Skunks often seek shelter under decks because the space offers a dark, quiet, and protected environment from predators and weather. This space is particularly attractive to female skunks looking for a safe place to raise their young. The presence of a skunk can lead to property damage from digging and, most noticeably, the release of their potent defensive spray. Taking immediate, safe action is necessary to encourage the animal to relocate without causing distress or harm.
Confirming the Den and Timing Eviction
The first step involves confirming the animal’s presence and identifying its access point. The most obvious sign is the unmistakable musky odor, but you may also notice small, cone-shaped holes in the lawn where the skunk has foraged for grubs. Other indicators include five-toed tracks in soft soil or nocturnal sounds like scratching or rustling.
It is important to check for the presence of baby skunks, known as kits, which are typically born between late April and late May. If kits are present, eviction efforts must be delayed until they are mobile, usually around six to eight weeks old. Evicting a mother skunk while her kits are inside would orphan them, leading to a worse odor problem. Once you are sure the time is right, confirm the skunk’s exit by loosely stuffing the main entrance with crumpled newspaper or a ball of soil.
Encouraging the Skunk to Move Out
Skunks choose a den because it is dark, quiet, and secure, so the most effective eviction strategy is to make the environment undesirable. Place a bright, fire-safe work light directly under the deck near the den entrance, as skunks are nocturnal and avoid bright illumination. Simultaneously, introduce noise by placing a portable radio tuned to a talk station near the entrance. The sound of human voices is more threatening to wildlife than music, and this disturbance disrupts the skunk’s daytime sleep cycle.
Scent deterrents can also encourage the skunk to leave. Skunks dislike strong, unfamiliar odors, so rags soaked in apple cider vinegar can be placed near the opening. Another option is placing used cat litter near the entrance, which mimics the scent of a predator. Avoid using ammonia-soaked rags if kits are present, as the fumes are highly poisonous to young skunks. These combined efforts should encourage the skunk to seek a quieter, less illuminated location within a few days.
Permanent Exclusion Measures
After the skunk has been encouraged to leave, you must confirm the den is empty before implementing permanent exclusion measures. Confirmation is achieved by checking the newspaper or soil plug placed in the entrance; if it remains undisturbed for three consecutive days and nights, the skunk has moved on. Alternatively, install a one-way door device over the main access point, which allows the skunk to exit but prevents it from re-entering.
The next step is to seal the entire perimeter of the deck to prevent any future animals from digging underneath. Use heavy-gauge wire mesh or hardware cloth, ideally with a quarter-inch opening. Dig a trench along the base of the deck, about 12 to 18 inches deep. The wire mesh should be secured to the bottom of the deck structure and extended down into this trench.
To fully deter a skunk’s digging attempts, bend the bottom 8 to 12 inches of the mesh outward at a 90-degree angle, creating an “L” shape. Refill the trench with soil. This outward flange acts as a barrier the skunk encounters when attempting to burrow, making it impossible to dig directly under the deck. This physical barrier should be installed around the entire base of the structure to ensure a long-term solution.
Neutralizing Skunk Odor
Neutralizing skunk spray requires a specific chemical approach because the odor-causing compounds, known as thiols, are oily and require oxidation. The most effective homemade solution uses household ingredients and must be prepared immediately before use, as it loses potency quickly. The ingredients are one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, one-quarter cup of baking soda, and one to two teaspoons of liquid dish soap.
For a pet, apply the solution thoroughly, avoiding the eyes, and allow it to soak for about 20 minutes before rinsing. The chemical reaction changes the thiols into odorless sulfonic acid compounds, which eliminates the scent. For deck structures or concrete, scrub the same mixture onto the affected surfaces to neutralize the residual odor. This method is more effective than traditional remedies like tomato juice, which only mask the smell.