There’s nothing quite like that unmistakable smell; a skunk has made its presence known. But what happens when you catch a whiff of that strong, musky odor and can’t see a skunk anywhere nearby? If this happens around your home or business, it may be more than just a passing nuisance.
At Dog Gone Wildlife, we help Central Ohio homeowners and property managers deal with skunk problems safely and humanely. In this post, we’ll explain what a persistent skunk odor might mean, signs that a skunk could be living nearby, and when it’s time to call a professional for removal.
What That Smell Might Be Telling You
A skunk’s spray is meant as a defense mechanism, but when you smell it without seeing the animal, it’s often a sign of one of the following:
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A Nearby Skunk Spray Incident
A skunk may have sprayed a pet, predator, or another threat nearby; possibly overnight. The odor can travel hundreds of feet and linger for days, especially in cold or damp weather.
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A Skunk Is Denning on Your Property
If the smell lingers for more than a day or two and seems strongest near a specific area (like under your porch or shed), it may mean a skunk has taken up residence. This is common in winter and early spring when skunks seek warm, quiet shelter.
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A Pet or Wild Animal Encountered a Skunk
If you have outdoor pets, they may have had a run-in with a skunk without you realizing it right away. Check your pets for odor or signs of agitation.
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A Deceased Skunk
In rare cases, the smell might come from a skunk that died on or near your property after being hit by a car or attacked by another animal. The decomposition, combined with residual spray, can create a strong and persistent odor.
Signs a Skunk May Be Living Nearby
If you smell skunk frequently or notice any of the following signs, there may be a den on your property:
- Holes dug near foundations, porches, or sheds (typically 4–6 inches in diameter)
- Tracks in mud or snow, with five distinct toes on each foot
- Flattened grass or dirt paths near fencing or structures
- Pet agitation near certain areas (dogs sniffing or barking under decks)
- Consistent odor in one area, especially during the night or early morning hours
Skunks are nocturnal, so you may not see them during the day, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t active at night.
Why It’s Important Not to Ignore the Smell
While it might be tempting to assume the smell will go away on its own, a persistent skunk odor may point to an ongoing issue that can quickly escalate:
- Skunks may spray again if threatened or startled
- Burrowing under your home or business can weaken structures and allow other animals to move in
- Skunks can carry diseases such as rabies and leptospirosis, which can affect people and pets
- Spray odor can seep into HVAC systems, insulation, or interior spaces if the animal is close to your foundation
What to Do Next
If you smell a skunk but can’t see it, here’s what you should do:
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Stay Calm and Keep Pets Inside
Reduce the chance of a direct encounter or spraying.
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Walk the Property During Daylight
Look for signs of digging or possible entry points under porches, sheds, or decks.
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Avoid DIY Traps or Repellents
Attempting to trap a skunk yourself can lead to spraying or injury and may be illegal in some areas.
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Call a Wildlife Removal Professional
At Dog Gone Wildlife, we offer humane skunk removal, inspections, and exclusion services. We’ll identify the source of the smell, confirm if a skunk is living nearby, and safely remove it using proven, humane methods.
Preventing Future Skunk Problems
Once the skunk is removed, we’ll help you:
- Seal off access under decks or sheds with buried barriers
- Clean up odor using safe, effective methods
- Recommend changes to your yard or trash storage to make it less appealing to skunks
Call Dog Gone Wildlife, We’ll Do the Dirty Work
If you’ve been catching that telltale skunk smell but can’t spot the source, it’s time to take action. Don’t wait for a surprise encounter or property damage. Let the experts at Dog Gone Wildlife locate and remove the problem—humanely, legally, and safely.
We proudly serve homeowners and businesses throughout Columbus, Westerville, Powell, Upper Arlington, and surrounding areas.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection and reclaim your property from unwanted wildlife!