Expert: Henry Boyter - 4/18/2004

Question
Hi,
-I'll bet this is one you've never been asked.
-One far side of my yard is backed up to a wooded area where stray cats and all sorts of animals roam.  Even though I have a fence, feral cats and an occasional dog continue to climb over and make their way through the bushes and into my yard.  I had the idea of ordering skunk essence from one of those hunting sebsites and spraying along the fence and it seems to work.  However, those little 4 ounce bottles are expensive and of course rain dilutes the odor.
-Are you aware of any foul smelling liquid that might repel these visitors and that could be made from cheap and available ingredients?
Art  

Answer
Use the commercial mix.  Other chemicals may be cheaper per unit, but you will need to buy gallons of them to get them.  Also, anything else will be harmful if you spill, breath, or get it on you.  Spilling them may also be illegal.

I think you need a higher fence.  Skunk essence is mostly going to effect the humans in the area and if you spill it, your neighbors will have your hide.