Decoding the Telltale Smells and Signs of a Skunk Under the House

There truly is nothing worse than the moment a critter tries to claim your home for itself. Sure, your house offers lots of protection from predators. But it’s yours!

Countless nuisance animals often attempt to move into our homes. Mice, chipmunks, and more have all been known to take advantage of a gap or hole in the foundation or roofline. But did you know skunks also love the darkness, privacy, and safety that your home can provide?

There are numerous telltale signs that a skunk has claimed your home for itself. In this article, we will identify a few so you can truly know whether you have a skunk problem.

The Nose Knows

Skunks are anything but subtle. Their presence is usually sensed not by sight or sound, but by smell.

Despite the popular myth, skunks don’t spray willy-nilly. So why do skunks spray under the house? They actually reserve their spray for truly life-or-death situations. However, skunks still give off that telltale scent, even if they haven’t recently protected themselves.

If you pick up the pungent, signature skunk smell in your house day after day, you don’t have to wonder. A new stinky roommate has likely taken up residence and you can guess what it is.

Damage Around Your Home’s Perimeter

Skunks are nocturnal burrowers in the wild. This keeps them well-fed on the grubs and other insects they love to eat. However, this also makes them adept at clawing their way into the weaker elements of your home.

If you think you have a skunk problem, look for holes around your home’s:

• Deck lattice
• Bulkhead
• Porch stairs
• Crawlspaces
• Wood piles
• And more

Small holes are a key indicator that something has claimed the space. Mix that with a pungent aroma and you can be sure you have a skunk.

Noisy Babies

Adult skunks are typically silent. However, skunk babies (much like human babies) are apt to make a racket. Skunks typically have babies in the late spring and then den during the early summer months. This means the likeliest time to hear skunks in and around your home is during the warmer months of the year.

How to Get Rid of Skunks Under Your House

Skunks aren’t inherently dangerous creatures. However, they do offer plenty of reasons why you should trust a trained wildlife removal professional. If a skunk sprayed under the house, it might just do it again.
At Alpha Wildlife, we have decades of experience removing nuisance animals. We know exactly how to get rid of skunks under the house. Learn more about our skunk removal services.