As winter turns to spring in Southern Wisconsin, it’s not just flowers and birds that start to emerge. Skunks, known for their distinctive odor and nocturnal habits, become increasingly active this time of year—and one of their favorite spots to settle down is right under your deck or porch.
Skunks are primarily looking for quiet, dark, and protected places to create their dens, especially during the spring birthing season. If you’ve noticed digging around your home’s foundation or caught a whiff of that unmistakable skunk spray, it might be time to take action before a temporary visitor becomes a long-term problem.
Why Skunks Choose Decks for Dens
Decks, porches, and sheds offer skunks exactly what they need: shelter from the weather, protection from predators, and access to nearby food sources. They can easily dig a shallow hole to slip underneath, where they remain mostly hidden from sight. In spring, female skunks are looking for a safe place to have and raise their young, which makes undisturbed areas around your home especially attractive.
Unfortunately, having a skunk den under your deck isn’t just inconvenient—it can also lead to property damage, health concerns, and of course, the risk of you or your pets getting sprayed.
Signs a Skunk May Be Living Under Your Deck
It’s not always obvious that a skunk has moved in, but here are some common signs to look for:
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Small, shallow holes or disturbed soil near the edges of your deck or foundation
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A musky, persistent odor, especially at night
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Scratching or digging sounds at dusk or after dark
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Skunk droppings or tracks around your yard or garden
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Pets showing unusual interest in one area of the yard
Skunks are most active during the evening and early morning hours, so sightings may be rare. Still, if you’re seeing or smelling any of these clues, it’s time to investigate further.
How to Prevent Skunks from Denning on Your Property
The good news is that there are several effective and humane steps you can take to make your yard less appealing to skunks this spring.
Seal Off Access Points
Skunks are excellent diggers. If your deck or shed has open space underneath, consider installing an L-shaped exclusion barrier (a type of buried wire mesh) to block entry. Just make sure no animals are currently living underneath before sealing it off.
Remove Food Sources
Skunks are omnivores and will eat just about anything. Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids, avoid leaving pet food outside, and clean up fallen birdseed or fruit. Compost piles and gardens can also attract skunks, so use fencing or barriers where possible.
Keep Your Yard Clean and Trimmed
Skunks prefer areas with thick cover where they can hide. Keeping your grass cut and trimming back overgrown shrubs or brush can make your yard less inviting.
Use Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers
Since skunks are nocturnal and shy away from light and disturbance, installing motion-activated devices can help deter them from nesting near your home.
What to Do if a Skunk Is Already There
If you suspect a skunk has already taken up residence under your deck, it’s important not to try to remove it yourself. Skunks can become aggressive if they feel cornered—especially if they have young—and will use their spray as a defense mechanism. Attempting to trap or relocate them without the proper knowledge can also be dangerous and is illegal in some cases without a permit.
That’s where we come in. At Critter Control of Southern Wisconsin, we offer safe, humane skunk removal services that protect both your family and the animal. Our trained specialists will assess the situation, remove any unwanted guests, and install exclusion barriers to ensure they don’t return.
Schedule Your Spring Wildlife Inspection
Whether you’ve seen the signs of a skunk or just want peace of mind this spring, we’re here to help. Let our team perform a full property inspection to identify risk areas and provide you with a custom plan to keep wildlife away—ethically and effectively.
Contact Critter Control of Southern Wisconsin today to schedule your inspection or speak with a wildlife expert.