The obvious signs of skunk infestation are the smell. If you’re catching a whiff of that distinctive, overpowering skunk odor, chances are you have a skunk and need to look into skunk removal. Other signs include torn open trash bags and deep furrows that the skunk dug to get at insects. Unless the skunk is sick or has rabies, you’re unlikely to see it during the daytime.
One way to avoid having to use skunk removal is to not make your home enticing to skunks in the first place. That means getting rid of rodents such as mice, rats, and moles that skunks eat. Removing common insect pests such as wasps, ants, termites, and other insects is also a good idea. Do not feed your pets outdoors, but if you must, pick up the food bowls before dark. Keeping the area under your porch enclosed and closing up crawl spaces and holes under your house will keep animals out. Besides being cruel, it’s likely the animals will try to get out anyway they can, even if that means destroying more of your property and causing a bigger nightmare.
Keeping a light shining into the den and a radio playing during the daytime near the den’s entrance is a good way to oust a skunk without resorting to outright skunk removal. Wetting down the inside of the den at night is another way to encourage the current occupants to find a new home. With luck, you won’t have to pay someone for skunk removal.