Removing and Preventing Skunks

If you’ve noticed a strong odor in your yard or damage to your lawn, you may have a skunk problem. These nocturnal animals are common throughout Los Angeles and nearby cities such as Glendale, Pasadena, and Burbank. While skunks play a role in controlling insects and rodents, their spray and digging behavior make them unwelcome guests near homes.
This complete guide from All Star Animal Trapping explains how to identify, deter, and remove skunks naturally and humanely—plus long-term prevention tips to keep your property safe and odor-free.

Understanding Skunks in Los Angeles

Skunks are nocturnal mammals known for their distinctive black-and-white markings and powerful defensive spray. Though they might seem threatening, most skunks simply seek food, water, and shelter.

Common Skunk Species Found in Southern California

Southern California is home to two main species: the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and the spotted skunk (Spilogale gracilis).
The striped skunk is larger and more recognizable, often seen in suburban neighborhoods, while the spotted skunk is smaller, more agile, and prefers rural or wooded areas. Both species thrive in Los Angeles due to the mild climate and abundant food supply.

Why Skunks Invade Homes and Yards

Skunks are opportunistic animals. They invade yards and crawl spaces in search of:

• Insects, worms, and grubs
  
• Garbage or compost
  
• Pet food left outside
  
• Shelter under decks, sheds, or porches
  

The warm weather and easy access to food in Los Angeles make these areas ideal den sites—especially during breeding season.

How to Identify a Skunk Infestation

Signs that a skunk may be living nearby include:

• Strong, musky odor at night or near your home
  
• Small holes in your lawn or garden from digging for insects
  
• Skunk tracks with visible claws
  
• Nocturnal scratching sounds under decks or crawl spaces
  

If you notice any of these, act quickly before the problem worsens.

Signs of Skunks in Your Yard or Home

The earlier you recognize skunk activity, the easier it is to prevent property damage.

1. The Smell

The first and most obvious clue is that distinct skunk odor—a musky, sulfuric smell that lingers for days. It’s often strongest at night or after rain.

2. Lawn and Garden Damage

Skunks dig small, cone-shaped holes 3–4 inches wide when searching for grubs. These holes can ruin lawns, flower beds, and vegetable gardens overnight.

3. Burrows and Entry Points

Look for signs of digging under decks, stairs, or sheds. Skunks often create dens in shaded, undisturbed areas.

4. Pet Behavior

If your dog becomes unusually agitated at night or fixates on a specific area of the yard, a skunk might be nearby.

5. Nocturnal Noises

Soft rustling, scratching, or chirping after dark often signals wildlife presence. Skunks are active from dusk to dawn, so unusual nighttime noise is a major warning.

If these signs appear around your property, contact All Star Animal Trapping before the issue escalates. Early intervention means easier, cleaner removal and no unwanted odor surprises.

Are Skunks Dangerous?

Despite their reputation, skunks are not aggressive animals. They avoid humans and use their spray only as a last defense. Their warning signs—stamping feet, hissing, and raising the tail—are your cue to back off.
However, there are still valid safety concerns to keep in mind.

1. Spray Irritation:

Skunk spray contains sulfuric compounds that can irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs. Pets sprayed at close range may experience temporary blindness or nausea.

2. Disease Transmission:

While rabies in skunks is rare in Los Angeles, they can carry other illnesses such as Leptospirosis, distemper, or parasites like fleas and ticks. These can be spread through urine, feces, or close contact.

3. Property Damage:

Skunks dig under sheds and porches, compromising structural stability. Their burrows can attract other wildlife such as rats or snakes.

In short, skunks aren’t violent, but they can be hazardous if ignored. Avoid touching or trapping them yourself—call All Star Animal Trapping to handle them safely and legally.

Do Skunks Attack Humans or Pets?

Skunks rarely attack humans or pets unless provoked. Their first defense is always to spray, not bite. However, pets that approach or chase a skunk are likely to get sprayed. The oil from the spray can irritate eyes and skin, causing temporary blindness and nausea.

Can Skunks Carry Rabies or Other Diseases?

While rabies in skunks is rare in Los Angeles, it can occur. Skunks may also carry Leptospirosis, distemper, and parasites like fleas and ticks. Avoid touching skunks and keep pets’ vaccinations up to date to prevent transmission of diseases.

Why You Should Never Try to Handle a Skunk Yourself

Skunks can spray accurately up to 10 feet. If cornered, they may bite or scratch. Attempting DIY removal can also violate California wildlife laws. Always contact All Star Animal Trapping, a licensed expert in humane skunk removal across Los Angeles.

How to Deter or Remove Skunks

When it comes to skunk control, prevention is key. Combine physical barriers, repellents, and professional help for the most effective results.

Secure Your Home with an Exclusion Service

Seal all potential entry points to prevent skunks from nesting under your home.

• Use galvanized mesh or hardware cloth to block crawl spaces.
  
• Close off holes around decks and porches.
  
• Repair broken vents or foundation gaps.
  

All Star Animal Trapping provides complete exclusion services across Los Angeles, ensuring animals can’t re-enter once removed.

Remove Food Sources

Skunks are scavengers. Reduce attractants by:

• Keeping trash cans tightly sealed
  
• Bringing pet food indoors
  
• Cleaning up fallen fruit
  
• Covering compost bins
  A food-free yard makes your property far less appealing.
  

Reduce Potential Den Sites

Skunks prefer dark, quiet spaces. Clear brush piles, store lumber off the ground, and trim overgrown shrubs. Check under decks or sheds for possible dens—if one exists, do not block it until professionals confirm the skunk has left.

Install Motion-Activated Lights

Skunks dislike bright light and sudden movement. Installing motion-activated floodlights near trash bins, gardens, or crawl spaces can naturally discourage them from visiting your yard.

Skunk Repellents

If you want to get rid of skunks naturally, try these repellents:

• Citrus peels, ammonia, or vinegar: strong odors deter skunks.
  
• Predator urine: simulates natural threats.
  
• Commercial repellents: safe, eco-friendly sprays available at hardware stores.
  Avoid using mothballs, as they’re toxic to pets and illegal for outdoor use.
  

Direct a Skunk Out of Your Home

If a skunk accidentally enters your garage or basement, stay calm. Leave a door open, dim the interior lights, and place bright lights or a radio near the animal. These signals will encourage it to exit without conflict.

Skunk Traps

Live traps are an effective last resort. Bait them with peanut butter or canned fish, but only professionals should set or relocate traps. In California, relocation without a permit is prohibited.
All Star Animal Trapping uses humane traps that meet all state wildlife standards.

Why Skunk Spray Is So Hard to Remove

A skunk’s spray is one of the most powerful defensive weapons in nature—and one of the toughest odors to eliminate. The spray contains thiols, sulfur-based compounds that cling to porous materials like fabric, fur, and wood. These molecules are so potent that a single spray can be detected up to half a mile away.

Unfortunately, water alone makes it worse by spreading the oil-based chemical. To truly neutralize the odor, a special oxidizing solution is required—such as a mix of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. Even then, walls, carpets, and HVAC systems may hold onto the smell.

Professional deodorizing and odor remediation services, like those offered by All Star Animal Trapping’s partners, use industrial-grade neutralizers to restore indoor air quality. Their process safely removes skunk smell from furniture, clothing, and even pets.

If the odor persists beyond a few days, it’s best to contact a professional. DIY fixes can help on surfaces, but full property deodorization requires equipment designed to reach every corner affected by the spray.

What Makes Skunk Odor So Potent

Skunk spray contains thiols, sulfur-based chemicals that bond to skin, hair, and fabric. A single spray can contaminate the air for days. The smell intensifies in humidity and spreads quickly through HVAC systems.

DIY Odor Removal vs. Professional Cleanup

Home remedies can help, but they’re not always enough. A simple mix of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap neutralizes most odors on pets or outdoor surfaces.
For severe indoor contamination, professional odor removal is necessary. All Star Animal Trapping partners with cleanup specialists to restore air quality in Los Angeles homes.

Preventing Future Skunk Problems

Once a skunk has been removed, the real key is prevention. Skunks return to familiar food sources and shelters if the environment remains unchanged.
Follow these professional prevention strategies to keep them away for good:

• Secure trash bins and compost: Use heavy-duty containers with tight-fitting lids.
  
• Remove pet food and fallen fruit: Never leave food outdoors overnight.
  
• Seal entry points: Close gaps under decks, porches, and sheds with steel mesh or wood lattice.
  
• Keep yards clean: Trim vegetation, clear debris, and eliminate potential nesting spots.
  
• Use deterrents: Motion lights, sprinklers, or citrus-scented sprays can discourage nighttime visitors.
  

If you’re in an area prone to wildlife—such as Burbank, Glendale, or Pasadena—consider scheduling routine inspections with All Star Animal Trapping. Their exclusion experts ensure your home stays permanently protected with durable, weatherproof barriers. Prevention not only saves you from odor and property damage but also keeps the ecosystem balanced without harming local wildlife.

Securing Trash, Pet Food, and Compost

Keep outdoor areas tidy. Use heavy-duty trash bins with locking lids, and never leave food outside overnight. Compost piles should be covered to prevent smell attraction.

Sealing Crawl Spaces and Decks

After removal, skunks often return unless the area is sealed. Install wire mesh barriers or lattice panels to close gaps beneath decks, porches, and sheds. Regular inspections ensure no new burrows form.

Using Deterrents and Lights

Maintain lighting in vulnerable areas and install motion detectors near garbage or gardens. Water sprinklers and noise devices also work as harmless deterrents.

With consistency, you can prevent future infestations without harming wildlife.

When to Call a Professional Skunk Removal Expert in Los Angeles

Dealing with skunks might seem simple, but improper handling can make things much worse. If you notice strong odors, burrows under your deck, or nighttime digging, it’s time to call a professional. Skunks are protected wildlife in California, meaning trapping or relocating them without a permit is illegal. A licensed expert like All Star Animal Trapping ensures your problem is resolved legally and humanely.

Professionals use specialized traps and exclusion systems that prevent re-entry while keeping the animal safe. They also identify and seal off potential nesting areas to ensure your property doesn’t become a long-term habitat. Unlike DIY attempts, expert removal avoids injury, fines, and spray exposure.

Call a skunk removal expert immediately if:

• You detect a persistent musky odor near your home.
  
• Pets are sprayed or bitten.
  
• You spot a skunk inside your crawl space or under the porch.
  
• You notice daytime activity (which could indicate illness or babies).

The Legal and Humane Way to Handle Skunks

California law protects wildlife, meaning unlicensed trapping or relocation is prohibited. All Star Animal Trapping follows all California Fish and Wildlife regulations, ensuring humane removal and relocation that prioritizes safety.

Benefits of Hiring All Star Animal Trapping

• 24/7 emergency wildlife response
  
• Licensed, insured, and humane methods
  
• Safe odor and damage remediation
  
• Long-term exclusion and prevention plans
  

Professional help ensures the issue is handled quickly, safely, and legally.

FAQs About Skunk Removal

What Smells Keep Skunks Away?

Strong scents such as citrus, vinegar, or ammonia help deter skunks. Spraying these around garbage areas or entry points makes your property less appealing.

Will Skunks Leave on Their Own?

If food and shelter are unavailable, many skunks move on naturally. However, persistent residents often require professional removal.

Can Skunks Spray Indoors?

Yes. If cornered inside a garage or basement, they may spray. The odor can cling to furniture and walls—professional deodorizing may be required.

How Much Does Professional Skunk Removal Cost in Los Angeles?

The cost typically ranges from $250–$600, depending on location and infestation severity. Exclusion and cleanup services may be additional.

Final Thoughts – Keep Your Home Skunk-Free and Safe

Skunks are not aggressive, but they can cause unpleasant smells, damage, and health concerns when they invade residential areas. Preventing access to food and shelter is the best way to keep them away.

If you already have a skunk problem, don’t risk getting sprayed—trust All Star Animal Trapping, Los Angeles’s expert in humane skunk removal and exclusion services.
With 24/7 availability, professional odor cleanup, and long-term prevention, we’ll help you restore peace (and fresh air) to your home.