It’s “Skunk Season” — Why Activity Is Spiking Right Now
If you’ve been noticing more skunks around your home lately, stronger odors, or fresh digging near your foundation, you’re not imagining it. This time of year marks the start of skunk mating season, and it dramatically changes how skunks behave — especially in residential areas.
At 10-Eleven Nuisance Wildlife Control, this period is what we refer to as “skunk season.” Every year, we see a sharp increase in skunk-related calls, conflicts with pets, denning under structures, and accidental encounters with people.
Why Skunk Activity Increases During Mating Season
Mating season causes both male and female skunks to become much more active than usual — but for different reasons.
Female skunks begin searching for safe, quiet places to establish dens. These dens will eventually be used to give birth and raise young. They are looking for locations that are:
• Dark
• Dry
• Protected from predators
• Close to food sources
Unfortunately, homes offer perfect denning conditions. This is why we most commonly find skunks under:
• Decks
• Porches
• Sheds
• Crawlspaces
• Concrete slabs
Once a female establishes a den, she often stays there for a long time.
Male skunks, on the other hand, become highly mobile. They roam long distances in search of receptive females, crossing yards, neighborhoods, and roads. This roaming behavior is why homeowners suddenly start seeing skunks out in the open more often.
Why Skunks Spray More This Time of Year
One of the biggest misconceptions about skunks is that they spray randomly. They don’t. But during mating season, spraying incidents increase dramatically.
Here’s why:
• Females will spray males they are not receptive to
• Males will spray other males while fighting over territory and access to females
• Increased movement means more encounters with people, pets, and vehicles
• Heightened stress makes skunks more defensive
This is also why dogs get sprayed more often during this time of year. Skunks are already on edge, and when surprised or chased, they’re far more likely to deploy their defense.
Why Homeowners See More Skunks During This Season
Mating season causes a chain reaction:
More roaming → More denning → More conflict → More encounters
This leads to:
• Increased sightings
• More road crossings
• Higher vehicle strikes
• More pet interactions
• More denning under homes
Skunks aren’t “invading” neighborhoods — they’re simply following instinct.
Why Skunks Rarely Leave On Their Own
Once a skunk establishes a den site, especially a female, it usually won’t abandon it unless forced to. Blocking holes, using repellents, or making noise almost never works — and often makes the situation worse.
Improper attempts can lead to:
• Trapped skunks
• Spraying incidents
• Structural damage
• Mothers separated from young
• Skunks digging new access points
What To Do If You Suspect Skunk Activity
Early warning signs include:
• Strong musky odor
• Cone-shaped holes in the yard
• Fresh digging near foundations
• Noises under decks or porches
• Increased nighttime movement
The sooner skunks are professionally removed and excluded, the easier the problem is to solve.
If you’re noticing any of these signs, now is the time to act.
📞 540-838-1601
🌐 www.10elevennwc.com
