Skunk Removal FAQ — Brentwood & Williamson County, TN | Brentwood Skunk Removal

Question 1

How much does skunk removal cost?

Accepted Answer

Our flat fee is $595. That covers the initial inspection, live trapping, and TWRA-compliant relocation of the skunk. There are no per-trip charges and no surprise invoices. Optional add-ons — odor remediation, exclusion barriers, and structural repair — are quoted separately after the inspection if needed.

Question 2

What does the $595 flat fee include?

Accepted Answer

The flat fee covers: a full property inspection to locate entry points and nesting areas, live trap placement and monitoring, removal of the skunk, and TWRA-compliant relocation to appropriate habitat. It does not include odor treatment, exclusion work, or structural repairs — those are quoted separately based on the scope of damage.

Question 3

Do you charge extra for emergency or after-hours calls?

Accepted Answer

We answer the phone 24/7 and dispatch same-day for active skunk problems. For true emergencies — a skunk actively spraying inside a crawlspace, a pet that has been sprayed, or a skunk trapped in a living area — we respond as quickly as possible. Emergency dispatch fees may apply after hours; we'll tell you upfront before we come out.

Question 4

Do you offer any guarantees?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our exclusion and prevention work is backed by a written guarantee. If a skunk re-enters through a point we sealed, we return at no charge. The guarantee covers the specific entry points we treated — not new points that open up elsewhere on the property.

Question 5

Do you accept insurance claims?

Accepted Answer

Skunk damage — particularly to vapor barriers, floor insulation, and duct lines — is sometimes covered under homeowners insurance. We can provide detailed documentation of the damage and our work for your claim. Contact your insurance provider first to confirm coverage before we begin repair work.

Question 6

How do you remove a skunk without it spraying?

Accepted Answer

Skunks give clear warning signs before spraying — stomping, hissing, and raising their tail. Our technicians are trained to approach slowly, avoid direct eye contact, and use low-profile live traps that keep the skunk calm. We cover the trap with a dark cloth during transport, which keeps the skunk settled. The vast majority of our removals are completed without any spray.

Question 7

How long does the removal process take?

Accepted Answer

The initial inspection takes 30–60 minutes. Trap placement is same-day. Most skunks are caught within 24–48 hours of trap placement. Once caught, we remove and relocate the skunk within a few hours of notification. The full process from first call to removal is typically 1–3 days depending on how quickly the skunk enters the trap.

Question 8

What happens to the skunk after you remove it?

Accepted Answer

Skunks are relocated in compliance with TWRA regulations to appropriate natural habitat away from residential areas. We do not euthanize skunks unless they show signs of disease (such as rabies). Relocation sites are selected to give the animal the best chance of survival while keeping it away from other homes.

Question 9

Can I just trap the skunk myself?

Accepted Answer

Trapping skunks without a TWRA permit is illegal in Tennessee. Beyond the legal issue, DIY trapping is risky — an improperly approached trap almost always results in a spray. Relocating a trapped skunk without training is also dangerous. Our technicians handle hundreds of removals per year and have the equipment and permits to do it safely and legally.

Question 10

Will animal control remove the skunk for me?

Accepted Answer

No. Williamson County Animal Control and Metro Nashville Animal Care & Control handle domestic animals only. Skunks are classified as wildlife under Tennessee law and fall under TWRA jurisdiction. When you call animal control about a skunk, they will refer you to a licensed wildlife removal company — which is us. Skip the wait and call us directly.

Question 11

What if there are multiple skunks?

Accepted Answer

Skunks are mostly solitary, but females with young (kits) are common in spring and early summer. If we find a family group, we trap and remove each animal individually. The flat $595 fee covers the first skunk; additional animals are quoted at a reduced per-animal rate. We'll give you the full picture after the inspection.

Question 12

How do you get rid of skunk smell in a crawlspace?

Accepted Answer

Skunk spray contains sulfur-based thiols that bond to surfaces and resist most household cleaners. We use professional-grade enzyme neutralizers that break down the thiol compounds at the molecular level — not masking agents that just cover the smell. For crawlspaces, we treat the soil, vapor barrier, insulation, and any structural surfaces that absorbed the spray. Severe cases may require vapor barrier replacement.

Question 13

Will the smell go away on its own?

Accepted Answer

Partially, over time — but not fully without treatment. Untreated skunk spray in a crawlspace or under a deck can persist for months, especially in humid Tennessee summers. The smell intensifies when it rains or when your HVAC system pulls air from the crawlspace into the living area. Professional treatment eliminates it in 24–72 hours rather than months.

Question 14

Does skunk spray cause any health risks?

Accepted Answer

Skunk spray itself is not toxic, but prolonged exposure to high concentrations can cause nausea, headaches, and eye irritation. More importantly, skunks are one of the primary carriers of rabies in Tennessee. Any skunk behaving unusually — active during the day, disoriented, or aggressive — should be treated as a potential rabies risk. Do not approach it; call us immediately.

Question 15

What damage can skunks cause to my home?

Accepted Answer

Skunks are diggers. They commonly damage vapor barriers in crawlspaces, tear floor insulation to nest in, chew through duct lines, and dig under foundation vents and HVAC units. Over time, a nesting skunk can cause thousands of dollars in structural damage. Early removal and exclusion work prevents the worst of it.

Question 16

My dog got sprayed. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Act fast — the longer the spray sits, the harder it is to remove. The most effective home treatment is a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap applied immediately. Do not use tomato juice — it masks the smell but does not neutralize it. We offer professional pet spray treatment with enzyme neutralizers that are safe for dogs and cats and far more effective than home remedies.

Question 17

Why do skunks come into my yard?

Accepted Answer

Skunks are opportunistic foragers. They're drawn to yards with grubs in the lawn (you'll see cone-shaped digging holes), unsecured garbage, pet food left outside, fallen fruit, and bird feeders. They're also attracted to sheltered spaces under decks, porches, HVAC units, and crawlspace doors — anywhere dark, low, and protected from predators.

Question 18

What time of year are skunks most active?

Accepted Answer

Skunks are most active in spring and fall in Tennessee. Spring (March–May) is mating season and when females are raising kits. Fall (September–November) is when skunks are actively foraging to build fat reserves before winter. They don't truly hibernate but do become less active in cold weather. Brentwood's mild winters mean skunks can be active year-round.

Question 19

How do I know if a skunk is living under my house?

Accepted Answer

The most obvious sign is smell — even without a spray event, skunks emit a faint musky odor. Other signs include cone-shaped holes in your lawn (grub foraging), scratching or shuffling sounds under the floor at night, disturbed soil around your foundation or crawlspace door, and tracks in soft dirt (five toes with visible claw marks).

Question 20

Are skunks dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Skunks are not aggressive by nature — they prefer to retreat and give ample warning before spraying. The real danger is rabies. Tennessee skunks are a primary rabies vector. A skunk that is active during daylight hours, stumbling, or showing no fear of humans should be treated as rabid. Keep children and pets away and call us immediately. Do not attempt to handle it.

Question 21

Why is a skunk digging holes in my lawn?

Accepted Answer

Skunks dig cone-shaped holes 3–4 inches wide to reach grubs just below the soil surface. If you have a grub problem, you have a skunk attractant. Treating your lawn for grubs (typically in late summer) removes the food source. We include a grub and attractant assessment in our prevention audit.

Question 22

How do I keep skunks from coming back?

Accepted Answer

The most effective long-term prevention is exclusion — physically blocking the entry points skunks use. We install galvanized steel barriers around foundation vents, crawlspace doors, deck perimeters, and HVAC units. Combined with removing attractants (grubs, pet food, unsecured garbage), exclusion work dramatically reduces the chance of a repeat problem.

Question 23

What is a skunk prevention audit?

Accepted Answer

Our prevention audit is a full property inspection focused on identifying skunk attractants and potential entry points before a problem develops — or after a removal to prevent recurrence. We check foundation vents, crawlspace doors, deck perimeters, HVAC units, and lawn grub activity. You receive a written report with specific recommendations and a quote for any exclusion work.

Question 24

Do motion lights or repellents work?

Accepted Answer

Motion-activated lights and sprinklers provide some deterrence but are not reliable long-term solutions. Skunks habituate to them quickly. Commercial repellents (predator urine, ammonia) have inconsistent results and need frequent reapplication. Physical exclusion — steel barriers that block entry — is the only method we've found to be consistently effective.

Question 25

How do I skunk-proof my crawlspace?

Accepted Answer

Crawlspace skunk-proofing involves inspecting and sealing all foundation vents with galvanized steel mesh, securing the crawlspace access door with a tight-fitting frame and latch, and installing an L-shaped steel barrier along the foundation perimeter to prevent digging under the wall. We also check for gaps around plumbing and utility penetrations. All materials are rated for outdoor use and won't rust or degrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pricing & Service

The Removal Process

Odor & Damage

Skunk Behavior

Prevention

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