Skunks are quiet, nocturnal creatures that most homeowners don’t notice, until there’s a problem. One of the most common issues we encounter at Dog Gone Wildlife is skunks digging and nesting under porches, decks, and sheds. These spaces may seem like an odd choice to you, but to a skunk, they’re the perfect home.
In this post, we’ll explain why skunks are attracted to these sheltered areas, the risks they pose to your home and family, and what you can do to stop them, safely and humanely.
Why Do Skunks Nest Under Structures?
Skunks are always on the lookout for dark, quiet, and protected areas to build a den; especially during spring and summer, when females are raising young. Structures like porches, sheds, and decks offer everything they’re looking for:
Shelter from Weather and Predators
The enclosed, shaded space beneath a structure protects skunks from rain, heat, and predators like foxes or coyotes.
Low Human Activity
These areas are usually undisturbed, giving skunks a sense of safety, especially at night when they’re most active.
Easy Digging Access
Skunks are strong diggers, and loose or soft soil around a foundation makes it easy for them to dig under or even create burrow entrances.
Proximity to Food Sources
If your yard offers food: pet dishes left out, garbage cans, fallen fruit, compost, or insects, skunks are even more likely to stick around.
The Problems Skunks Can Cause
While skunks don’t usually go looking for trouble, their presence under your porch or shed can lead to some serious issues:
Spraying
If a skunk feels threatened, by a pet, a person, or even a loud noise, it may spray. That unmistakable smell can linger for days and be extremely difficult to remove from clothes, furniture, or pets.
Property Damage
Skunks can undermine concrete slabs or wooden supports by burrowing. Their digging can create holes and weak spots around your home.
Health Risks
Skunks are known carriers of diseases like rabies and leptospirosis. Their presence increases the risk of exposure for both people and pets.
Pet Conflicts
Curious pets often try to investigate burrows, leading to spraying, biting, or scratching incidents that may require a vet visit.
How to Stop Skunks from Digging Under Structures
If you suspect a skunk is living under your deck or shed, it’s important to address the situation promptly and safely. Here’s how:
1. Don’t Try to Trap or Scare It Away Yourself
Skunks are protected by wildlife laws in many areas, and attempting to trap or relocate one on your own can backfire: literally. A frightened skunk is likely to spray, and improper handling can harm the animal or separate it from its young.
2. Contact a Wildlife Removal Professional
At Dog Gone Wildlife, we specialize in humane skunk removal. We’ll assess your property, safely remove the animal, and ensure that any young are cared for appropriately.
3. Install a Skunk Barrier or Dig-Proof Fence
Once the skunk has been removed, we recommend sealing off the area with a physical barrier. This typically involves digging a trench around the structure and installing hardware cloth (a strong wire mesh) in an “L” shape that prevents re-entry.
4. Eliminate Attractants
- Keep pet food indoors
- Secure garbage with tight-fitting lids
- Harvest garden produce promptly
- Treat your lawn for grubs and insects (a favorite food source for skunks)
5. Use Deterrents with Caution
Natural deterrents like motion-activated lights or sprinklers may discourage skunks, but they’re most effective when combined with exclusion and habitat modification. Strong-smelling substances like ammonia or citrus peels can also be used near entrances, but never seal a burrow until you’re sure it’s empty.
Keep Your Home Skunk-Free with Dog Gone Wildlife
Skunks under your porch or shed aren’t just a nuisance; they’re a potential hazard to your family, pets, and property. Don’t wait for the problem to get worse or try to handle it yourself. Dog Gone Wildlife provides 24/7 humane skunk removal services across the greater Columbus, Ohio area, including Westerville, Powell, Upper Arlington, and surrounding communities.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward a skunk-free home: because when it comes to unwanted wildlife, we do the dirty work so you don’t have to.