How to get rid of a skunk's spray

Striped skunk. Photo courtesy Illinois DNR.

Skunks can carry rabies, but the greatest danger is that they’ll spray you with a scent that lingers for days.

Stay away from areas where skunks might live or hang out, such as brush piles and beneath fruit trees. If you smell a skunk, move away from the area. If you see one, back away slowly.

Should you be sprayed, mix 1 quart of hydrogen per-oxide, a 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon of liquid hand soap in a bucket. Starting at the crown of the head, pour the mixture onto the sprayed child and rub it into the skin (including where there’s hair). Don’t get it in the eyes, mouth or nose, though.

Dispose of the sprayed clothes, as the scent can’t be laundered out.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.