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Skunk Removal & Control

 

Professional Skunk Removal in Northern Illinois & Southern Wisconsin

Skunks commonly den beneath decks, porches, sheds, steps, crawl spaces, and other protected areas around homes. They can also dig in lawns and landscaping while searching for insects and other food.

 

Dennison Wildlife Control & Prevention provides professional skunk removal and exclusion for homeowners dealing with skunks around their homes and property.

 

Seeing skunks around your home or dealing with a skunk den? Contact us to schedule an inspection.

 

Signs of Skunk Activity

Skunks are primarily active at night, so their presence may not always be obvious during the day.

 

Common signs include:

  • Skunks seen around the property after dark

  • Strong skunk odor around the home

  • Holes or shallow digging in lawns and landscaping

  • Evidence of digging beneath decks, porches, or sheds

  • Disturbed soil around foundations or structures

  • Skunk tracks or other signs of repeated activity

  • Scratching or movement beneath a deck, porch, or other enclosed area

 

A strong odor combined with repeated nighttime activity can be a good indication that skunks are using the property.

 

Skunks Under Decks, Porches & Structures

Skunks often take advantage of quiet, sheltered spaces close to homes. Areas beneath decks, porches, sheds, additions, and steps can provide protection from weather and predators while offering easy access to surrounding food sources. A skunk may establish a den in these areas and return repeatedly.

 

A professional inspection can determine:

  • Where the skunk is accessing the area

  • Whether the space is currently being used as a den

  • Whether young may be present

  • How the animal is moving around the property

  • What needs to be addressed to prevent future access

 

Learn more about skunks: Visit our Skunk Species Profile to learn more about skunk behavior, breeding, activity, common denning locations, and other useful information.

 

Common Skunk Denning Locations

Skunks generally prefer protected areas close to the ground.

 

Under Decks & Porches

Open areas beneath decks and porches can provide an easy place to establish a den.

 

Under Sheds

Gaps beneath sheds and other outbuildings can provide shelter.

 

Crawl Spaces

Damaged foundation areas, vents, or other openings can allow skunks to access crawl spaces.

 

Under Steps

The space beneath exterior steps can provide a quiet, protected denning area.

 

Around Foundations

Gaps and openings around foundations can give skunks access to protected areas beneath structures.

 

Brush & Debris

Wood piles, dense vegetation, and other sheltered areas can provide temporary cover.

 

Skunks With Young

Skunks may establish dens when raising young, making the timing and method of removal especially important.

 

A skunk den should not simply be sealed without determining whether animals are still inside.

 

If young are present, the situation requires a different approach than removing a single adult animal. An inspection allows us to determine whether the area is active and what removal and exclusion method is appropriate.

 

Skunk Odor & Property Damage

Skunks are best known for their defensive spray, but their activity can also cause other problems.

 

Potential concerns include:

  • Strong odor around the home

  • Spraying beneath decks, porches, or other structures

  • Lawn and landscaping damage from digging

  • Damage to gardens and planted areas

  • Contamination around frequently used denning areas

  • Repeated digging or denning activity

 

Skunks may also dig small holes throughout a yard while searching for insects and other food. Addressing the source of the activity is the best way to reduce repeated problems.

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How We Handle Skunk Problems

1. Inspect

We identify where the skunk is active, locate potential denning areas, and look for evidence of current activity.

 

2. Remove

We determine the appropriate wildlife-control method based on the location, activity, and circumstances of the problem.

 

3. Exclude

Once the skunk has been properly addressed, active access points can be secured to prevent re-entry.

 

4. Repair & Restore

If skunks have damaged a structure or disturbed areas around the property, repairs or restoration may be recommended.

 

5. Prevent

We identify other conditions that may encourage skunks to return and recommend practical preventative measures.

 

What Should You Do If You Find a Skunk?

If you find a skunk living beneath your deck, porch, shed, or another structure, don't block the opening immediately. There may be an active den or young inside.

 

Avoid approaching or cornering the animal. Skunks may spray when they feel threatened. Instead, have the situation inspected so the activity and denning area can be properly evaluated.

 

Skunk Removal Service Areas

Dennison Wildlife Control & Prevention provides skunk removal and exclusion throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.

 

We commonly service communities throughout:

McHenry County • Lake County • Northwest Cook County • Boone County • Kenosha County • Walworth County

 

For more information, visit our Service Areas page to see the communities we commonly serve.

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If you don't see your town listed, contact us anyway. We service additional surrounding communities.

 

Have a Skunk Problem?

Whether you're dealing with a skunk under your deck, repeated digging in your yard, or a strong odor around your property, the first step is determining where the skunk is denning and why it is using the area.

 

Contact Dennison Wildlife Control & Prevention to schedule a professional skunk inspection.

Skunk Removal • Exclusion • Odor Management • Damage Repair • Prevention

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