That sharp, unmistakable odor drifting through your
yard at night—it's a tell-tale sign. Or perhaps you've
noticed cone-shaped holes appearing across your
meticulously maintained lawn, indicating a
creature has been digging for grubs. And then
there's the classic scenario: a beloved pet, caught
off guard, races inside after an unfortunate
backyard "encounter." When skunks decide to take
up residence near your home or business, they
certainly make their presence known in a variety of
unpleasant ways. Fortunately, Trapper Joe’s
Wildlife Control, LLC specializes in providing
humane skunk removal and control services for
both homes and businesses throughout the greater
Indianapolis area.
Our expert team focuses on safely removing the animals, effectively neutralizing lingering odors, and
reinforcing your property to prevent future skunk intrusions and ensure they don’t come back. We balance
efficiency with care: we protect people and pets, follow Indiana regulations, and use methods that minimize
stress for the animals. Our aim is to solve your immediate issue while safeguarding your property for the
future.
Trapper Joe’s Wildlife Control, LLC is fully licensed and insured, offering both residential and commercial
skunk removal, never using poisons. Our comprehensive approach includes burrow eviction and exclusion
for areas like decks, sheds, stoops, and crawlspaces. We also provide odor control and sanitation using
HEPA, enzyme, and oxidizer options, along with entry-point sealing and dig-proof barriers to prevent future
issues. All our wildlife control services come with insurance-ready documentation. We offer onsite
assessments for a nominal fee, which is waived if you proceed with any of our services.
Whether you are dealing with skunk damage to your lawn or a litter living underneath your business’s patio,
we have the tools and knowledge to offer the best wildlife solutions around. Get in touch with an Indianapolis
skunk trapper today to schedule your onsite assessment and take the first step toward resolving your
nuisance skunk concerns. Upon reaching out, you'll speak with a local expert familiar with the seasonal
patterns of Central Indiana's skunk populations and how these behaviors lead to disturbances, damage, and potential risks on your property. We'll listen carefully, ask precise questions, and offer actionable advice
before even visiting your location.
Don’t wait until the problem worsens—our team of professionals is ready to provide effective, humane, and
lasting solutions. Reclaim your outdoor spaces and ensure the safety of your home and family. Call us now
or send an email to learn more about our skunk control services and to book your
appointment. Your peace of mind is just a call away!
Skunks can quickly become a significant nuisance if they decide to settle near your home or property. These
animals are not just a minor inconvenience—if left unchecked, their presence can lead to unpleasant odors,
damage to landscaping, and even potential health risks for pets or humans. Skunks are gentle, nocturnal
foragers that prefer quiet shelter close to dependable food.
Common attractants include grubs in turf, fallen birdseed, unsecured garbage, and pet food left outdoors. For
den sites, they love open space beneath decks, sheds, stoops, and low crawlspaces—anywhere dark, dry,
and protected from weather. Once a skunk settles in, nightly foraging can leave small conical holes across
your yard and, if threatened, the signature spray that can linger for days.
Recognizing the warning signs of skunk activity early on is essential to addressing the problem before it grows
worse. Being aware of what to watch out for can make all the difference in identifying skunk presence and
taking steps to protect your home and yard effectively.
Here are some key indicators to help you determine whether skunks could be causing trouble in your area:
Persistent Musky Odor → A strong, unmistakable musky scent that becomes more noticeable at night or
after warm, sunny days. This odor often lingers in areas where wildlife activity, such as skunks, is prevalent.
Small Cone-Shaped Holes in the Lawn → Look for small, shallow holes about the size of a golf ball to a
lemon scattered throughout your turf. These are often signs of digging as animals search for grubs or insects,
which can indicate skunks or similar wildlife.
Visible Burrow Openings → Check around slab edges, stair corners, or beneath structures like decks,
porches, or sheds for burrow entrances. These openings serve as access points for animal dens and are a
common sign of nesting activity.
Nocturnal Rustling Noises → If you hear rustling sounds at night or notice your pets becoming unusually
alert, focused, or agitated in a specific outdoor area, it could indicate wildlife activity nearby.
Spray Incidents → Skunks, in particular, may spray as a defense mechanism, leaving a potent smell on pets,
along exterior walls, or around the foundation. Pets sprayed in the nose or eyes can suffer immediate
irritation, so spray events should not be ignored. (see odor removal recipe below)
Tracks and Trails → Look for clear signs of movement, such as tracks, worn trails, or paths leading to and
from low openings around your property’s perimeter. These trails can often reveal where animals are entering
and exiting their dens.
Prompt action is crucial to prevent wildlife from becoming entrenched in your yard. Ignoring these signs can
lead to repeated spray incidents, increasing pet discomfort and property damage. Additionally, widespread
turf damage and long-term denning can be more challenging to address if left unchecked. Identifying these
warning signs early can help keep your yard safe, clean, and free of unwanted wildlife activity. Contact us
today to learn more about our animal trapping and removal solutions and
take the first step toward safeguarding your home or business.
While we’ll treat property odors, pet de-skunking often can’t wait. A widely used at-home mix for dogs only
(avoid cats unless advised by your vet):
If you’re noticing signs of wildlife activity in your yard, don’t wait to take action. Contact our professional
wildlife control service today to safeguard your property and prevent future issues. Taking quick and effective
steps can make all the difference in keeping your yard safe and secure for you and your family. Need to repair
animal damages (animal damage page)? We can help with that too, plus provide insurance compatible work to
make the claims process easier for you.
Reach out to Trapper Joe’s Wildlife Control, LLC for expert advice and tailored solutions you can trust. Proudly
serving Greater Indianapolis, including Anderson, Avon, Franklin, Greenwood, Ingalls, Noblesville,
McCordsville, Fortville, Lawrence, and surrounding communities. Call 317-832-5840 today to schedule an
onsite assessment (fee credited with any service) to get a clear, effective plan for a skunk-free
home or business.
Our process begins with a thorough inspection of
your property. We meticulously survey key den
sites, meticulously mapping out common travel
paths skunks might use. We confirm active burrows
and identify potential attractants, such as grubs in
your lawn, spilled bird seed, or unsecured trash.
Following this comprehensive assessment, you will
receive a detailed, itemized plan and an estimate,
which can be easily submitted for insurance claims
when applicable, outlining our recommended
approach and associated costs.
We prioritize humane methods for skunk removal.
This involves employing species-appropriate, low-
stress trapping techniques and/or installing one-
way eviction devices, carefully selected based on
the specific conditions of your property.
The timing and methods we use strictly adhere to all Indiana and EPA regulations, plus sensitive to seasonal
patterns. For example, we meticulously avoid trapping during periods when non-weaned young might be
present in dens, ensuring their safety. Traps are checked promptly and frequently to minimize stress to the
animal and significantly reduce the likelihood of a skunk spraying event.
Should skunk spray be present on your property, we immediately deploy HEPA air filtration systems. We then apply professional enzyme and oxidizer treatments to all affected areas and materials. Our primary objective is to thoroughly eliminate the source of the odor and neutralize any lingering residues, rather than merely attempting to mask the smell. This comprehensive approach ensures a lasting solution to the unpleasant odor.
Once we have definitively confirmed that the den is inactive and all skunks have been humanely removed, we proceed with collapsing and filling any existing voids. We then install robust, dig-proof barriers designed to prevent future re-entry. For structures like decks and sheds, we implement tight skirting solutions, often incorporating framed access panels for convenient future inspections. Additionally, we upgrade crawl space doors and vent screens with wildlife-grade materials, and diligently seal any cracks, pipe penetrations, and slab edges to eliminate potential entry points
Our service includes a thorough cleanup and sanitation of the affected areas. We carefully remove all nesting debris and any contaminated materials found around the den site. Subsequently, we treat the surrounding soils and surfaces with professional-grade disinfectants and odor neutralizers. In instances where skunk spray has directly contacted building components, we provide targeted cleanup services and offer specific recommendations for any additional remediation that may be necessary to fully restore the area.
As a final step, we provide you with comprehensive documentation, including before and after photos of our
work, precise locations of all installed barriers, and clear, actionable prevention steps. These
recommendations cover essential practices such as proper trash storage, adjustments to bird feeder setups,
responsible pet feeding routines, and effective lawn grub management strategies. Implementing these simple
yet effective measures will significantly reduce the likelihood of future skunk activity on your property.
Take the first step toward a skunk-free property today! Call us now to schedule a consultation
and let our team of experts create a tailored prevention plan for your home. Don’t wait until the
issue worsens—reach out to us and enjoy peace of mind knowing your property is protected against
unwanted skunk activity.
Skunks are resourceful creatures when it comes to finding shelter, often seeking out quiet, hidden spaces close to human activity. These areas provide them with protection from predators, harsh weather, and a safe space to raise their young. If you're noticing an unusual smell, animal damages, or signs of digging around your property, it’s worth checking some common hiding spots where skunks tend to settle. Here are the places skunks most often choose to den:
Skunks are known to slip through open latticework or gaps along the perimeter of decks and porches. These spaces provide ideal shelter as they are shaded, dry, and out of sight, making them perfect for nesting.
The soil voids or depressions along the skirting or footings of sheds and outbuildings create an inviting opportunity for skunks to burrow. These areas are often neglected and provide them with safe, undisturbed access.
Over time, erosion can create small pockets of space or crack lines underneath concrete slabs and stoops. Skunks will exploit these gaps, using them as entry points to establish a den.
Gaps around loose crawlspace doors, missing or damaged vent screens, or openings around utility penetrations provide easy access for skunks. Crawlspaces are particularly attractive because they are warm, dry, and shielded from outside disturbances.
The spaces around retaining walls or along the edges of landscaped areas often have covered openings that skunks can use as den entrances. These spots also provide quick escape routes, which make them even more appealing.
Low openings at grade level around HVAC pads or building foundations can act as perfect hiding spots for
skunks. These gaps offer a protected area, close to the warmth of the building, where they can feel secure.
By carefully identifying and addressing potential shelter spots around your property, you can significantly
reduce the likelihood of skunks settling in and making it their home. Common areas to inspect might include
under decks, sheds, or other structures that provide dark, enclosed spaces. Taking proactive steps to seal off
these spots not only prevents skunks from taking up residence but also spares you the hassle of dealing with
the challenges they can bring, such as unpleasant odors, potential property damage, and the risk of
unwelcome encounters.
Get a timeline for our work based on the skunk activity and den type.
We use pet and family-safe setups and provide clear safety instructions.
We maintain neat work areas and perform daily cleanups—treating your property like our own.
When applicable, we provide insurance-compatible documentation, including photos and notes
Certain work comes with an exclusion warranty, which will be detailed in your estimate when applicable.
We communicate at each step—what we found, where we found it, what we’re doing next, and how our
services prevent a repeat problem. Don’t wait to secure your home or business. Reach out now
for a consultation and take the first step toward a pest-free environment. Call us at 317-832-5840 or send us
an email to schedule your appointment!
We prioritize humane and stress-free methods. Our team utilizes specialized low-stress traps, along with strategic covers and careful placement, all designed to significantly reduce the risk of a skunk spraying. Furthermore, frequent checks of the traps are conducted to minimize the animal's stress and the amount of time it spends in a confined space, further preventing spraying incidents.
In many situations, yes. We often employ one-way eviction techniques when the conditions are suitable, allowing the skunk to leave but preventing its return. This is typically followed by the installation of dig-proof skirting around the perimeter of the deck. If structural access is absolutely necessary for removal or exclusion, our technicians will make minimal, easily repairable openings to preserve your property's integrity.
No, never. Using poisons is not only unsafe and inhumane for wildlife, but it can also lead to significant odor and sanitation problems on your property if the animal dies in an inaccessible location. We are committed to humane removal methods and effective exclusion techniques to solve your skunk problem.
Generally, our barriers are installed 8–14 inches below grade, featuring an outward "L" footer design. The exact depth, however, can vary based on factors such as the specific soil type, the slope of the land, and other local environmental conditions to ensure maximum effectiveness against digging.
For any persistent odors, we begin by treating the primary odor sources and then apply professional-grade enzyme/oxidizer products designed to break down and neutralize the skunk spray. Proper ventilation, combined with a bit of time, will typically complete the process. If insulation or other contents have been heavily saturated, we will recommend additional remediation steps to fully eliminate the smell.
We strictly adhere to all Indiana regulations regarding the handling and disposition of wildlife, including skunks. During our assessment, we will clearly explain the compliant and legal approach for your specific situation.
Yes, we do. If our team discovers any deceased animals, we can perform dead animal removal. For severe spray events, we offer enhanced odor remediation services as needed to thoroughly eliminate any lingering smells.
Our comprehensive barriers and sealing methods are designed to close off easy access points and den sites, making it difficult for skunks to return. Additionally, we provide crucial advice on attractant control, which includes securing trash cans, managing birdseed or pet food spills, and reducing grub populations, all of which help to lower the likelihood of future skunk activity in your area.
Greenfield, Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana
View Our Library of Wildlife Blogs
14/10/25
TWildlife problems can turn your peaceful home into a source of constant worry.
14/10/25
TWildlife problems can turn your peaceful home into a source of constant worry.
14/10/25
TWildlife problems can turn your peaceful home into a source of constant worry.
Fill Out & Submit Our Email Form!
Email communication through our website may not be secure and could be intercepted by others. To protect your privacy, avoid including sensitive details like your birth date or medical information in any emails or submissions.