How to Keep Skunks From Living Under Your Deck

Learn humane ways to prevent skunks from living under a low deck, confirm they have left, and block future access safely.

A low deck can look like a perfect shelter to a skunk: it is dark, quiet, dry, and protected from bad weather. Once a skunk begins using the space underneath, homeowners may notice shallow digging near the edges, a strong odour, or activity around the deck after dark.

The right approach is not to trap the animal inside. The goal is to make the area less attractive, allow the skunk to leave safely, and then prevent it from coming back. For a practical step-by-step example, see this guide on how to skunk-proof a low deck.

Do Not Seal the Opening Straight Away

It is tempting to block every gap under the deck as soon as you spot signs of a skunk. That can create a much worse problem.

A skunk may still be inside, and during spring or early summer there may be young animals in the den. Sealing the entrance too soon can leave animals trapped underneath the structure, create persistent odours, and lead to damage as the mother tries to dig back in.

Start by identifying the active entrance. Look for a low gap along the deck skirt, disturbed soil, a worn path through grass, or an opening near the steps. In many cases, there is one main route in and out.

Make the Area Less Comfortable

Once you are confident there are no dependent young under the deck, mild disturbance can encourage a skunk to choose another shelter.

A bright work light placed safely under the deck after dark can make the space less inviting. Low-level human activity nearby may also help. Avoid aggressive methods, smoke, flooding, poison, or anything that could injure the animal or drive it deeper into the structure.

At the same time, remove food sources that may be keeping skunks close to the property:

• Bring pet food indoors before nightfall.

• Keep rubbish bins securely closed.

• Clear fallen fruit from the ground.

• Avoid leaving bird seed scattered beneath feeders.

• Clean barbecue areas and outdoor eating spaces.

These changes will not remove a skunk overnight, but they make your yard less rewarding as a regular feeding spot.

Confirm That the Skunk Has Left

Before closing the deck permanently, give the animal a clear way out and monitor the entrance.

One simple method is to leave the main opening open and loosely place dry leaves, light soil, or similar material across it. If the material has been pushed aside overnight, the space may still be active. A small outdoor camera can also help confirm whether anything is entering or leaving.

Do not rush this step. Wildlife activity can vary with weather, temperature, and available food. The important point is to be sure the area is empty before completing the barrier.

Install a Proper Exclusion Barrier

Once the space is vacant, close access with a durable physical barrier rather than relying on scent repellents alone.

Galvanised welded-wire mesh is commonly used around the lower edge of a deck. The mesh should extend below ground level and turn outward underground in an L-shape. This makes it much harder for a skunk to dig directly down beside the deck and push underneath.

The barrier should be firmly attached to the deck structure, with no loose corners or gaps around stairs, pipes, or uneven ground. Pay particular attention to the areas where the deck meets the house and where landscaping creates a hidden approach.

A temporary fix made from thin plastic, loose boards, or lightweight garden edging may look tidy at first, but it is unlikely to hold up against digging.

Reduce Future Shelter Opportunities

A deck is not the only sheltered place a skunk may investigate. After securing the deck, check the rest of the yard for similar spots:

• gaps beneath sheds or porches;

• brush piles and stacked timber;

• open spaces below steps;

• uncapped crawlspace vents;

• damaged lattice or loose deck skirting.

Keeping these areas orderly does not mean making a garden sterile. It simply means removing easy den sites close to the house.

When to Call a Professional

Contact a humane wildlife-control professional when you are unsure whether young are present, the skunk appears injured or unwell, or you cannot safely inspect the space beneath the deck.

A good professional should explain the exclusion process clearly, check for dependent animals, and focus on preventing re-entry rather than simply removing the animal.

Skunks are usually looking for shelter, not conflict. Give them a safe route out, close the access point properly, and remove the reasons for them to return. That approach protects your deck, your garden, and the animal.

Stay up to date with our latest ideas!