one of the most effective ways to prevent skunks from establishing themselves on a property.
“Physical modifications to keep skunks out, landscaping modifications and repairs are long-term solutions,” he said.
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“Skunks are very tenacious. If you give them even an inch, they will voraciously dig and avoid disturbances so they can live under your house, shed, sidewalk, air conditioner, deck and other places.”
Many online guides suggest that strongly scented products can help repel skunks by masking odors that attract them, such as food scraps, insects, and other potential food sources.
Irish Spring soap, peppermint, essential oils, mothballs and other supposed wildlife deterrents are ineffective remedies for keeping skunks away, wildlife professionals say. (Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Bruha said it's best for owners to focus on practical prevention measures, including securing trash, eliminating food sources and sealing off potential animal den areas.
He also cautioned against assuming that trapping or relocating a skunk will solve the problem permanently.
“Repeatedly trapping, killing or relocating self-replenishing 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 particularly challenging because young skunks, known as kits, are beginning to emerge.
“The little skunks, called pups, are running around this time of year,” he said. “They don't fall into traps.”
Skunks often take shelter under decks, sheds, and other structures, making exclusion one of the most effective deterrents. (iStock)
Bruha said removing an adult skunk can sometimes create a new problem if orphaned offspring remain.
“Orphaned skunk cubs are left behind, the weaker ones die and the stronger ones often eat their dead brothers and sisters,” he said.
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Irish Spring soap “burst onto the scene more than 50 years ago, beginning with bar soap in the 1970s,” says Colgate-Palmolive Company, which owns the brand, on its website. “Since then, it has been a beacon of freshness and, in 2007, expanded its line to include body washes.”
