Independent guides — we are not an exterminator. If someone has trouble breathing after a sting, call 911. Safety basics

Wildlife · Pest guide

Skunks control

Dens under porches and the smell that follows: removal and odor cleanup.

When to call a pro

Skunks at a glance

Scientific name
Mephitis mephitis (striped skunk)
Size
20 to 30 inches including tail (50–75 cm)
Appearance
Black with white stripes; bushy tail
Where found
Under porches, decks, sheds; lawns dug for grubs
  • Health riskModerate
  • Property damageLow
  • Do it yourself?DIY or pro
When skunks are active Peak: Mar–Sep
  1. Jan Low
  2. Feb Active
  3. Mar Peak
  4. Apr Peak
  5. May Peak
  6. Jun Peak
  7. Jul Peak
  8. Aug Peak
  9. Sep Peak (this month)
  10. Oct Active
  11. Nov Low
  12. Dec Low

Low Active Peak This month

Signs to look for

  • Small cone-shaped holes in the lawn
  • Musky odor near a porch or deck
  • Den opening under a structure

Call a professional when

  • A skunk denning under the house
  • A skunk acting disoriented in daytime
How to choose a pest control company

Quick prevention

  • Close gaps under decks with buried mesh
  • Secure trash and pet food
  • Treat grub infestations

Our skunks guides are being researched. Meanwhile, the profile above covers the signs, the risks and when to call a professional.

Keep skunks out

  1. Close gaps under decks with buried mesh
  2. Secure trash and pet food
  3. Treat grub infestations

Often confused or found together

All wildlife
Raccoons Attics, chimneys and trash cans: humane eviction and rabies safety. Possums Virginia opossums under decks and in garages: mostly harmless, easy to deter. Groundhogs Big burrows under sheds and decks, and a hungry appetite for gardens.