Have you been noticing unusual signs around your yard or deck? Maybe there’s a strong smell that you just can’t figure out, or odd noises keeping you up at night. These may be signals that an animal, like a skunk, has taken up residence nearby. If you’re wondering, what a skunk den looks like, or trying to identify the signs of a skunk living under your deck, it’s important to know what to watch out for. By understanding these clues, you’ll be able to address the issue before it becomes a bigger problem.

Skunks often settle in spaces that feel secure and hidden, making areas like decks, porches, and sheds ideal for their dens. While they might seem harmless from a distance, having them close to your home isn’t something you want to ignore. These animals can create a range of issues, from bringing unpleasant smells to potentially damaging your property. Plus, there’s always the risk of a surprise encounter leading to their infamous spray. By learning how to identify a skunk den and understanding the common signs you have a family living under your deck, you’ll be better prepared to take action.

Signs You May Have a Skunk Den Nearby

Understanding the behaviors and signs of a skunk presence can save you time and trouble down the road. Below, we’ll cover what to look for in detail, so you can confidently determine if skunks are nearby.

1. Strong, Lingering Odors

Perhaps the most obvious indicator of a skunk nearby is the smell. Their musky spray, a natural defense mechanism, can cling to an area for days. Even if they don’t actively spray, their living spaces often carry that unmistakable odor. If you notice that the smell gets stronger at night or after a loud noise, that could be a hint that skunks are active beneath your deck.

This odor isn’t just unpleasant—it’s also persistent. Unlike other random smells that blow away with the wind, skunk spray seems to linger and settle. What does a skunk den look like if you’re basing it on smell alone? Picture a hidden area saturated with that musky scent, spreading into your yard and even inside your home. While the skunk uses the spray defensively, the fact that their den retains such a smell gives them away.

If you’ve noticed this suspicious stink and it’s not going away, chances are they’ve made themselves comfortable nearby.

2. Disturbed Soil and Small Holes

If you take a closer look at the area around your yard, you might spot signs of digging or disturbed earth. Skunks are natural diggers and often leave telltale holes where they build dens or search for food. These holes are typically small and shallow, yet they’re big enough to be recognizable.

Check along the edges of your deck, as this is a common place for skunks to dig out entrances. You might also find signs of their foraging efforts. Skunks dig for insects and grubs in your lawn, leaving behind scattered holes across the grass. While other animals may also dig for food, if these holes are paired with some of the other warning signs, you may be dealing with skunks.

Take note of disturbed soil near your foundation or pathways leading towards your home. This could be an early indicator that they’ve chosen your property as their home base.

3. Noises in the Night

Skunks are nocturnal, which means they’re most active while you’re sleeping. If there seems to be a lot of noise coming from under your deck in the evening, it’s worth investigating. Listen for scratching sounds that suggest digging, rustling as they move around, or even low growling. During certain times of the year, you may hear something else entirely—squeaky or high-pitched sounds coming from baby skunks. Spring and summer are particularly active times for families of skunks, as females with their young create busy dens.

These nocturnal animals stay in their dens during the day and come out at night, so most of the noise happens after sunset. Don’t ignore these odd sounds—they may mean an animal family is getting comfortable under your deck.

4. Tracks and Other Traces

Observant homeowners can find more clues by paying close attention to the ground near their decks. Tracks are a reliable sign that an animal has been nearby, and skunks leave behind distinct footprints. Their paw prints typically show five toes and resemble small handprints pressed into mud or soft soil.

Another less pleasant sign to look out for is droppings. Skunk waste is similar in size to a cat’s and often contains bits of undigested food, like insect shells. While it’s not a glamorous task, checking for these remains can give you some solid evidence of what’s living near your home. Be sure to inspect the areas with loose soil, especially around entry points to the underside of your deck.

5. Damage to Your Deck or Structures

Skunks aren’t just content to find a space—they might also make modifications to suit their needs. They scratch and dig around existing structures, creating or enlarging openings to their dens. This kind of activity might cause cosmetic damage to your deck, steps, or foundation. Look for signs of minor wear or gaps in the structure that didn’t exist before.

While skunks typically don’t destroy entire areas, these smaller bits of damage can become problematic over time. If you start to notice the edges of your deck looking worse for wear, this can be another clue pointing to their presence.

6. Spotting Skunks at Twilight

Lastly, watch for these animals during their active hours. Skunks often emerge around twilight or just before dawn, so these times are your best opportunity to see them in action. If you see one wandering near your deck during these periods, it’s worth checking for other signs mentioned earlier. Frequently, spotting one skunk means there are more nearby, as females with litter tend to stay together. If you see this pattern of behavior, it’s a safe bet that they’ve got a den on or near your property.

What Can You Do?

When it comes to addressing how to get rid of skunks under your deck, safety is key. Trying to solve the issue yourself can lead to exposed spray, injuries, or unintentional harm to the animals. Instead, it’s best to call in professionals who understand how to handle the situation humanely and use effective methods to ensure the animals leave on their own.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Marietta, we specialize in helping homeowners deal with situations like this. Our team doesn’t rely on traps or stressful techniques. Instead, we focus on humane methods, like one-way doors, which allow the animals to exit naturally and prevent them from returning. 

By entrusting the task to experienced professionals, you not only ensure the safety of your property and family but also contribute to the ethical treatment of wildlife. Our team is equipped with the knowledge, tools, and expertise to handle skunk infestations effectively, minimizing stress for both you and the animals. Remember, a humane approach is not just about removing the skunks; it’s about creating a long-term solution that prevents future occurrences and maintains the delicate balance between human habitation and wildlife.

Give Us A Call Today

Detecting a skunk den under your deck requires vigilance and attention to detail. From the distinctive odor to visible burrow entrances, tracks, and droppings, these signs are nature’s way of alerting you to your new striped neighbors. While skunks generally prefer to avoid human contact, their presence can pose challenges for homeowners. By recognizing these signs early, you can take proactive steps to address the situation humanely and effectively.

Remember, coexisting with wildlife is part of suburban and rural life, but it’s essential to maintain boundaries for everyone’s safety and comfort. If you suspect a skunk family has taken up residence under your deck, don’t hesitate to reach out to professional wildlife control services. With their expertise, you can ensure a safe, humane, and lasting solution that respects both your living space and the natural world around you.