There's a Skunk in My Yard - What Do I Do?

Skunks may look adorable with their chic black-and-white coats and fluffy tails, but during the winter months—especially February and March—they can cause a fair bit of stress for homeowners.

While skunks don’t hibernate, they do retreat to cozy dens to wait out the cold, venturing out occasionally in search of food. This means they may dig up lawns or wander into yards, leaving behind that unmistakable odour.

With winter in full swing, there’s a good chance you’ll run into a skunk or two. Best to learn how to deal with them safely.

Why Is There a Skunk in My Yard?

If you’ve spotted a skunk waddling around your yard this winter, you’re probably wondering why your property has become its chosen hangout. Don’t take it personally; skunks aren’t looking for human company. They’re just after two main things: shelter and food.

In case your yard checks both the “shelter” and “food” boxes, a skunk is looking to move in if it hasn’t already. Winter is tough for wildlife, and skunks don’t hibernate like some animals. Instead, they enter a state called torpor, where they stay in their dens most of the time but venture out on milder nights for a snack.

Does your yard offer easy access to garbage bins, birdseed, or even pet food left outside? Congratulations—you’ve just invited skunks and other wildlife to the party. Even beetle grubs buried under your lawn are fair game, which is why you might notice fresh digging in your yard.

As for shelter, skunks are the masters of settling down in the most inconvenient places. Crawl spaces, decks, and sheds are prime real estate for these furry tenants. They’re not picky at all, and any warm and dry spot is good enough to ride out the cold.

How to Safely Handle a Skunk in Your Yard

Dealing with a skunk in your yard can feel intimidating; after all, no one wants to end up on the receiving end of its infamous spray!

1. Stay Calm and Observe

The first rule of dealing with a skunk? Don’t panic. Skunks are not aggressive animals and usually only spray as a last resort. Take a moment to assess the situation from a safe distance. Is the skunk passing through, or does it appear to be lingering in one spot? This will help determine your next steps.

2. Don’t Startle It (Them)

Skunks are easily spooked, and a startled skunk is more likely to spray. Move slowly and quietly if you need to reposition yourself or your pets. Keep a wide berth; skunks have poor vision but are super aware of sudden movement.

3. Secure Pets and Children Indoors

If you have pets or kids outside, bring them indoors immediately. Curious dogs are especially at risk of getting sprayed. Keep everyone inside until the skunk has left or until professionals can remove it safely.

4. Use Gentle Deterrents

If the skunk appears to be loitering, try non-invasive methods to encourage it to leave:

• Soap Flakes and Water: Sprinkle pure soap flakes on the lawn and water thoroughly to discourage digging.
• Bone Meal or Tabasco Solution: Mix bone meal into garden soil or sprinkle diluted tabasco sauce over fruits and vegetables to make the area less appealing.
• Bright Lights: Light the area with a 100-watt bulb per 15 square meters to make skunks feel exposed.
• Noise Disruption: Play an all-talk radio station near the den entrance to make it less habitable.

5. Evict Skunks from Dens Safely

If a skunk has made a home under your porch or shed:

Check for Activity

• Cover the entrance with loose dirt or balled-up newspaper.
• Check after 3–5 days. If the barrier remains undisturbed, the den is likely vacant.
• If activity is detected, proceed with eviction steps, but avoid sealing the den while the skunk is inside.

Eviction Steps

• Place used kitty litter in and around the den entrance. The smell mimics predators, encouraging the skunk to leave.
• Skunks prefer dark spaces, so illuminate the area with strong floodlights or portable lamps.
• Play a talk radio station or a speaker at the den entrance. Continuous sound creates an uncomfortable environment for the skunk.
• Sprinkle natural repellents like cayenne pepper or vinegar-soaked rags around the den to deter them.

• Install a one-way door over the entrance, allowing the skunk to exit but preventing re-entry.

6. Do Not Attempt to Trap the Skunk Yourself

While it may be tempting to take matters into your own hands, trapping a skunk is tricky and risky. Mishandling a trap can lead to a spray (and a very smelly lesson).

7. Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Service

When in doubt, let the experts handle it. Professional skunk control services, like us, make sure the skunk is removed humanely and safely. We also help identify why the skunk came to your yard and offer solutions to prevent future visits.

Speaking of preventing future visits…

Once you’ve dealt with a skunk, the next step is ensuring they don’t come back. Here’s how to keep skunks from settling in:

• Maintain a Clean Yard: Skunks are drawn to clutter, as it provides excellent hiding spots. Regularly remove leaf piles, woodpiles, and other debris to minimize shelter opportunities.
• Secure Compost and Garbage Bins: Use sturdy, lidded bins that can’t be tipped over. Consider locking lids if skunks have been particularly persistent.
• Eliminate Food Sources: Remove fallen fruit from trees, compost properly, and avoid leaving pet food or birdseed outdoors overnight.
• Remove Access to Water Sources: Skunks need water, so cover ponds, fountains, or other standing water with mesh or netting to limit access.
• Reduce Lawn Grubs: Since skunks love digging for grubs, treat your lawn with environmentally friendly pest control products to eliminate their food supply.
• Create Natural Deterrents: Sprinkle cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, or commercial skunk repellents near potential entry points or problem areas.
• Under Decks and Sheds: Use heavy-duty wire mesh to seal the area, extending it 20–30 cm into the ground and angling outward to prevent digging.
• Crawlspaces and Foundations: Inspect for gaps or holes, repair siding, and seal cracks where skunks might squeeze through.
• Dens in Progress: If you spot signs of a potential den, act quickly to discourage skunks from settling in permanently. Skunks don’t like light or sound – incorporate both into the area.
• Trim Overgrown Vegetation: Skunks like areas with lots of cover. Regularly trim bushes, shrubs, and tall grass to reduce hiding spots.
• Install Fencing: Use low fencing or garden barriers with buried edges to deter skunks from digging under.

Safe, Humane, and Effective Skunk Control Starts Here

When dealing with skunks, humane wildlife trapping is the most effective and responsible solution. We prioritize safe and eco-friendly methods to ensure the skunk is removed without harm and relocated away from your property. Humane trapping not only protects the skunk but also reduces risks to you, your pets, and your yard.

Our professional wildlife trapping services are designed to handle even the trickiest skunk situations using proven, non-lethal techniques that comply with local regulations. Beyond removal, our experts assess your property to identify vulnerabilities, providing customized prevention plans to keep your yard skunk-free in the long-term.

Buzz Boss operates in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and the Okanagan, and Kelowna, offering tailored services to meet the unique wildlife challenges of each region.

Don’t let a skunk become a permanent resident in your yard. Contact us now for a free consultation!