Ever catch a whiff of something distinctly…pungent around your home? A skunk setting up residence under your house isn't just a smelly nuisance; it's a potential health hazard and can lead to structural damage. Beyond the obvious odor, skunks can carry rabies and other diseases, and their digging can undermine foundations and create entry points for other unwanted critters. Ignoring the problem won't make it go away; in fact, it will likely get worse as the skunk establishes its territory and potentially raises a family.
Removing a skunk safely and humanely requires a strategic approach. You can't simply chase it out, as that may result in you, your pets, or your property getting sprayed. Knowing the right steps to take, from identifying the presence of a skunk to preventing future infestations, is crucial for protecting your home and family. This guide will walk you through a proven method for safely and effectively removing skunks from under your house, minimizing the risk to both you and the animal.
What's the Best Way to Get Rid of a Skunk Under My House and Keep It From Coming Back?
What's the most humane way to get a skunk out from under my house?
The most humane way to encourage a skunk to leave from under your house involves making the space undesirable without harming the animal, and then ensuring it can't get back in. This typically involves a combination of deterrents like bright lights, loud noises (played at a low volume), and scent repellents (citrus peels or ammonia-soaked rags) placed near the entry point, followed by sealing off the entrance once you are certain the skunk has left.
Skunks are generally docile creatures and prefer to avoid confrontation. Avoid trapping a skunk if possible, as this can cause undue stress and risk of spraying. Instead, focus on creating an environment that encourages them to relocate. The key is patience and persistence. Introduce the deterrents gradually, giving the skunk time to adjust and move on. Place the deterrents near the known entry point, but not directly inside, as you don't want to trap the skunk. Check for babies before sealing any openings, as leaving young skunks behind will result in their starvation and is inhumane. The best time to implement these methods is during the skunk's natural foraging hours – typically dusk and dawn.
Once you are confident the skunk has left (confirmed by tracking foot prints in flour sprinkled at the entry point overnight, or by observing the opening for several days with no activity), seal the entrance securely. Use sturdy materials like hardware cloth or sheet metal to prevent the skunk or other animals from re-entering. It is also wise to identify and address any other potential entry points around your house to prevent future issues. Trim bushes and vegetation around your foundation to reduce potential hiding spots for skunks and other wildlife. Consider professional wildlife removal if you are uncomfortable with any of these steps, or if the skunk is exhibiting signs of illness or aggression.
How do I seal off the entry point after the skunk is gone?
Once you're absolutely certain the skunk (and any babies!) are gone, the most important step is to permanently seal the entry point to prevent future infestations. The best method is to use sturdy materials like hardware cloth (1/4 inch mesh), sheet metal, concrete, or wood and secure them thoroughly. Make sure to dig down a foot or so to bury the barrier, preventing digging under the seal, and extend the barrier several inches beyond the hole's perimeter on all sides.
After confirming the skunk's departure, take your time to do a proper job sealing the entrance. Skunks are surprisingly strong and persistent, so a flimsy patch job won't hold up for long. Start by thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the area around the entrance to remove any lingering skunk scent, which can attract other animals. Next, carefully inspect the entire foundation or structure for any other potential entry points and seal those as well. Skunks are opportunistic and will seek out alternative routes if their preferred access is blocked. Consider the material you're using for the seal in relation to your house's construction. If you're sealing a hole in a concrete foundation, using concrete to patch the hole is ideal. For wooden structures, use pressure-treated lumber. Hardware cloth is especially versatile for sealing irregularly shaped openings and can be combined with other materials for a more robust barrier. Before fully sealing the entrance, you might consider placing some crumpled newspaper loosely inside the hole for a few days. If the newspaper remains undisturbed, it's a good indication that nothing is still inside. Finally, regularly inspect the sealed area for any signs of tampering or new digging activity, especially during skunk mating season, and address any issues promptly.What smells deter skunks from nesting under houses?
Skunks are highly sensitive to certain smells, and using these to your advantage can effectively deter them from nesting under your house. Strong, pungent odors like ammonia, citrus peels (lemon, orange, grapefruit), predator urine (dog or coyote), and mothballs are generally disliked by skunks and can encourage them to relocate.
These smells work by overwhelming the skunk's sensitive olfactory system, making the area unpleasant and signaling potential danger. Ammonia, for example, is an irritant that skunks actively avoid. Citrus peels release volatile oils that skunks find offensive, disrupting their ability to find food and navigate. Predator urine sends a clear message that the area is not safe, prompting them to seek shelter elsewhere. Mothballs contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, chemicals with strong, lingering odors that skunks typically avoid. When employing these deterrents, it's important to remember that skunks can become accustomed to smells over time. Regularly refresh the scents, and use a combination of different smells for optimal effectiveness. For example, soak rags in ammonia and place them near the entry points, scatter citrus peels around the perimeter of your house, and consider using a commercial predator urine product. Also, remember to remove any food sources that might be attracting the skunks in the first place, such as pet food or unsecured garbage. This combined approach significantly increases your chances of successfully deterring skunks from making your under-house area their new home.How long will a skunk typically stay under a house?
A skunk will typically stay under a house for a few days to several weeks, depending on the reason it's there. If it's simply seeking temporary shelter, it might only stay a few days. However, if it has found a suitable denning site for raising young, or if a readily available food source exists nearby, it could remain for several weeks or even months.
The duration of a skunk's stay often hinges on the season and the availability of resources. During the breeding season (typically late winter to early spring), a female skunk will seek out a safe and secluded place to give birth and raise her kits. Under a house can provide ideal conditions: protection from predators, stable temperatures, and darkness. In these cases, the skunk might stay for the entire denning season, which can last several months. Outside of breeding season, skunks might be attracted by readily available food sources, such as pet food, garbage, or grubs in the yard. The longer these attractants are present, the longer the skunk is likely to remain under the house. Ultimately, the best way to encourage a skunk to leave is to eliminate the factors attracting it. This includes removing food sources, sealing off potential entry points once the skunk is confirmed to be gone, and making the under-house environment less hospitable. If these measures are not taken, a skunk may decide to make itself a long-term resident, potentially causing damage and creating an unpleasant odor.Should I hire a professional to remove a skunk from under my house?
Yes, it's generally advisable to hire a professional to remove a skunk from under your house. Skunks can be aggressive, carry diseases like rabies, and their spray is incredibly unpleasant and difficult to remove. Professionals have the experience, equipment, and knowledge to safely and humanely trap and remove the skunk, as well as to prevent future infestations.
Attempting to remove a skunk yourself can lead to several problems. First and foremost, you risk being sprayed, which is a miserable experience requiring specialized cleaning products and potentially lingering for weeks. Secondly, improperly handled traps can injure the animal or cause it unnecessary stress. Furthermore, it's essential to know local regulations regarding wildlife removal and relocation, which a professional will be familiar with. Some areas prohibit relocating skunks, and violating these regulations can result in fines. A wildlife removal specialist will typically assess the situation, identify entry points, and determine the best method for removal, often using a live trap baited with food the skunk finds appealing. After the skunk is removed, they will also offer recommendations and services to seal entry points and prevent future skunk problems. This might include installing wire mesh barriers, repairing damaged foundation, or advising on landscaping modifications that discourage skunks. While hiring a professional involves a cost, it significantly reduces the risks associated with DIY skunk removal and ensures the animal is handled humanely and legally.Will mothballs or ammonia actually remove a skunk?
While mothballs and ammonia are often touted as skunk deterrents, their effectiveness is questionable and generally not recommended. While the strong odors *might* temporarily discourage a skunk, they are not a reliable long-term solution and pose potential risks to humans, pets, and the environment.
The reason mothballs and ammonia are sometimes suggested is because of their intense smell. The idea is that the strong odor will be unpleasant enough to drive the skunk away. However, skunks can often become accustomed to these smells, especially if they have already established a den under your house. Furthermore, the skunk might simply move to another, less heavily scented area under the house, rendering your efforts pointless. More importantly, prolonged exposure to mothball fumes can be harmful to humans and pets, causing respiratory problems, nausea, and other health issues. Mothballs also contain chemicals that can contaminate the soil and water. Ammonia, while perhaps less toxic than mothballs, still presents a strong irritant and isn't a humane or guaranteed solution. Instead of relying on potentially harmful and ineffective methods, focus on humane and proven strategies. These include identifying and sealing entry points to prevent future access, using bright lights and loud noises to disturb the skunk's nesting environment, and employing a one-way door to allow the skunk to leave but not re-enter. For persistent skunk problems, it is always best to consult with a professional wildlife removal service who can safely and humanely remove the animal and prevent future infestations.What are the signs that a skunk is under my house, other than smell?
Besides the obvious and pungent skunk odor, other signs that a skunk might be living under your house include digging near the foundation, especially under porches or decks; seeing a skunk entering or exiting these areas, particularly at dawn or dusk; finding scattered droppings that resemble those of a cat but often contain undigested insects or berries; and noticing disturbed mulch, overturned garbage cans (if they're accessible), or dug-up lawns near the suspected entry point.
Skunks are creatures of habit and tend to establish regular routines. If one has taken up residence under your house, you might observe a consistent pattern of activity. Pay attention to the times you see or hear the animal. Skunks are primarily nocturnal, so activity is most likely to occur at night. You might also hear scratching, rustling, or other noises emanating from beneath the house, particularly around dawn and dusk as they are most active at these times. Remember that just because you don't *see* a skunk, doesn't mean it's not there. They are good at staying hidden, especially during the day.
Animal tracks in soft soil or snow near the foundation can also be a telltale sign. Skunk tracks resemble those of a small dog or cat, but skunks have five toes on their front feet and five on their back feet, and their claw marks are usually visible. Furthermore, skunks often create pathways or trails through your yard, leaving flattened areas in the grass or dirt. These trails can lead directly to the entry point under your house, further confirming your suspicions. If you suspect a skunk but aren't certain, sprinkling a thin layer of flour near the suspected entry point can help you confirm their presence and track their movements the following morning.
Well, that's about it! Hopefully, you're now armed with the knowledge and confidence to evict those stinky squatters safely and humanely. Remember to stay patient and persistent, and before you know it, your home will be skunk-free. Thanks for reading, and good luck! Feel free to pop back anytime you need a little help around the house.