Skunks Under the Deck? Here’s What to Do (and What Not to Do)

Imagine it’s a nice summer night, you go out to enjoy your deck, only to be hit with the overwhelming smell of skunk. It’s more common than you might think! Skunks will nest underneath decks, sheds, and porches in the suburban areas of Westchester County, and when they decide to settle down in your yard, they will spray around your property to mark their territory. This blog will cover what attracts skunks, the common signs, what to do if you notice a skunk problem, and how professionals like Westchester Wildlife can solve your skunk problem safely and carefully.

Why Skunks Choose Decks and Sheds in Westchester

Skunks are nocturnal, reclusive critters that are drawn to dark, warm areas, preferably close to the ground, where they can dig out their dens. Underneath your deck, shed, or porch therefore provides the perfect habitat for skunks. If your yard is littered with dead leaves and wood piles, this can provide skunks with extra cover, as well as attract insects for skunks to eat. Unsealed crawl spaces can also let skunks inside, providing another source of shelter. If you leave bowls of pet food out, these can also attract skunks to your property. Much of the Westchester suburbs are close to the edge of forests, which can make it a hotspot of wildlife activity.

Signs There’s a Skunk on Your Property

Skunk spray odor: often in the yard or underneath the home
Visible burrows or disturbed soil around deck or shed: skunks dig underground to nest and find grubs to eat
Nocturnal rustling sounds: skunks are more active at night, so you might hear them moving around under your house
Pet agitation or recent outdoor skunk encounter: if your dog is acting upset or comes in smelling like skunk, they most likely found the den in your yard.

What NOT to Do if You Suspect a Skunk

Don’t try to block the den entrance, as you might accidentally trap a mother skunk inside with her babies. The only thing that smells worse than a skunk spray is a dead skunk. Don’t attempt to scare the skunk out, as they can spray when frightened, and may lash out with claws and teeth. Don’t use poison or repellents, as they are inhumane, ineffective, and often illegal. The number one thing you should NOT do if you have a skunk problem is ignore it, as the problem can get worse if left unaddressed.

What You SHOULD Do Instead

Instead of trying to remove the critter under your deck, you should observe from a distance, noting the time of activity and where the entry points are. Then, call a professional like Westchester Wildlife for safe, humane skunk trapping and removal services. Our first step will be scheduling an inspection, so we can determine if the skunk has babies and how to proceed. Next we remove the skunks, perform exclusion work, and repair any damage done, ensuring they don’t come back.

Preventing Future Skunk Problems

The best way to prevent future skunk problems is to call Westchester Wildlife for professional exclusion services. We will bury hardware cloth around decks and sheds to prevent skunks from digging underneath them. You can also secure trash cans, compost piles, and bowls of pet food to limit their food sources, and remove yard debris and wood piles to limit their shelter.

Why Choose Westchester Wildlife

Westchester Wildlife is the best skunk trapping and removal company in the Westchester County area. Our team has years of experience removing skunks from homes in Westchester, so you can count on us getting the job done right. All our wildlife removal practices are safe and humane, ensuring a safe environment for your home without harming the animal in any way. Our services go beyond removal, we also offer cleanup and exclusion services to get your home back in shape and protect it from more wildlife problems in the future. Contact us today to get started with a FREE estimate at 800-273-6673!

800.273.6673

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