Hearing Noises and Smelling Skunks? Skunk Mating Season Is Here.
As we move into the colder months, many homeowners start noticing strange sounds and even stranger smells around their homes. If you’re hearing noises under your home or catching the unmistakable odor of skunk spray, there’s a good chance skunk mating season has arrived. At 10-Eleven Nuisance Wildlife Control, we’re already seeing the signs of this active time of year. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s Happening Beneath Your Home?
Skunk Mating Season
Skunks are on the move right now, searching for mates and suitable denning sites to prepare for the arrival of their kits in early spring. During this time, males tend to roam widely and may spray more frequently as they compete for females, leading to that familiar skunky smell.
Noises in the Crawlspace
If you’re hearing scratching, thumping, or digging sounds under your home, it’s likely that a skunk—or another animal, such as a groundhog or raccoon—has found its way into your crawlspace or foundation. Skunks look for sheltered, dark, and secure areas to den, and your home’s crawlspace is an ideal location.
Why the Smell?
Skunks spray as a defense mechanism, but during mating season, they’re more likely to spray due to increased interactions with other animals. A skunk might spray if it feels threatened, encounters another skunk, or even to ward off predators while exploring new territory. Unfortunately, if they’ve moved in under your home, that smell can quickly become overwhelming and hard to eliminate.
Potential Problems with Skunks Under Your Home
Structural Damage:
Skunks are burrowers. They may dig under your foundation, causing structural weakening over time.Health Concerns:
Skunks can carry diseases such as rabies and leptospirosis. Their droppings can also attract flies and create unsanitary conditions.Persistent Odors:
Skunk spray is notoriously difficult to remove, especially if it seeps into your home’s insulation or HVAC system.
How to Prevent Skunk Issues
1. Seal Entry Points
Inspect your crawlspace vents, foundation, and any other potential openings. Proper exclusion work is essential to keep skunks out.
2. Remove Attractants
Skunks are drawn to food sources like pet food, unsecured garbage, and even birdseed. Make sure these items are properly stored.
3. Schedule a Professional Inspection
If you suspect a skunk—or any wildlife—has made its way under your home, it’s best to call in the professionals. At 10-Eleven, we offer thorough property inspections and expert wildlife removal services to ensure your home is safe and secure.
Don’t Wait Until It Gets Worse
The earlier you address a potential wildlife problem, the easier (and less costly) it is to resolve. With skunk activity ramping up, now is the time to act if you’re hearing noises or noticing odors around your home.
Contact 10-Eleven Nuisance Wildlife Control today to schedule an inspection and keep your home skunk-free this season!
