How to get skunks out from under a deck or porch
Skunks moving under a deck or shed are usually a mom raising kits. Sealing them out before you know what's down there will trap the babies. The right process is one-way eviction at the right time of year, then permanent exclusion with buried hardware cloth. Done wrong, you'll spray everything you own.
Tools
- ✓
- ✓
- ✓For the 'flour test' that confirms the burrow is vacant before sealing.
Materials
- +The barrier you bury around the deck perimeter. Don't use chicken wire — skunks dig through it.
- +Skunks dislike the smell of urine/ammonia. Place near entrance to encourage them to leave on their own.
- +Skunks are nocturnal and will leave a den that suddenly stays lit at night.
- +Keep on hand in case someone (you, the dog) gets sprayed.
Steps
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1
Confirm there are no kits before doing anything
Skunk birthing season runs early May through July. If you see a skunk repeatedly returning, assume kits until proven otherwise — sealing mom out leaves babies to die under your deck. Wait until late August when kits can travel with mom, then proceed.
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2
Encourage them to leave on their own
Set ammonia-soaked rags or used cat litter near the den entrance. Plug in a bright work light pointed at the opening from 6 PM onward. Play talk radio nearby at low volume. Most skunks relocate in 3–5 nights of this multi-sensory eviction.
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3
Do the flour test
Once you suspect they're gone, sprinkle 2 cups of flour outward from each entrance hole. Wait 2 nights. No tracks in or out = den is empty and ready to seal.
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4
Install the L-shaped barrier
Bury 1/4-inch hardware cloth around the entire deck perimeter. Trench 8 inches down, then bend the bottom of the wire outward 90° for 12 inches and bury — this 'L-foot' stops digging. Skip the L-foot and they'll dig back in within a week.
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5
If a skunk is trapped behind your barrier
If you missed the flour test step and sealed one in, open one access point at dusk, leave a trail of cat food leading away, and re-check with flour the next morning.
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6
When to call a pro
Active kits present, you can't access the perimeter to install hardware cloth, or the skunk is acting bold in daylight (possible rabies). A wildlife removal pro can do a one-way door installation and handle removal safely.
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7
Keep the de-skunking recipe handy
If the dog gets sprayed: 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide + 1/4 cup baking soda + 1 tsp dish soap. Mix and apply immediately — do NOT bottle it (it can build pressure). Tomato juice does not work.