Skunk Removal in Toronto & the GTA
Skunks in the GTA rarely cause problems inside buildings — they are ground-dwelling animals and almost never enter attics. The common problem is denning beneath decks, sheds, concrete steps, and low-clearance additions, where they dig shallow burrows in soil or take advantage of existing gaps in the foundation structure. A breeding pair can remain in the same location for years if not removed.
The odour from a skunk spray is caused by sulphur-containing chemicals called thiols. A full defensive spray can carry hundreds of metres under calm conditions and will permeate clothing, furniture fabric, and vehicle interiors. Skunks spray as a last resort — they first warn by stomping their forefeet and raising their tail — but a pet, a child, or a startled adult approaching a concealed burrow will often not see those warnings in time.
Skunks are also a primary rabies-vector species in Ontario, alongside raccoons and foxes. Any skunk behaving unusually — moving in daylight, showing no fear response, moving in circles — should be treated as a potential rabies concern and not approached.
- Licensed & insured — Ontario Reg. 63/09
- Same-day & next-day service
- Humane methods
- 5-year warranty on sealing work
- Across the GTA, Oakville to Oshawa
- 24/7 emergency line
Signs a skunk is denning on your property
- Faint skunk odour present at dawn or dusk near a deck, shed, or foundation — particularly after rain, which disperses the scent
- Shallow conical digging holes in the lawn or garden, 3–5 cm across — skunks dig for grubs and earthworms
- Disturbed soil or compressed soil beneath a deck edge, along a foundation wall, or under concrete steps
- Pets returning to the house smelling of skunk spray, often repeatedly from the same area of the yard
- Direct sighting of a skunk on the property during dusk or early morning hours
- Tracks in soft soil near a suspected entry point — 5 toes with visible claw marks, smaller than a raccoon print
How we handle it
Property inspection
We identify the active den location and all potential access points beneath the structure. Skunks may have more than one entry point to the same burrow, and secondary openings must be found before exclusion begins.
One-way exclusion door
A one-way door is installed at the primary entry point, allowing the skunk to exit but not return. For a family group, we confirm all animals — including any juveniles — have vacated before permanently sealing. This avoids an animal being trapped inside a confined space.
Foundation and deck sealing
Once the burrow is confirmed empty, all entry points are sealed. For decks and sheds, this typically means L-shaped galvanised mesh buried 30 cm below grade and bent outward — skunks will attempt to dig along the barrier edge, and the buried flange stops them. The sealing work carries a 5-year warranty.
Odour and grub assessment
Persistent odour from a vacated den can be treated with enzyme-based odour neutralisers. If lawn grub pressure is contributing to skunk foraging activity on the property, we can advise on that separately.
Skunks and Ontario's rabies-vector considerations
Skunks are listed as a rabies-vector species under Ontario regulation. Any skunk showing neurological symptoms — uncoordinated movement, aggression without provocation, active in full daylight — may be rabid and should be reported to Toronto Animal Services or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Durapest technicians work with appropriate PPE when handling skunk exclusion and do not attempt direct capture of an animal showing symptoms.
Skunk exclusion is most effective when the deck or shed perimeter is properly hardened after removal. Skunks return to productive foraging areas seasonally — a den that is not physically blocked will likely be reoccupied the following spring.
View all pest control & wildlife removal services we offer across Toronto and the GTA.
Service Areas for Skunk Removal
We provide specialized skunk removal services in the following neighborhoods and cities:
$295 to start
Final price depends on the animal, the number of entry points, and the sealing work needed. You get a firm quote after the inspection — no surprise charges.
Wildlife Removal + Exclusion
Humane removal and permanent exclusion — same-day across the GTA.
View planSkunk Removal — Frequently Asked Questions
Can you remove a skunk living under my deck or shed?
Yes. Skunks den under decks, sheds, and porches. We remove them humanely with one-way doors and then screen the space below so nothing moves back in.
Will the area smell after the skunk is gone?
We can advise on clearing residual odour, and sealing the den site removes the reason another skunk would be drawn to the spot.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Durapest is licensed by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and operates in line with Ontario Reg. 63/09. Our technicians are trained and insured for both residential and commercial work.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes. Treatments come with a warranty, and any sealing or exclusion work is backed by our 5-year warranty. If covered pests return within the warranty period, we come back and re-treat at no extra cost.
How soon can you come out?
We offer same-day and next-day service across most of the GTA, from Oakville to Oshawa, with 24/7 dispatch for emergencies. Call us and we'll give you a straight answer on the next available slot for your area.