There’s no mistaking the sharp, pungent scent of a skunk. If that odor is lingering around your home, especially during the evening or early morning hours, it’s more than just a passing nuisance—it could be a sign that a skunk is living nearby. And the longer you wait to act, the more likely you are to experience issues like repeated spraying, property damage, or even encounters with pets.
At K.P. Wildlife, we specialize in safe and humane skunk removal across Maryland. If you think you have a skunk problem, here’s what you need to know—and do—right away.
Take the Smell Seriously
Skunks spray as a defense mechanism, typically when they feel threatened or cornered. If you’re consistently smelling that strong, sulfur-like odor near your home, it likely means a skunk has taken up residence somewhere close—possibly even under your deck, porch, or shed.
A one-time spray can linger for days, but a recurring smell is a red flag that shouldn’t be ignored. The odor can seep into your home, affect your pets, and make spending time outside unpleasant.
Watch for Other Signs of Skunk Activity
In addition to the smell, look for:
- Small, cone-shaped holes in your lawn (from digging for grubs)
- Skunk tracks, which show five toes with claw marks
- Skunk droppings, which resemble small cat feces with insect remains
- Rustling noises at night, especially under decks or crawl spaces
- Tipped trash bins or disturbed pet food bowls
Skunks are nocturnal, so you may not see them—but the signs of their presence are usually hard to miss.
Keep Your Pets Protected
Dogs are especially prone to skunk encounters because they’re curious and territorial. A startled skunk will spray to protect itself, and that spray is extremely difficult to remove from fur. If your dog or cat has been sprayed before, you know how bad it can get.
Until the issue is resolved, supervise pets outdoors, especially at night, and consider keeping them on a leash or in a secured area.
Avoid DIY Trapping or Removal
Trying to trap or chase away a skunk yourself is not only risky—it’s illegal in Maryland without proper permits. Skunks can carry rabies, and they will spray if threatened. Trapping without proper knowledge and equipment can end badly, especially if the skunk releases its spray in an enclosed area like under your home.
The safest, most effective option is to call a professional wildlife removal service. At K.P. Wildlife, we’re trained and licensed to safely remove skunks and relocate them humanely, so you don’t have to worry about getting sprayed—or making the problem worse.
Prevent Future Skunk Visits
Once the skunk is removed, we highly recommend taking steps to ensure it (or others) doesn’t return:
- Seal off openings beneath decks, sheds, porches, and crawl spaces with strong wire mesh
- Secure trash cans with tight lids and avoid leaving food outdoors
- Clean up brush piles, woodpiles, and other hiding spots
- Use motion-activated lights or sprinklers to discourage nocturnal visitors
K.P. Wildlife not only removes skunks—we help you protect your property with long-term exclusion techniques tailored to your home.
When to Call K.P. Wildlife
If you’ve noticed that familiar skunk odor—or spotted any signs of activity near your home—don’t wait for a pet to get sprayed or for damage to worsen. At K.P. Wildlife, we offer fast, humane, and effective skunk removal services throughout Maryland and Delaware.
Call us today at 443-282-5035 to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward reclaiming your space from unwanted wildlife.
