Here's why skunks may be hanging out under your home

Yahoo18-03-2025

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Noble Armstrong is the owner of Armstrong's Wildlife Solutions. He's been helping people deal with skunks, raccoons, and other animals that make their way into people's property — and ruin it — for over 12 years.
He says he has affection for most of the critters, but not so much for the skunks.
'Every moment that you're dealing with a skunk they can spray you at any time,' he said. 'So, once the skunk is out of my cage trap, in the release site and gone, I can take a breath, because I know I'm not sprayed.'
Armstrong says he got a call from the owner of a home on Sodus Point, complaining of a bad smell coming from underneath. It's a cottage, so below is a wide-open space where skunks, such as the ones going under the cottage, like to hang out.
'That smell is very strong, and underneath the building, the smell will radiate through the house,' said Armstrong.
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After he inspects the area, Armstrong sets up cameras to catch the animal in action, and then he comes up with a game plan. Usually, that involves setting double-sided traps.
'If there's an animal under here it allows that animal to come out into our trap, and the doors close, and it gets captured,' he said. 'But, it also is open on the outside, so if an animal is wandering around and they want to go under that building, they have to go through my trap to get in there.'
Once the animal is safely caught, Armstrong recommends doing exclusion work, which means covering any holes you have around your home with — what he calls — 'critter shields.'
'We want to close off that hole, so no other animal is going to get in and isn't going to be a problem down the road,' he said.
Armstrong says animals like raccoons and skunks are more than a simple nuisance, they can ruin your insulation and chew on wires. Plus, they could be carrying disease.
The skunk at the cottage in Sodus Point was a smart one and managed to avoid the traps. But, after making sure there were no animals under the home, Armstrong installed the critter shield. Hopefully, that'll save this homeowner from unwanted guests.
Armstrong is glad he didn't get sprayed but says if you ever do, the secret to getting the smell out is to mix hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. You then lather it all over the skunk's victim.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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