Visible activity
Watch for strong recurring odor. This clue is most useful when considered with location, timing, and other evidence.
Wildlife Control
Skunks
Control.
Skunk removal and den prevention for decks, sheds, crawlspaces, lawns, and feeding areas.
Quick answer
What should you know about skunks?
Skunks often den beneath decks, sheds, porches, and other low structures. They may also dig small holes in lawns while feeding on grubs and insects. Bowers begins with identification and inspection, then matches control, removal, or exclusion to the species, structure, season, and conditions found.
Understanding the problem
A careful look comes first.
Skunks often den beneath decks, sheds, porches, and other low structures. They may also dig small holes in lawns while feeding on grubs and insects.
Accessible den space, grubs, pet food, waste, compost, and fallen fruit can keep skunks near a property.
IdentifyConfirm the source
ResolveUse the right method
PreventReduce repeat activity
What to watch for
Common signs of
skunks.
One sign may not confirm the problem. An inspection combines evidence, location, timing, and property conditions.
Tracks or evidence
Watch for shallow cone-shaped lawn holes. This clue is most useful when considered with location, timing, and other evidence.
Structural clues
Watch for tracks with long front claws. This clue is most useful when considered with location, timing, and other evidence.
Repeated patterns
Watch for a den opening beneath a structure. This clue is most useful when considered with location, timing, and other evidence.
The Bowers approach
From evidence
to a clear plan.
The exact method depends on the species, activity, structure, season, and conditions found during inspection.
- 01
Identify
Confirm that the activity is from a skunk, locate dens or travel routes, and check for young or protected nesting conditions.
- 02
Resolve
We confirm the active den and travel pattern, account for young, remove the animal appropriately, and recommend exclusion after the den is empty.
- 03
Exclude
Close or reinforce access after the animals are safely out, then address food, shelter, or habitat conditions that support return activity.
Prevention priorities
Make the property
less inviting.
Prevention recommendations should reflect the actual access points and conditions at your property.
Limit access
Close access beneath structures. Apply this step only after confirming it will not trap animals or interfere with needed ventilation.
Reduce attractants
Secure waste and pet food. Apply this step only after confirming it will not trap animals or interfere with needed ventilation.
Maintain the property
Manage fallen fruit. Apply this step only after confirming it will not trap animals or interfere with needed ventilation.
Respond early
Confirm dens are vacant before sealing. Apply this step only after confirming it will not trap animals or interfere with needed ventilation.
Straight answers
Skunks
FAQs.
Common questions about identification, control, removal, and prevention.
What are common signs of skunks?
Common evidence includes strong recurring odor, shallow cone-shaped lawn holes, tracks with long front claws, a den opening beneath a structure. An inspection helps connect those signs to the actual source.
Why are skunks around my property?
Accessible den space, grubs, pet food, waste, compost, and fallen fruit can keep skunks near a property.
How does Bowers handle skunks?
We confirm the active den and travel pattern, account for young, remove the animal appropriately, and recommend exclusion after the den is empty.
Can I prevent skunks from returning?
Prevention may include close access beneath structures, secure waste and pet food, manage fallen fruit, confirm dens are vacant before sealing. The best priorities depend on the property and active source.
When should I call about skunks?
Call when activity is repeated, inside occupied areas, causing damage, creating a sting or exposure concern, or involving an opening you should not seal without confirming it is clear.
Need help with skunks?
Tell us what you are seeing and we will help determine the right next step.