Skunk Damage Control Quackery?

We at Wildlife Damage Control see various techniques that are supposed to work to control wildlife damage. Here are some techniques we have heard to control skunks that we consider less than efficacious.

Unfortunately, people think that if they perform action "X" and something happens, then they believe that action "X" caused the result. This is the fallacy of the false cause. Sort of like thinking that if you have a headache and smash your hand against a wall and voila the headache disappears. Now technique "X" may in fact work. But it takes time and evidence to show that there is a causal relationship. For information on harassment visit harassement.

Castor Oil Technique

On March 3, 2000, Laura Simon wrote a commentary piece published in the
Connecticut Post. In it she states,

"If you must evict skunks, push ammonia-sprinkled rags under the shed or spray a mix of 8 oz dish detergent, 8 oz castor oil and 1 gallon water around it. Stuff newspaper in the entry hole to determine if the den has been vacated--if animals are the still present the paper will be pushed out within 24 hours."

Now I don't know if her words were edited. Perhaps she had more written but the extra information got cut out. But I must say, if this is in fact what she believes, I would like to know what evidence she has for its validity. Unfortunately, I haven't found anyone willing to answer the scrutiny of my questions even though I asked on an e-mail list-serv that she is a subscriber too.

Animal Control Quackery Index Page

5/27/02

Disclaimer: WDC seeks to provide accurate, effective and responsible information on resolving human/wildlife conflicts. We welcome suggestions, criticisms to help us achieve this goal. The information provided is for informational purposes only and users of the information use it at their own risk. The reader must consult state/federal officials to determine the legality of any technique in the reader's locale. Some techniques are dangerous to the user and to others. WDC encourages readers to obtain appropriate training (see our informational literature at our Store ), and understand that proper animal damage control involves patience, understanding that not every technique/method works for every situation or even 100% of the time. Your use of this information is governed by this understanding. We welcome potential users of the information and photos to simply ask for permission via e-mail. Finally, WDC welcomes e-mail but understand that all e-mails become property of Wildlife Damage Control.