How To Get Rid Of Skunk Under My House
How To Get Rid Of Skunk Under My House: A Gentle and Effective Guide
Oh no. You smelled it, didn't you? That unmistakable, pungent odor that screams one thing: you have an unwelcome, striped visitor living just a little too close for comfort. Discovering a skunk has taken up residence beneath your home can be stressful, but don't panic! Getting rid of skunks under the house is absolutely possible, and often achievable without harmful chemicals or messy confrontation.
We're going to walk you through the safest, most humane, and most effective strategies for how to get rid of skunk under my house for good. Remember, the goal isn't to harm the skunk; it's simply to encourage them to pack their bags and find a new home elsewhere.
Identifying Your Skunk Problem (And Why They Love Your House)
The smell is usually the most obvious clue. However, skunks are nocturnal, meaning you might not see them until they've already moved in. They seek out dark, dry, and protected spaces, especially during winter or breeding seasons.
Why do they choose your crawl space or deck? They are looking for shelter, safety from predators (like coyotes), and a potential spot to raise a family. If you have open foundation vents or gaps in your skirting, it's an open invitation.
Look for these telltale signs that confirm you have a skunk:
- The Smell: While they don't spray constantly, the lingering musk odor is unmistakable, especially near dusk or dawn.
- Small Digging Marks: Skunks forage for grubs and insects, leaving tiny, cone-shaped holes or shallow divots in your yard or lawn.
- Tracks: Skunk tracks show five toes with long claws on both front and rear feet. They are often wider than they are long.
- Feces: Skunk droppings are often found near feeding areas and may contain insect parts or berry seeds.
The Golden Rule: Wait Until They Leave (Eviction Strategy)
Before you seal any entry points, you must be 100% sure the skunk is not currently under your house. Sealing them in means they will either die (leading to a horrible odor you can never forget) or they will panic and spray repeatedly trying to get out.
A great way to confirm if the den is currently vacant is by using the "flour test." Lightly dust the entrance of the den or burrow with flour just before dusk. If the skunk exits, you will see paw prints leading away in the morning. If you don't see any prints for two to three nights in a row, it's likely safe to proceed with exclusion.
A Critical Exception: Baby Skunks. If it is spring or early summer, there is a high chance of kits (baby skunks) being present. Kits are not mobile until they are 6-8 weeks old. If you seal the entrance while kits are inside, the mother will cause extensive damage trying to get back to them. If you suspect kits, call a professional wildlife removal specialist immediately.
Safe & Humane Deterrents to Encourage Skunk Removal
Skunks hate bright lights, loud noises, and strong, irritating odors. Since they are nocturnal, disrupting their sleep cycle and making their den uncomfortable is often the simplest way to encourage them to leave.
Implement these gentle deterrents for a few nights while you wait for the skunk to exit.
Odor-Based Deterrents
Skunks rely heavily on their sense of smell. Introducing strong, foreign smells can make their current location feel unsafe or unappetizing.
- Ammonia Soaked Rags: Place rags or old towels soaked in ammonia inside coffee cans and push them gently near the den entrance. Ammonia smells like the urine of potential predators.
- Citrus Peels: Skunks dislike citrus. Scatter lemon, orange, or grapefruit peels around the perimeter of the den.
- Predator Urine: Fox or coyote urine granules (available at garden centers) can be scattered around the area to signal danger.
Remember to refresh these deterrents daily, especially after rain.
Physical and Light-Based Deterrents
Since skunks seek dark, quiet spaces, turning their world upside down with light and noise is highly effective.
- Motion Sensor Lights: Place bright, battery-powered motion sensor lights facing the den entrance. When the skunk tries to exit or return at night, the sudden burst of light will startle and confuse it.
- Radio Noise: Place a small, battery-operated radio near the entrance tuned to a talk radio station. Human voices are unsettling to wildlife.
- Vibration: If you can safely access the space, placing a small fan or even a shop vac (running occasionally) can create irritating vibrations that make the area undesirable.
When and How To Get Rid Of Skunk Under My House Using Traps (Caution!)
Trapping should generally be reserved as a last resort because it carries significant risk—primarily, getting sprayed! Furthermore, many states require special permits to trap and relocate wildlife. Always check your local laws before attempting to trap any animal.
If you absolutely must trap the skunk, you must use a humane live trap, and the process requires extreme caution to avoid confrontation.
Choosing the Right Trap
The best traps for skunks are solid-sided live traps. Unlike wire cages, solid-sided traps prevent the skunk from seeing you or its surroundings, which significantly reduces the likelihood of it spraying. Skunks typically only spray what they can see or if they feel physically threatened.
Bait the trap with foods skunks love, such as peanut butter, canned cat food, or crushed cornflakes. Place the trap directly in the path of the den entrance.
What to Do After Trapping
If you successfully trap a skunk, congratulations! Now comes the tricky part. You must cover the trap immediately using a heavy blanket or tarp while keeping a safe distance. This dark environment calms the skunk.
Once covered, carefully lift the trap (keeping it low to the ground to avoid startling the skunk) and move it to a safe relocation site, ideally several miles away and in compliance with your local wildlife regulations. If this sounds too risky, please call a professional removal service to handle the relocation.
Preventing Future Skunk Encounters
Once you are certain the skunk is gone, it's time for critical preventative measures. Sealing up the entrance without deterring the skunk first is pointless; they will just dig a new way in.
The key to permanent skunk removal is making your home unattractive.
- Seal All Access Points: Use heavy-gauge wire mesh (hardware cloth) to cover all foundation vents, gaps under sheds, and any holes around pipes leading into the crawl space. Bury the mesh 12-18 inches deep and bend the bottom outward in an L-shape to prevent digging.
- Secure Food Sources: Skunks are attracted by easy meals. Bring pet food inside at night, secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids or bungee cords, and clean up any fallen fruit from trees immediately.
- Eliminate Water Sources: Repair leaky faucets or hoses that create puddles, as skunks need water to thrive.
- Treat for Grubs: Since skunks often dig for grubs, treating your lawn with a grub control product can remove their main food source in your yard.
By taking these steps, you remove the incentives for the skunks to return, ensuring your home remains a skunk-free zone.
Conclusion
Learning how to get rid of skunk under my house requires patience and a humane strategy. The most important lesson is exclusion: confirm the skunk is out, utilize strong deterrents like light and noise to push them away, and then seal off all potential entry points using robust materials like hardware cloth.
If the problem persists, or if you suspect you have a litter of kits, please prioritize safety and call a licensed wildlife professional. Taking thoughtful, proactive steps will ensure you regain control of your crawl space without ever having to experience that infamous skunk spray firsthand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skunk Removal (FAQ)
- Can I just ignore the skunk, and will it eventually leave?
- While a skunk might leave for a few days, if they have established a den—especially if they are protecting kits—they are likely to stay as long as the space is safe and food is available. Ignoring them increases the risk of them spraying near your foundation.
- What is the best way to clean up skunk spray smell?
- Forget tomato juice! The most effective formula is a mix of 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Apply this solution (do not store it) to the affected area or pet, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and rinse thoroughly. For house structure odors, airing out and using ozone generators or specialized enzyme cleaners may be required.
- Are skunks dangerous or likely to carry diseases?
- Skunks are generally docile and non-aggressive. They prefer to flee or threaten with their feet before spraying. However, they are known carriers of rabies, so never approach or handle a skunk that appears tame, disoriented, or overly aggressive. If bitten or scratched, seek medical attention immediately.
- How much does it cost to hire professional skunk removal?
- Costs vary widely based on location and the complexity of the job. Generally, professional wildlife removal can cost between $150 to $500 for inspection and initial removal, with additional costs for exclusion work (sealing up entry points), which may add another $300 to $1,000 depending on the damage.
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