Skunk Removal in New York

Prioritizing Family Safety with Expert Wildlife Exclusion

Living in New York often means sharing space with local wildlife, but a skunk denning under your porch can quickly become a crisis. Residents frequently deal with the overwhelming scent of spray or damage to their lawns caused by skunks digging for grubs. These nocturnal invaders also pose health risks.

Our family-owned team at Parkway Pest Services has protected local properties since 1932, bringing over eight decades of experience to wildlife removal. As a third-generation company, we utilize staff entomologists and state-certified technicians to ensure your skunk problem is resolved with absolute professionalism. We focus on delivering high-quality, long-term solutions.

Call us today at (888) 695-6490, or contact us online for professional skunk control and a thorough site inspection.

Signs You Have a Skunk Problem on Your Property

Identifying a skunk presence early is the best way to prevent a direct spray incident involving your pets or your home’s foundation. Skunks are shy and primarily active at night, but they leave behind clear evidence of their foraging and nesting habits. Recognizing these indicators allows you to address the issue before a den becomes fully established.

• Pungent, Lingering Odors: A persistent musky scent, even if a direct spray hasn't occurred, often indicates that a skunk is living nearby or under a structure.
• Conical Lawn Holes: Skunks dig small, shallow, funnel-shaped holes in the grass as they hunt for grubs and soil insects, often causing noticeable lawn damage.
• Disturbed Soil Near Foundations: Freshly excavated dirt along the edges of decks, porches, or sheds suggests a skunk is creating a burrow for shelter.
• Unusual Nighttime Noises: Rustling or scratching sounds coming from beneath floorboards or inside crawl spaces during the night are common signs of activity.
• Five-Toed Tracks: Skunk footprints are distinct, showing five toes and visible claw marks, which differentiate them from common house cat tracks in the area.

If you notice these signs, it is important to avoid investigating the area personally, as a frightened skunk can spray accurately from up to fifteen feet away. Professional assessment is necessary to confirm the species and locate all active dens. Once identified, a strategic removal plan can be implemented to clear the property safely.

Our Professional Skunk Removal and Exclusion Process

At Parkway Pest Services, we handle skunk situations with a focus on humane methods and long-term prevention. We understand that removal is only half the battle; ensuring they cannot return is what provides true peace of mind. Our team follows a strict protocol that aligns with New York state wildlife regulations and emphasizes safety for all inhabitants.

• Property-Wide Inspection: We meticulously check the perimeter of your home, including under decks and sheds, to identify active burrows and potential entry points.
• Humane Trapping Techniques: Our technicians utilize specialized cage traps designed to capture skunks safely while minimizing the risk of them spraying during the process.
• Strategic One-Way Doors: In specific situations, we install one-way exit devices that allow skunks to leave their den but prevent them from re-entering your structure.
• Permanent Exclusion Barriers: We install heavy-gauge wire mesh or hardware cloth underground around vulnerable areas to stop skunks from digging back under your home.
• Professional Deodorization: If a spray incident has occurred, we provide guidance and treatment to neutralize the thiols and restore the air quality of your property.

By choosing Parkway Pest Services, you are working with a company that manages every detail internally without outsourcing. Our staff includes experts who understand the biology of local wildlife, ensuring that our trapping and exclusion methods are as effective as possible. We are committed to providing the same high standard of service we have delivered for over 85 years.

Why Do You Need Professional Service

Skunks are not just a nuisance; they are a significant source of stress because of their defensive spray. Professional intervention is essential because skunks are one of the primary carriers of rabies in the region. Experts have the protective gear and experience to handle these animals without putting residents or pets at risk.

Furthermore, New York state law strictly prohibits unlicensed individuals from trapping and relocating wildlife. Professional services ensure that all trapping is done legally and humanely according to Department of Environmental Conservation standards. This prevents homeowners from facing potential legal issues or unintentionally harming the animal or the local ecosystem during the process.

DIY methods like lights or chemical repellents are almost always temporary and rarely solve an established denning issue. A professional technician can provide structural solutions, like buried mesh barriers, that offer permanent protection. Investing in an expert wildlife partner is the most efficient way to secure your property and avoid a costly, foul-smelling disaster.

Why Choose Us for Skunk Control in New York

When a skunk moves in under your home, you need a partner with the specific expertise to handle wildlife safely. At Parkway Pest Services, we bring over eight decades of experience and a specialized understanding of New York's wildlife challenges. Our family-owned approach ensures that we prioritize your home’s safety and your family’s comfort above all else.

• Experienced Wildlife Experts: Parkway Pest Services has been a leader in the industry since 1932, giving us a deep understanding of local animal behavior and biology.
• Internal Scientific Oversight: Our programs are designed by on-staff Board Certified Entomologists and Wildlife Experts, ensuring a technical and effective approach.
• Legal and Humane Compliance: We are fully licensed and certified to operate in the Tri-State area, adhering to all New York wildlife trapping and relocation laws.
• Permanent Exclusion Solutions: We don't just trap; we specialize in "skunk-proofing" your home using durable materials that prevent future burrowing under decks and sheds.
• Award-Winning Professionalism: As a 5-time Best of the North Shore winner, our team is known for treating every customer and property with the utmost respect.

Our commitment to excellence means we handle your skunk problem from start to finish. Whether you need immediate trapping or a long-term exclusion plan, our full-service team is ready to help. Choose Parkway Pest Services for a partner that values safety, education, and the highest standards of wildlife management.

Protecting Your Pets from Skunk Encounters

For many New York residents, the first sign of a skunk on the property is a pet coming back from the yard with a foul odor. Dogs are particularly vulnerable because they tend to chase or corner skunks, triggering the skunk's defensive spray mechanism. To protect your pets, it is essential to manage the environment around your home. Start by ensuring that pet food is never left outside overnight, as this is one of the most common attractants for skunks.

Additionally, we recommend checking your yard with a flashlight before letting your pets out after dark. If your pet is sprayed, avoid bringing them inside immediately, as the oils can quickly transfer to your furniture and carpets. While the classic tomato juice bath is a popular myth, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and liquid dish soap is much more effective at neutralizing the sulfur compounds in skunk spray. By combining these proactive pet safety habits with our professional exclusion services, you can ensure your yard remains a safe place for every member of your family.

Call us today at (888) 695-6490, or contact us online for professional skunk control and long-term exclusion solutions.

FAQs About Skunk Control

How do I know if a skunk is on my property?

A strong, musky odor is often the first sign, especially at night. You may also notice small burrow openings, disturbed soil near foundations, or tracks along fences or walls. If you are unsure, our technicians can inspect your property and help identify whether skunks or other wildlife are present.

Is professional skunk control safe for my pets and kids?

Professional skunk control is designed with safety in mind. Our licensed technicians consider where children and pets spend time and plan work to minimize disruption. We explain any precautions you should take and strive to choose methods that fit your household and building environment.

How quickly can your team come to my New York property?

Response times vary by season and call volume, but we work to schedule visits as promptly as we reasonably can. When you call Parkway Pest Services, our office will discuss timing with you and aim to find an appointment that fits both your needs and our schedule.

Will you help prevent skunks from coming back?

Our goal is to address both current activity and conditions that attract skunks. During service, we look for access points, shelter areas, and food sources, then make recommendations tailored to your property. While wildlife can never be controlled completely, thoughtful changes often reduce the chances of future problems.

Do you handle skunk issues at apartment buildings and businesses?

Yes, we assist both residential and commercial properties, including multi-unit buildings and mixed-use sites. Our team is familiar with the challenges of courtyards, service alleys, trash areas, and shared entrances. We work with owners, managers, and boards to develop reasonable plans that respect building rules and daily operations.