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Skunks in Franklin TN: Why They Love Your Yard (and How to Keep Them Out)

If you’re on this page, I’m guessing it’s because you’ve either seen a skunk strutting through your yard or you’ve smelled their infamous odor around your home. I know that Franklin is known for its gorgeous homes, excellent schools (Go Admirals!), and small town feel. Well, skunks are quite impressed with the set up and they plan to stay here for a long, long time.

From Polk Place and Falcon Creek to McKay’s Mill and Ladd Park, our Alpha Wildlife Nashville technicians have seen it all — and smelled it all too!

Sure, Franklin is one of the best places to live in Middle Tennessee. But to a skunk? It’s the cream of the crop — big lawns, safe hiding spots, and plenty of snacks.

If you’ve ever caught a whiff of a skunk’s unmistakable odor near your crawl space, this guide is for you. Let’s dive into why Franklin homes attract skunks, the damage they cause, and how to send these black-and-white tenants packing without getting sprayed. 

Skunk under deck

Why Skunks Love Franklin TN

You might not believe it, but skunks are quite picky about where they live. Like most people, they want a continual supply of food, comfortable place to sleep, and a safe spot to raise their kits.

In other words, Franklin checks all of the boxes and they are ready to become your new neighbor!

Green Grass = Delicious Grubs

Franklin lawns — especially in Fieldstone Farms, Ladd Park, and Forrest Crossing — are a perfect hunting ground for skunks. These furry pests love:

  • Grubs
  • Beetles
  • Earthworms
  • Larvae

If you have fresh green grass and a beautiful flowerbed, congratulations — you’ve opened an all-you-can-eat bug buffet for these nocturnal pests.

Decks, Porches & Crawl Spaces = The Perfect Skunk Shack

Neighborhoods like McKay’s Mill and Dallas Downs are filled with crawl spaces, stone patios, and wooden decks — perfect for denning. Skunks dig under these areas for shelter, shade, and safety from predators.

To a skunk, your crawl space is nice hotel with a buffet-style breakfast.

Quiet Franklin Nights

If you decide to go for a walk around Temple Hills, Cool Springs East, and Sullivan Farms at night, you’ll quickly notice how quiet and calm the neighborhood is. Well, you’re not the only ones who notice. Skunks want to dig up your yard in peace and they don’t want any other critters or humans to stop them.

Essentially, skunks love how quiet Franklin neighborhoods are!

Skunk digging in backyard

Skunk Damage (Besides the Stench)

Someone once asked me if I’d rather face the booby traps from Kevin McCalister’s house in Home Alone or get sprayed by a skunk. Well, I must be a sucker for the holidays or I just don’t want to stink on Christmas, but I choose the McCalister house all day.

Not only is the smell pretty brutal on the senses, but it can cause it can linger for weeks! Besides the infamous odor, these furry pests can cause quite a bit of damage around your home.

Digging & Foundation Damage

Skunks are professional excavators. They dig burrows beneath foundations, AC pads, and walkways, leading to sinking soil or cracks in concrete.

Health & Pest Concerns

Skunks carry parasites and can attract fleas, ticks, and other unwanted critters. They are also known carriers of rabies so keep your children and small pets away.

Spray Contamination

If a skunk sprays beneath your home or near your HVAC intake, the odor can circulate throughout the entire house. You think your neighbors are nosy now, just imagine how they’ll be once that odor hits their home.

skunk in backyard

Why Skunk DIY Fixes Don’t Work in Franklin

If you don’t properly remove the skunk and seal up the entry point, these pests will just come back. Plus, if you close them off without the right materials, you can potentially trap the animal and make things even worse.

Proper skunk removal requires professional removal, exclusion barriers, and wildlife-grade sealing — the same methods our team uses daily across Franklin.

How to Keep Skunks Away from Franklin Homes

You can’t make Franklin less appealing — but you can make your property less inviting.

Top Prevention Tips:

  • Properly seal all crawl space vents and gaps
  • Remove any outdoor pet food
  • Tightly secure trash can lids
  • Fill in old burrows and trench around decks
  • Keep outdoor lighting on motion sensors
  • Schedule an annual inspection with a licensed wildlife technician

Even better: let us handle it for you — we specialize in skunk exclusion that keeps them out for good.

Why Alpha Wildlife Nashville Is Franklin’s Skunk Solution

When Franklin homeowners call us, they’ve usually tried everything — and the smell still wins.

Here’s what our process includes:

  • Humane trapping & removal
  • Crawl space sealing & trenching barriers
  • Long-term exclusion services
  • Free inspections for Franklin homeowners

Whether you’re in Westhaven, Ladd Park, or right off Cool Springs Boulevard, we are your go-to team for fast, effective results.

Alpha Wildlife Trucks

Smelling Something Suspicious? Let’s Clear the Air.

If you’ve noticed a new “scent” around your Franklin home — especially near decks or crawl spaces — it’s time to act before things get worse.

When you’re ready for humane skunk removal in Franklin TN, call Alpha Wildlife Nashville for a free inspection and full-service exclusion plan.

We’ll handle the stink so you can enjoy that sweet Tennessee air again. 

Franklin Skunk FAQs

Q: Why are skunks common in Franklin TN?

A: Franklin offers everything skunks need — soft soil, large lawns, quiet nights, and abundant insects. Neighborhoods like Westhaven, Fieldstone Farms, and Ladd Park are ideal for denning.

Q: How can I tell if a skunk is living under my Franklin home?

A: Look for small holes, pushed-out dirt under decks, a musty odor near crawl spaces, or nighttime digging sounds.

Q: Will a skunk spray if I go near it?

A: Skunks give warning signs first — foot stomping, tail lifting, or hissing. But don’t risk it. Call a professional before things get stinky.

Q: How can I keep skunks from coming back?

A: Seal crawl spaces, secure trash, and eliminate food sources. Alpha Wildlife Nashville also installs professional barriers that will keep skunks away.

Q: Does Alpha Wildlife Nashville handle skunk removal in Franklin TN?

A: Absolutely. We serve all of Franklin — from Pinkerton Park to Downtown, McKay’s Mill to Dallas Downs — offering humane removal, odor control, and long-term protection.