Skunks in the Miami Valley: Why May Is the Month They Dig, Spray, and Move Closer to Homes

While skunks are active year-round in Ohio, May is one of the peak months for skunk movement and den building throughout Dayton, Troy, Montgomery County, and Miami County. As the weather warms and food sources increase, skunks begin seeking new shelter and ideal den sites—often right next to homes.

Skunks prefer locations that provide darkness, quiet, and stable ground cover. This leads them to dig beneath decks, porches, sheds, patios, air-conditioning pads, and foundations. In May, their digging becomes more pronounced for two reasons: breeding season activity and increased insect availability, particularly grubs and larvae.

Homeowners frequently notice cone-shaped holes in the yard, a signature sign of skunks digging for insects. These feeding holes can appear overnight and multiply quickly. If skunks discover a consistent food source, they often build a den nearby, creating deeper tunnels beneath structures. This tunneling weakens soil, damages landscaping, and can even compromise foundations.

One of the biggest concerns in May is skunk spraying. While skunks typically spray as a last resort, they become more defensive near active dens, especially if predators—or pets—approach. Homeowners may first detect the issue when they notice the unmistakable, lingering odor around the yard or foundation.

Skunks are nocturnal, so most activity occurs at night. Homeowners may hear faint digging, shuffling, or movement under the deck or shed. In some cases, pets become more alert to one specific area of the yard, signaling a nearby den.

Attempting to remove skunks yourself is extremely risky. Without proper training, homeowners may accidentally startle the animal and trigger a spray event. Trapping is also ineffective when not paired with expert exclusion, because skunks often return later or new skunks take over abandoned dens. Additionally, sealing an active den can trap skunks inside the structure, causing odor, damage, and aggressive behavior.

Expert wildlife technicians solve skunk issues using a strategic approach:

• Inspection: Identifying den locations, food sources, and entry points

• Exclusion: Installing skunk-proof barriers, often using trenching and steel screening

• Removal: Using safe, professional techniques to relocate skunks without triggering spray events

• Odor mitigation: Neutralizing strong odors from spray or den activity

• Prevention: Reinforcing vulnerable areas around decks, sheds, patios, and foundations

May is the perfect time for homeowners to protect their properties because skunk movement is at its highest. By taking action early, you prevent ongoing yard damage, reduce odor concerns, and stop skunks from settling in for the summer.