Skunk Removal New York
Skunks denning under your deck, stoop, or shed? Our NYS DEC licensed technicians trap and relocate them humanely — then seal the den permanently to prevent return.
Signs You Have a Skunk Problem
Skunk odor — especially at night or early morning
Digging under your deck, stoop, or foundation
Cone-shaped holes in your lawn (skunk foraging for grubs)
Skunk tracks near foundation or garden areas
Skunk spotted on property after dusk
Dog sprayed by skunk
Where Skunks Den in New York
Striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) are the species found throughout New York and are opportunistic den builders. Rather than digging their own burrows from scratch when human structures are available, they prefer the ready-made shelter found under:
- •Decks and stoops: The most common skunk denning location in suburban NY. Ground-level access under wood decking provides exactly the dark, enclosed shelter skunks seek.
- •Foundations and crawl spaces: Skunks dig under foundation gaps and establish dens inside crawl spaces, where they can damage vapor barriers and insulation.
- •Sheds and outbuildings: Ground-level shed openings are commonly used for winter communal denning, sometimes harboring 5–10 skunks.
- •Woodpiles and debris piles: Loose materials near your home create attractive den sites skunks will exploit.
🚨 Skunks Are a Primary Rabies Vector in New York
The New York State Department of Health identifies skunks as one of the primary rabies reservoir species in New York, alongside raccoons and bats. Any skunk behaving abnormally — active during daylight hours, staggering, appearing disoriented, or failing to flee from humans — should be treated as a potential rabies case.
Never attempt to handle a skunk yourself. Our licensed technicians use specialized cage traps and protective equipment to minimize both spray risk and rabies exposure risk. If you or a pet has had direct contact with a skunk, contact the NYS Department of Health Rabies Hotline: 1-888-364-3065.
Our Humane Skunk Removal Process
Inspection
Locate all active dens and assess skunk activity. Identify all access points under deck, foundation, or structure.
Live Trapping
Cage traps set with appropriate bait at den entrances. Checked daily. Traps handled by licensed technicians using proper protective equipment.
Relocation
Skunks transported and relocated per NYSDEC guidelines — away from residential areas, to appropriate habitat.
Den Sealing
All entry points sealed with heavy-gauge hardware cloth buried underground — preventing reinvasion by other skunks or wildlife.
Skunk Odor Remediation
Skunk spray — a mixture of sulfur-containing thiols — is one of the most persistent odors in nature. A direct spray near or under your home can permeate crawl spaces, siding, and sub-floor areas for weeks or months without proper treatment.
What works: Professional enzymatic neutralizers specifically formulated for thiol compounds break down the odor-causing molecules at a chemical level rather than simply masking the smell. These are applied to affected soil, concrete, wood, and structural surfaces.
What doesn't work: Bleach, tomato juice, and standard deodorizers do not chemically neutralize skunk spray — they may temporarily mask the odor but it will return. We use commercial-grade enzymatic treatments for lasting results.
Related Wildlife Services
Skunk Removal by County
Skunk Removal FAQ
Skunk Under Your Deck? Call Today.
Humane trapping, relocation, odor remediation, and permanent den sealing. NYS DEC licensed technicians serving all of New York.