Skunk Removal
Skunk Removal & Odor Control in Central Pennsylvania
If you’re smelling that unmistakable, pungent odor near your porch, deck, or foundation — or you’ve spotted fresh droppings in your lawn — you likely have a skunk denning on your property. Zimmerman Wildlife Solutions has safely and humanely removed skunks from homes and properties throughout Danville, Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, and Elysburg for over 20+ years. We know exactly where skunks den, how to remove them without triggering a spray, and how to make sure they don’t come back.
Skunks are common throughout Central PA, especially during spring mating season (mid-February through late March) and again in late summer as young skunks disperse to find their own territory. They’re drawn to the same things that make a property comfortable for people: a dry crawlspace, a woodpile, a shed foundation, or a deck with an open gap underneath. Once a skunk settles in, DIY removal is risky — cornering or spraying repellent near a den often triggers the exact spray you’re trying to avoid, and Pennsylvania has specific regulations around handling rabies-vector species like skunks that make professional removal the safer, faster path.
Signs You Have a Skunk Problem
- A strong, musky odor near your foundation, deck, shed, or porch — especially in the early morning or evening
- Small, cone-shaped holes or patches of upturned lawn (skunks dig for grubs and insects)
- Fresh burrow entrances under decks, sheds, porches, or foundations
- Five-toed tracks with visible claw marks near your home
- A skunk sighting at dusk or after dark — skunks are nocturnal and generally avoid daytime activity unless sick or displaced
Our Skunk Removal Process
Every property is different, so we start with a full inspection to confirm the den location and entry points before we touch anything.
- Inspection: We identify the den location, entry/exit points, and if skunks are currently present.
- Humane trapping & exclusion: We use professional, humane trapping methods suited to the site and the season, following state wildlife handling guidelines for rabies-vector species.
- Exclusion & Prevention: Once the skunk (and any young) are cleared, we cover den entry points and address the conditions that attracted them — gaps under decks and sheds, foundation openings, and accessible crawlspaces.
- Odor guidance: We’ll walk you through what to expect if spraying has already occurred, including safe cleanup near your home and yard.
This is licensed, insured work handled by trappers affiliated with the National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA), the Pennsylvania Nuisance Wildlife Management Association (PNWMA), and the Pennsylvania Trappers Association — not a generic pest-control routine.
Why Not Just Handle It Yourself?
Skunks rarely spray unless they feel cornered or threatened — which is exactly what happens when a homeowner tries to trap or scare one off without knowing where the den entrance actually is, or how many animals (including young) are inside. Skunks are also classified among Pennsylvania’s rabies-vector species, meaning handling and removal are governed by state wildlife regulations. A licensed, experienced trapper removes the guesswork — and the risk of a very bad night — from the process.
Skunk Removal FAQ
When is skunk season in Pennsylvania?
Skunk activity peaks twice a year in Central PA: during mating season from mid-February through late March, and again in late summer/early fall as young skunks disperse to establish their own dens. (See our full guide: Skunk Mating Season in Central PA.)
Will a skunk spray if I leave it alone?
Not usually — skunks only spray when they feel cornered or threatened, and they typically give a warning first (stomping, raised tail). The risk goes up significantly with DIY trapping attempts, which is why we recommend professional removal.
Can I just seal up the den entrance myself?
We don’t recommend it. Sealing an active den can trap the skunk (and any young) inside, leading to odor, structural damage, and a much harder removal later. We confirm the den is clear before sealing any entry point.
How much does skunk removal cost?
Cost depends on the number of animals, den location, and whether exclusion/repair work is needed. Call (570) 437-2144 for a free phone consultation and estimate specific to your property.
Do you offer skunk odor cleanup?
Yes — we can advise on and assist with safe cleanup after a spray incident near your home or yard as part of the removal service.
Give Us a Call Today!
For a Phone Consultation
Don't wait for a skunk problem to get worse — or for a spray incident near your home. Call Zimmerman Wildlife Solutions at (570) 437-2144 for a fast, honest assessment and same-week service in most cases.

