Finding a skunk under your deck or shed can be stressful.
Most people worry about one thing first. The smell.

But there is another issue too.
Skunks can dig, make a den, and keep coming back if the spot feels safe.

The best results come from a humane plan.
That means the skunk leaves safely. Then the space gets protected so it does not return.

This guide explains what works in Canada and how professionals prevent odors and damage.

Why Skunks Set Up Dens Under Decks and Sheds

Skunks like places that feel hidden and calm.
Under a deck, porch, or shed, they get:

  • Shelter from wind and rain
  • Protection from predators
  • A quiet place for babies
  • A spot close to food, like grubs and insects in lawns

Many skunk problems start when the ground is easy to dig and the space is open on one side.

Signs a Skunk Is Living Under Your Deck

Look for these common signs:

  • A strong musky smell, especially at night
  • A shallow dug-out area near the edge of the deck or shed
  • A narrow tunnel-like opening
  • Small cone-shaped holes in the lawn from digging for grubs
  • Pet reactions, like barking at one corner of the deck

Skunks are mostly active from dusk to dawn. So you may not see them often.

Why Skunks Spray and Why DIY Often Triggers It

Skunks spray to defend themselves.
They do it when they feel trapped, surprised, or chased.

DIY actions that commonly trigger spraying include:

  • Blocking the entrance while the skunk is still inside
  • Sticking a flashlight into the den
  • Trying to poke, smoke, or “flush” the skunk out
  • Letting a dog corner the skunk
  • Using loud noises or sudden movements close to the den

Professionals focus on one key idea.
Do not force a skunk into a panic.

The Humane Approach That Works Best: Let It Leave, Then Block Re-Entry

Humane skunk removal usually relies on exclusion.
This means giving the skunk a safe way to leave, then securing the den area so it cannot return.

Cities and wildlife organizations often describe one-way doors as a preferred approach in the right season, because they let the animal exit but prevent re-entry.

But timing matters a lot.

The Most Important Detail: Baby Season Timing

This is where many people make a big mistake.

The City of Toronto warns that one-way doors should not be used between April and September when skunks are raising young, unless the babies are mobile, because you can trap babies inside and cause a serious problem.

Toronto Wildlife Centre gives similar advice and explains that one-way doors are a good option between September and December, but they can be a problem between April and September because a mother can be excluded while babies are still inside. They also warn that winter eviction can be risky because a skunk may not be able to find or dig a new den.

So the “right method” depends on the time of year and whether babies may be present.

Why Relocation Is Not a Simple Option in Many Places

A lot of homeowners think they should trap the skunk and drive it far away.
In some areas, that is not allowed.

Ontario has rules for wildlife damaging private property that say captured live wildlife must be released within 1 kilometre of where it was captured.
The City of Toronto also states the same 1 kilometre release requirement for trapped wildlife.

Even when relocation is legal in a region, it still often fails if the den area stays open. Another skunk may move in later.

This is why exclusion and prevention are usually the long-term fix.

Step-by-Step Humane Skunk Removal Plan for Homeowners

These steps keep safety first and reduce the chance of spraying.

Step 1: Confirm It Is a Skunk and Find the Den Entrance

Do a calm walk around the deck or shed during daylight.
Look for the main opening and fresh digging.
Do not stick your head inside the gap.

Step 2: Reduce Triggers That Cause Spraying

Do these simple things:

  • Keep pets inside or on a short leash
  • Do not place food outside at night
  • Avoid loud activity right beside the den
  • Give the skunk space to leave on its own at night

Step 3: Do Not Seal the Entrance Right Away

If you block the entrance too early, two things can happen:

  • The skunk may spray
  • The skunk may dig a new exit, causing more damage

Step 4: Use Humane Exclusion Only When It Is Seasonally Safe

If a one-way door is used, it must be used at the right time of year to avoid trapping babies, as Toronto and Toronto Wildlife Centre both warn.

If you suspect babies, the safest choice is usually to avoid DIY eviction methods and get help, because the outcome can turn into odor, noise, and a difficult cleanup.

Step 5: Once the Skunk Is Out, Protect the Space So It Cannot Return

This is the part that prevents repeat problems.

Common prevention steps include:

  • Closing the gap with strong materials
  • Extending a barrier down into the soil so the skunk cannot dig back in
  • Sealing only after you are sure nothing is trapped inside

The City of Toronto also warns to confirm the animal has moved out before permanently blocking an entrance, because trapping an animal inside can lead to death and decomposition.

How Professionals Prevent Odors and Damage

Professionals focus on calm, controlled steps that reduce panic and digging.

They usually prevent odor by:

  • Avoiding direct confrontation
  • Letting the skunk exit naturally during normal activity times
  • Using exclusion methods carefully and seasonally
  • Keeping pets away from the den area

They prevent damage by:

  • Finding the full den footprint, not just the visible hole
  • Installing barriers that stop re-digging
  • Closing weak spots around decks, sheds, and porches
  • Checking for other possible den openings nearby

The goal is not just “remove the skunk.”
The goal is “remove and prevent the next one.”

Health and Safety Notes for Canadian Families

Most skunks do not want contact with people.
But you should still treat them as wild animals.

Canada’s public health guidance on rabies explains prevention steps and stresses seeking medical care after exposure to a potentially rabid animal.
If anyone is bitten or scratched, do not wait. Contact health services right away.

What to Do if Your Dog Gets Sprayed

Keep it simple and safe:

  • Keep your dog outside until you can rinse
  • Use gloves if you can
  • Avoid getting the spray in your eyes
  • Wash items like collars and leashes too
  • Ventilate the home and keep sprayed items out of living areas

If the spray is heavy or your pet’s eyes are irritated, call your vet.

Conclusion

Humane skunk removal works best when you do not rush.
The safest plan is usually exclusion with the right timing, followed by strong prevention repairs so the den area stays closed. City guidance also shows why timing matters during the April to September baby season.

If you want a humane, step-by-step solution that focuses on preventing repeat digging and avoiding odor risks, Bug Manager can be considered for an inspection and exclusion plan.