While many animals hunker down for the winter, skunks in New York don’t fully hibernate—they enter a state of torpor, slowing down but occasionally waking to forage. By February, skunks become more active as the mating season kicks off. Males roam in search of females, increasing the chances of homeowners spotting (or smelling) them during this time.

Common signs of skunk activity include:

• Strong, pungent skunk odor near your property
• Small, shallow holes in lawns from foraging
• Tracks leading to decks, sheds, or crawl spaces
• Noises under porches or homes, especially at night
  
  

Skunks are generally non-aggressive, but they can become a nuisance if they nest near your home or spray when they feel threatened.

Where Do Skunks Nest During Winter?

Skunks look for warm, sheltered spots during colder months, often making homes under:

• Decks and porches
• Sheds
• Crawl spaces
• Wood piles
  
  

These areas protect from the cold and predators, making them ideal for denning.

How to Prevent Skunks From Settling on Your Property

Preventing skunks starts with making your yard less inviting. Here are simple prevention tips:

1. Block Entry Points: Secure areas beneath decks, porches, and sheds with hardware cloth or fencing. Ensure the material is buried at least 12 inches deep to stop animals from burrowing underneath.

2. Remove Food Sources: Secure trash bins, avoid leaving pet food outdoors, and clean up fallen fruits or birdseed.
3. Use Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers: Skunks are nocturnal and shy away from sudden light or water.
4. Maintain Your Lawn: Regularly mow the grass and trim the bushes to reduce hiding spots. Fortunately, we don't have to worry about this in the Northeast in February, but as spring approaches, those spring chores commence! 
   
   

How Thomas Pest Services Humanely Removes Skunks

At Thomas Pest Services, we understand the importance of humane wildlife removal. Our trained Wildlife Removal Team uses safe and effective methods to relocate skunks without harm.

Our humane skunk removal process includes:

1. Inspection: We conduct a full property inspection to identify skunk dens and entry points.
2. Live Trapping: Using humane traps, we safely capture the skunk without harm.
3. Relocation: Captured skunks are relocated to a suitable habitat, away from residential areas.
4. Exclusion Work: After removal, we seal off entry points and install barriers to prevent future nesting.

5. Deodorization: If a skunk has sprayed in or around your home, we can address the area to eliminate odors. If it's already too late, here's how to remove skunk smell.

   
   Our goal is to safeguard your home, property, family, and local wildlife, providing a secure and humane solution for wildlife removal.

Why Choose Thomas Pest Services for Skunk Removal?

• Local Expertise: Serving New York’s Capital Region and Hudson Valley, we know local wildlife habits.
• Humane Methods: We prioritize ethical and safe removal for both homeowners and animals.
• Comprehensive Service: From removal to prevention, we handle the entire process.
• Family-Owned: With third generations of pest control experience, we focus on building relationships with our customers. 
  
  

Got a Skunk Problem? We Can Help!

If you've noticed skunk activity around your home, don’t wait until the smell becomes overwhelming. Contact Thomas Pest Services today for safe and humane skunk removal.

📞 Call us at 518-861-4921
💻 Complete the form here, we will be in touch soon!