Skunks are nocturnal creatures and they’re common in suburban areas. They spray their scent whenever they feel startled or threatened. If you’ve ever had the misfortune of having a skunk spray your lawn, you know that it’s an experience you don’t want to repeat. The great news is that once you install artificial pet turf in Orlando, it’s easy to clean off skunk spray!
What Exactly Is Skunk Spray?
Skunk spray is a pungent odor that skunks produce to ward off predators. It’s not just an inconvenience for homeowners—it’s also a dangerous chemical that can cause health problems if inhaled.
The reason skunk spray is so difficult to get rid of is because it contains thiols—sulfur-containing organic compounds—that are very hard to break down. It can cause a burning sensation in the eyes and skin, and make it hard to breathe.
Skunk spray comes from glands under a skunk’s tail. It smells like rotten eggs, which makes it hard to disguise or eliminate.
Why Is It Hard to Remove Skunk Spray From Real Grass?
Skunk sprays are a pain to remove from natural grass and not just because you have to deal with the smell.
Skunk spray is so sticky and viscous that it gets into every little crevice in the grass. It also contains enzymes that break down the protein structure of turf. That means you can’t just hose off your lawn—you have to actually use some sort of chemical treatment to remove it.
Skunk spray also has an extremely strong odor that can last for days. This means that you’ll have to deal with the smell of skunk spray every time you mow your lawn, which can be pretty unpleasant.
Is Artificial Grass Skunk Resistant?
Yes, it is! Compared to natural grass, artificial pet turf in Orlando can stand up better to skunk spray. Here’s why:
Doesn’t Absorb Moisture
Natural grass is susceptible to skunk sprays because it absorbs water and other fluids well. Artificial grass, on the other hand, is made of synthetic fibers that do not absorb water moisture. Any liquid that hits it automatically slides down to its drainage system.
Doesn’t Have Dirt
Synthetic grass covers the ground completely. That means the stinky smell will just evaporate into the air instead of sticking around to make your yard smell like an overgrown litter box.
Doesn’t Attract Skunks
Plants, including natural grass, have oils that are appealing to skunks. It’s one of the reasons why these mammals explore gardens and natural lawns. Synthetic turf doesn’t produce these oils, so it’s not as attractive to skunks.
Aside from being skunk resistant, synthetic turf is also versatile. You can use it to create various applications, like pet runs, gardens and even putting greens in Orlando.
How to Remove Skunk Spray From Artificial Grass
Skunk spray can be quite a nuisance, but it’s easy to remove from artificial grass. Just follow these steps:
Stay Outside
Make sure you’re outside when you’re trying to remove skunk spray from artificial grass because it’s going to stink up your house.
Hose Off as Much as You Can
If you’ve got a hose, use the water pressure to blast off as much of the skunk spray as possible from your artificial grass. If there’s still some left on there, move on to the next step.
Neutralize the Skunk Spray
Soak the sticky area with equal parts vinegar and water for 30 minutes or more to neutralize the strong odor. You can also use tomato juice, though this only works for small spots.
Remove the Neutralizer
Once you’re done soaking your turf, rinse off the vinegar or tomato juice with water. You can use warm water to remove oily dregs faster.
Scrub the Turf
Then, get rid of any stubborn residue with a stiff-bristled brush. Don’t use a metal brush because it can damage the turf. If there is still a lingering smell after you’ve scrubbed the stinky spot, repeat the two previous steps.
Rinse and Dry
Once you’ve rinsed off all traces of vinegar, dry off the area with a towel or cloth. This will help ensure that nothing gets trapped in between the artificial grass fiber blades (this can cause mold growth).
Make Skunk Spray Cleanups Easier With the Help of an Artificial Grass Expert in Orlando
If you want to get rid of skunk spray from artificial grass or want to install synthetic turf in your yard to make it more skunk resistant, we can help.
Here at Orlando Artificial Grass Pros, we’ve installed artificial grass in thousands of yards across the country. We can install it in yours too.
We can even help you landscape your front or backyard. Check out this article learn about some of the unique designs we can carry out. Complete our contact form today to schedule a consultation!