Just to add another 2 cents to the skunk debate.....find that placing
wall-to-wall carpet tacking strips in front of the hive or nailing then just
on the entrance discourages skunks.  When they go to approach the hive or
scratch at the entrance to entice the guard bees to come out to investigate
(and be eaten) they hurt their tender feet and go away.
 
Faith Andrews Bedford
Ivy VA and Tampa