Popular household remedy for keeping skunks away dismissed as myth by wildlife expert

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. Yet wildlife experts say the popular household hack is more a myth than a proven solution.Some homeowners claim the soap's strong scent can help discourage skunks from lingering near flower beds, garbage cans and other areas around the home.

The popular DIY method typically involves placing chunks of soap or grated pieces in mesh bags around a property, particularly in spots where skunks have been seen.WORLD’S OLDEST KNOWN LAND ANIMAL ALIVE AFTER VIRAL DEATH HOAX FOOLS THOUSANDSFlorida-based wildlife expert Ned Bruha, president of The Wildlife Whisperer, said homeowners should be skeptical of such claims."Irish Spring soap, mint, essential oils, mothballs and other alleged wildlife deterrents are simply wives tales and snake oil," Bruha told Fox News Digital."

If they worked, after 27 years in business, I would certainly be using them."Skunks are common throughout much of North America and are known for digging beneath decks, sheds, sidewalks and other structures in search of shelter.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERBruha said preventing access to those areas is one of the most effective ways to keep skunks from settling on a property."

Physical alterations to keep skunks out, landscape modifications and repairs are long-term solutions," he said.CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES"Skunks are very tenacious. If you leave an inch, they will dig voraciously and bypass alterations 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.Bruha said homeowners are better off focusing on practical prevention measures, including securing trash, removing food sources and sealing potential animal de