Skunks aren’t just a nuisance – they’re a persistent problem that can make your property smell terrible and cause significant damage to your lawn. As a wildlife removal specialist who’s dealt with countless skunk situations in The Woodlands, Texas area, I’ve learned that getting rid of these striped visitors requires a mix of prevention, deterrence, and sometimes professional intervention.

Understanding Skunk Behavior

These black and white creatures typically show up around dusk or dawn. They’re looking for three things: food, shelter, and a safe place to raise their young.

Skunks love grubs and insects in your lawn, and they’ll dig countless holes to find them. They’ll also raid garbage cans, pet food left outside, and even your garden if you’ve got one.

In our area, we’ve found most skunks make their homes under decks, porches, or in crawl spaces. Just last week, we removed a family of five from under a client’s deck in the Woodlands area – a pretty typical situation we deal with regularly.

Prevention: Your First Line of Defense

Before we talk about removal, let’s discuss prevention. It’s way easier (and cheaper) to keep skunks away than to remove them once they’ve settled in.

Remove Food Sources

Store garbage in sealed containers
Don’t leave pet food outside
Treat your lawn for grubs (skunks love these)
Pick up fallen fruit from trees

Block Potential Den Sites

Install L-shaped barriers around deck perimeters
Seal off crawl spaces
Cover window wells

Natural Deterrents That Work

I’ve tested countless natural deterrents over the years. Here are some that actually work.

Motion-activated sprinklers work great. Skunks hate sudden water sprays, and they’ll usually find somewhere else to hang out.

Bright lights can be effective. Skunks prefer darkness, so motion-activated lights might encourage them to move along.

Certain Smells Repel Skunks

Citrus peels
Ammonia-soaked rags
Commercial repellents (though results vary)

Professional Removal Methods

Sometimes, despite prevention efforts, you’ll need professional help. The skunk removal cost from a professional wildlife removal company is typically $300+, depending on the situation’s complexity.

We use specially designed live traps, placed strategically where skunks are active. It’s tricky work – one wrong move and you might get sprayed. Trust me, it’s happened to me more times than I’d like to admit.

Dealing with Skunk Spray

If you’re dealing with skunk spray, time matters. Here’s what works for different situations:

For Dogs

Mix:

1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon liquid soap

Don’t store this mixture – it can explode if kept in a closed container. Use it immediately and rinse thoroughly.

For Houses

Open all windows
Run fans
Place bowls of vinegar around the house
Consider using an ozone machine

For Cars

Clean all surfaces immediately
Change air filters
Use enzymatic cleaners on fabric
Consider professional detailing

Safety Considerations

Never try to handle a skunk yourself. Besides the obvious spray risk, skunks can carry rabies and other diseases.

Don’t use mothballs – they’re toxic and illegal for this use. I’ve seen people try this, and it usually creates more problems than it solves.

If you’re using live traps, check them at least twice daily. A trapped skunk is a stressed skunk, and that’s not good for anyone.

What To Expect From Professional Removal

When we remove skunks, we follow a systematic approach:

Property inspection
Identification of entry points
Removal and relocation of skunks
Exclusion work to prevent re-entry
Clean-up and decontamination if needed

The whole process typically takes 3-5 days, sometimes longer if we’re dealing with multiple skunks or if there are babies involved.

After Removal

Once the skunks are gone, you’ll need to:

Repair any damage they’ve caused
Clean up any contaminated areas
Install preventive measures
Monitor for new activity

From my experience, skunk problems don’t usually resolve themselves. The longer you wait, the more likely you’ll face property damage or that dreaded spray.

Your best bet? Deal with the problem as soon as you notice signs of skunk activity. Whether you try the DIY route or call in skunk removal pros like us, quick action will save you headaches (and nose-aches) down the road.

Remember, every skunk situation is different. What works in one case might not work in another. That’s why we always start with a thorough inspection before recommending any specific approach.