It’s that time of year again — the air is cooler, the nights are longer, and Texas homeowners start noticing strange smells coming from under their decks or sheds. If that’s you, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with an uninvited guest. Fall and early winter are prime time for skunk activity in the Texas Hill Country, as these nocturnal creatures start looking for safe, warm places to spend the season. But how can you tell for sure if you have skunks around your property?
At Varmint Masters Wildlife Removal & Pest Control, we specialize in helping homeowners across the Hill Country — from Boerne and Bulverde to Spring Branch and San Antonio — identify and remove nuisance wildlife safely and humanely. Here’s how to recognize the warning signs and what to do if you suspect you have skunks nearby.
Why Skunks Move In During Fall and Winter
Skunks don’t truly hibernate, but they do enter a semi-dormant state during the coldest months. To stay warm, they’ll look for secure dens near human structures — like under porches, decks, sheds, crawl spaces, or wood piles. Female skunks, in particular, may seek shelter ahead of their breeding season, which begins in late winter.
Once they settle in, skunks can cause more trouble than just their signature odor. They often dig holes in lawns searching for grubs, and their burrows can damage foundations or HVAC ducting. And, of course, the risk of being sprayed makes even simple yard work a challenge.
Common Signs You Might Have Skunks
Wondering how to tell if skunks have made your property their new home? Here are some of the most obvious indicators:
1. A Distinctive Smell (and It’s Not Just Roadkill)
The most obvious sign is, of course, the smell. Skunks spray a pungent, sulfur-like odor as a defense mechanism, and even a small amount can linger for days. If the odor is strongest near your deck, crawl space, or foundation — especially at night — there’s a good chance skunks are nearby.
2. Freshly Dug Holes in the Yard
Skunks are insectivores and love to dig for grubs, beetles, and larvae. If you notice small, cone-shaped holes (about the size of a golf ball) scattered across your yard or garden, it could be a sign of skunk foraging activity. These holes are typically shallow and neat — unlike the larger, messier ones made by armadillos.
3. Tracks and Burrows Near Your Home
Skunk tracks are another giveaway. They have five toes on each foot and visible claw marks. You may also find burrows or tunnels near structures, usually about 6–8 inches wide with smooth dirt around the entrance. Look for burrows under decks, sheds, or woodpiles — favorite spots for skunks to den.
4. Nighttime Noises and Activity
Skunks are nocturnal, so you’re more likely to hear them moving around after dark. Soft rustling, light scratching, or digging sounds at night could point to a skunk or another small animal nearby. You might also spot them in motion — slow-moving, low to the ground, with a bushy tail — if you’re up late or have security cameras.
5. Pet Behavior Changes
If your dog or cat suddenly becomes agitated, barks or growls at the deck, or gets sprayed, it’s time to investigate. Pets often detect wildlife long before humans do, and skunks are no exception. Keep an eye on where your pets are sniffing or scratching around the yard — that might reveal the den’s location.
What to Do If You Suspect Skunks
First things first: don’t panic, and don’t try to handle the problem yourself. Skunks may look cute and harmless, but they’re wild animals that can carry diseases such as rabies or leptospirosis. Plus, cornering or frightening one is a surefire way to get sprayed — and that smell is far worse (and longer-lasting) than you might think.
Instead, reach out to trained professionals like the team at Varmint Masters. Our wildlife biologists understand skunk behavior and use humane, effective removal methods to clear your property safely. Once the skunks are gone, we’ll seal up entry points and provide exclusion services to keep them from coming back.
How to Prevent Skunks from Moving In
- Seal gaps and openings around decks, sheds, and crawl spaces.
- Keep pet food and trash in tightly sealed containers.
- Remove wood piles, brush, or debris that could be used as shelter.
- Use motion-activated lights to deter nighttime activity.
- Inspect your yard regularly for signs of digging or burrows.
Being proactive is the best defense against skunks and other nuisance wildlife. Once they find a comfortable den site, they’re likely to return year after year — unless your property is properly secured.
Trust the Hill Country’s Wildlife Experts
When it comes to skunk removal in Texas, Varmint Masters has seen (and smelled) it all. As a family-owned company staffed by wildlife biologists, we know how to handle skunks humanely, safely, and effectively. Whether you’re in San Antonio, Boerne, Bulverde, or Spring Branch, we’ll help you take back your property and keep it protected through every season.
To schedule an inspection or learn more about how to tell if you have skunks, contact us today. And for more information about living alongside Texas wildlife, check out the Texas Parks & Wildlife nuisance animal guide.
