Skunk Removal in Durham & York Region

Empire Wildlife Pest Control provides humane skunk removal in Durham Region and York Region, including Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Markham, Vaughan and Richmond Hill. If a skunk is sheltering under your deck, porch or shed, we inspect the space, explain the removal plan and help prevent another animal from moving in. We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call (416) 831-0386 for a free quote.

Signs a Skunk Is Living Under Your Deck

A strong odour is one clue, but it does not always mean the animal is directly beneath your home. Look for fresh digging along a deck or shed edge, a worn opening at the base of a structure, disturbed soil or repeated activity around dusk. Keep children and pets away from a suspected den and avoid blocking the opening while an animal may still be inside.

Our Humane Skunk Removal Process

1. Inspect the den and access points

We check where the skunk is entering, assess the condition of the surrounding deck or structure and look for signs of dependent young. The inspection helps determine which humane approach is suitable for the situation.

2. Remove without poison

Depending on the site and season, a technician may use a one-way exit and other appropriate humane methods. We do not seal an occupied opening and leave an animal trapped. If young are present, the plan must account for them before exclusion work begins.

3. Screen and repair the opening

Once the space is clear, we can discuss screening vulnerable deck and shed edges and repairing access gaps. Our wildlife damage repair and prevention service addresses openings that could invite skunks or other animals back.

What to Do While a Skunk Is Under a Deck

Give the opening space and keep pets on a leash away from the den. Avoid shining a light directly into it, spraying water, placing chemicals or trying to force the animal out. These approaches can create stress and make it harder to assess where the animal is sheltering. If you can observe safely from a distance, note the time it appears, the direction it travels and whether it returns to the same opening. Share those observations with the technician rather than reaching beneath the deck.

Do not install mesh across the opening while activity continues. A skunk may still be inside, and dependent young may be out of sight. We first assess whether the space is occupied and choose a plan that fits the site and the animals present. The timing for screening follows the removal plan.

Skunk Exclusion and Deck Screening

After the den is clear, a technician can look at accessible edges beneath decks, porches and sheds. Screening must suit the structure and leave its intended ventilation and drainage intact. The scope may involve a short opening, a longer perimeter or damaged material that needs a separate repair. We explain what we find and quote the proposed work before installing screening. Other openings on the property may need maintenance, but an inspection does not mean every possible access point is included in one job.

Reducing attractants also helps. Secure household waste, clean up spilled pet food and discuss any recurring digging around the structure. A new hole after removal deserves a fresh look because the animal, route and condition may differ from the original issue.

When to Call for Skunk Help

Call if the opening is close to a busy doorway, if a pet repeatedly approaches it, or if you suspect young are present. Tell us whether the animal is under a deck, porch or shed and how long you have noticed activity. A description and safe, ground-level photographs can help us plan access. We serve homes and businesses across Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Markham, Vaughan and the surrounding Durham and York communities. We are open 24/7, and same-day service may be available depending on the schedule.

Skunk Removal Cost and Timing

The quote depends on the size and accessibility of the den, whether young are present and the amount of screening or repair needed. A small opening under a porch is different from a long deck perimeter. We explain the recommended work and price before service. Same-day and emergency help may be available; call so we can assess your situation.

Areas We Serve

We help homes and businesses across Durham and York Region, including Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Markham and Vaughan, as well as Toronto. See all service areas. We also handle raccoons and squirrels when the signs point to a different animal.

Skunk Removal FAQ

Should I block a skunk’s entrance?

No. Blocking an occupied den can trap an animal or separate a mother from her young. Call for an inspection before sealing an opening.

Do you use poison?

No. Our wildlife removal approach uses humane methods such as one-way exits when appropriate for the site and the animals present.

Can you stop skunks from returning under the deck?

After the space is clear, we can recommend and install screening or repairs for accessible edges. Keep waste secured and avoid leaving food outdoors to reduce attractants.Skunk under your deck or shed? Call (416) 831-0386 or request a free quote. Tell us where you have seen activity and whether pets or children use the area.