A skunk will usually live under a deck for a few weeks to several months, depending on the season and why it moved in. If it’s raising young or using the space for winter shelter, it may stay longer until conditions change or food becomes scarce.
Skunks are clever survivors that love the shelter and safety a deck can provide. The dark, quiet space makes it an ideal spot for resting, nesting, or even raising young, which can turn your peaceful backyard into a smelly problem.
Homeowners often wonder how long a skunk will stick around once it settles in. Knowing the answer helps you prepare for what to expect and plan safe, effective steps to keep these unwanted guests from overstaying their welcome.
Learn more: How do you get a skunk to leave?
How Long Will a Skunk Stay Under a Deck?
A skunk’s stay under a deck usually lasts anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The exact timeline depends on the reason for taking shelter, such as keeping warm in the winter, hiding from predators, or nesting with young during the spring.
If a skunk is raising kits, it may remain until the young are old enough to leave, which can stretch into the summer. In contrast, a lone adult may only use the space temporarily while searching for food or safety, leaving once conditions change.
Do Skunks Return to the Same Spot?
Skunks are creatures of habit, and if they find a safe and quiet shelter, they often return to it in the future. This means a deck that once housed a skunk could easily become a repeat den site if it isn’t secured.
Because they look for familiar places where they’ve successfully stayed before, decks can turn into long-term targets. Without proper exclusion, even after one skunk leaves, another may move in and continue the cycle.
What Attracts Skunks to Decks?
Skunks are drawn to decks because they provide shelter that is dark, dry, and hidden from predators. The low space beneath a deck mimics a natural den, making it a perfect refuge for resting or nesting.
Food availability also plays a big role in attracting skunks. If garbage cans, pet food, gardens, or insects are nearby, a skunk will see the area as an ideal home base with both shelter and easy meals.
Dangers of Letting a Skunk Live Under a Deck
Allowing a skunk to stay under your deck can lead to unpleasant odor issues if it sprays nearby. The smell can seep into your home or linger in your yard, making everyday life uncomfortable.
Beyond the smell, skunks may cause property damage by digging or weakening the ground around your deck. They can also carry diseases, parasites, and bacteria that put both people and pets at risk.
How to Safely Get Rid of a Skunk Under a Deck
The safest way to remove a skunk under a deck is to call wildlife professionals who know how to handle them without causing stress or spray incidents. Experts may use humane exclusion methods like one-way doors, which let the skunk leave but block it from coming back.
DIY trapping or chasing a skunk can be risky, as frightened animals are more likely to spray or injure themselves. A professional approach ensures the skunk is removed safely and that your property is secured against future visits.
How to Keep Skunks from Coming Back
Once a skunk is gone, sealing entry points under your deck is the most important step to keep it from returning. Using wire mesh or lattice barriers prevents new animals from slipping in and turning the space into a den.
You’ll also want to remove the things that attract skunks in the first place. Secure trash cans, bring pet food indoors, and keep your yard clear of clutter so skunks don’t see your property as an easy shelter and food source.
Conclusion
Skunks may only live under a deck for a season, but the space can quickly become a favorite spot if it stays accessible. Their presence brings odor, property damage, and health concerns that no homeowner wants to deal with.
Taking action early—by sealing off entry points and removing food sources—helps keep your property skunk-free. And if one has already moved in, calling a professional wildlife removal service is the fastest and safest way to reclaim your deck.
Get Expert Help from AAAC Wildlife Removal
If you’ve spotted signs of a skunk living under your deck, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. AAAC Wildlife Removal specializes in safe, humane skunk removal that protects your family, pets, and property from the risks these animals bring.
Our team knows how to secure your home so skunks don’t come back, giving you peace of mind and a critter-free deck.
