[log in to unmask]
+++++
 
You wrote
> skunks are cleaning up my yards. I
>hate poisoning the little things I've heard of using chocolate exlax as a
>negitive conditioning. Anybody have any experience with this or any
>other non lethal deterent.
 
I have used thin boards (.25" plywood, cedar shingles, etc.) with 1.5 or 2"
nails driven through them then laid around the entrance of the hives with
the sharp protruding nails upwards.  It was effective enough to convince the
skunks to visit other hives for their snacks.  Eventually when most
peripheral hives had the boards the skunks stopped bothering my apiary.  I
do not think the skunks were even hurt for I never detected their alarm odor
as I have when they encountered an electric fence..
 
george fielder