If you’re seeing small, cone-shaped holes appearing across your lawn, you may have a skunk living in your backyard.

While the damage might look alarming at first, it’s a common sign of seasonal foraging behavior, especially in Lancaster County during spring.

Why Skunks Dig Holes in Backyards

Spring brings an abundance of grubs, beetles, and insects below the soil. One of skunk’s favorite food sources is larvae. As nocturnal animals, skunks forage overnight, using their claws and strong sense of smell to locate insects beneath the grass.

The result? Small, shallow holes are scattered across your yard, usually about the size of a golf ball or larger.

Unlike other wildlife damage, skunk digging typically:

• Appears overnight
• Is scattered randomly across the area
• Targets areas with grub infestations
• Does not usually tear up large sections of sod

Other Signs You May Have a Skunk on Your Property

Lawn damage isn’t the only warning sign. Skunks also seek protected areas to establish dens, especially during mating season

Common den locations include:

• Under decks
• Beneath sheds
• Under porches
• Crawlspaces
• Wood piles

You might also notice:

• A strong, unmistakable odor near your home
• Tracks with five toes
• Loose soil near foundation openings
• Activity on security cameras at night

If you’re hearing scratching or movement under a structure, there’s a strong chance it could be a skunk.

Are Skunks Dangerous?

While skunks are not typically aggressive, they can pose serious risks to homeowners and pets.

Rabies Risk

Skunks are one of the primary rabies carriers in Pennsylvania. Any unusual daytime activity, stumbling, or lack of fear toward humans can be a red flag.

Pet Encounters

Dogs are especially at risk. A startled skunk can spray up to 10 feet with a powerful odor that lingers. In some cases, pets may require veterinary care if sprayed in the face or eyes.

Structural Concerns

Dens under decks or sheds can weaken foundations over time and create ongoing wildlife intrusion issues if not properly sealed.

Why DIY Skunk Removal Often Fails

Many homeowners try:

• Store-bought repellents
• Motion lights
• Deterrent machines
• Live traps

Unfortunately, these methods rarely solve the root problem. Repellents may temporarily deter skunks, but they do not remove established dens. DIY trapping violates Pennsylvania wildlife removal guidelines, as all nuisance wildlife animals must be removed by a professional. Home trapping can also result in being sprayed or accidental pet capture.

Most importantly, without professional exclusion work, another skunk or other animal can quickly move back in.

Professional Skunk Removal in Lancaster County

Professional removal focuses on three key steps:

1. Humane Trapping

Strategically placed traps ensure safe capture without harming the animal.

2. Den Identification & Removal

If babies are present, they must be carefully removed and relocated to prevent starvation and odor issues.

3. Permanent Exclusion

Openings under decks, sheds, and foundations are sealed using custom solutions to prevent re-entry.

This approach protects both your property and local wildlife populations.

Protecting Your Yard from Future Skunk Damage

To reduce the likelihood of repeat activity:

• Treat lawns for grubs
• Secure trash cans
• Remove pet food from outdoors
• Address foundation gaps promptly

Prevention is just as important as removal.

Skunk Removal in Lititz, Manheim & Surrounding Areas

If you’re seeing lawn damage or suspect a den on your property, professional help is the safest and most effective solution.

Backyard Wildlife Solutions provides skunk trapping, den removal, and prevention services throughout Lititz, Manheim, and surrounding Lancaster County communities. Contact us for professional and licensed skunk removal.

Addressing the issue early prevents escalating damage and helps you avoid that unmistakable odor lingering around your home.

Ground Barriers for Burrowing Wildlife: Why Some Systems Fail and How to Get Effective Results

If you’re dealing with animals digging under decks, sheds, porches, or foundations, one of the first lines of defense you might hear about is installing ground fencing along the base of the structure. These systems are often marketed as “quick fixes” that are driven straight into the ground to stop animals like groundhogs, skunks, and raccoons from tunneling underneath.

Vertical barriers are not always the long-term solution people expect – and in many cases, they lead to repeat intrusions.

Why Vertical Barriers Often Fail

Animals that dig are extremely persistent and adaptable. When fencing is installed straight down into the ground, it only blocks the exact spot where it is placed. These critters quickly discover that they can start digging just beyond the barrier and tunnel underneath it.

Instead of stopping activity, vertical-only systems often shift the problem, which creates new burrows while leaving the original entry point vulnerable.

The Problem With Soil Conditions

Another major drawback with pound-in fencing systems is the ground itself. Many properties in Lancaster County have rocky soil, compacted clay, buried roots, or utility lines near foundations. In these conditions, driving fencing deep enough to be effective can range from extremely difficult to impossible and risky.

When barriers can’t reach the necessary depth, they provide even less protection for animals to dig under them.

Why Horizontal Protection Works Better

A more effective approach to wildlife exclusion combines both vertical and horizontal protection. Instead of placing fencing straight down, the material is bent outward in an L-shape underground. This creates a hidden barrier that animals hit when they try to tunnel – forcing them to give up rather than digging deeper.

This is the most effective method because critters naturally dig downward and forward. When they encounter solid material extending outward beneath the soil, they usually abandon the attempt.

Why Ground Barriers Must Be Customized

Every property is different. Soil composition, drainage patterns, landscaping, and the specific animal involved all affect which solution will work best. Installing the wrong system often leads to continued burrowing, shifting damage, and unnecessary repeat work.

A professional evaluation ensures the barrier is designed for your yard, not just installed along it.

Final Thoughts

Not all ground barriers are effective. Vertical-only fencing may provide short-term relief, but it rarely stops determined wildlife for good. A properly customized underground barrier that includes outward protection is far more reliable and prevents the cycle of re-entry that frustrates so many homeowners.

If animals are digging around your home, the solution should be built for your property – give us a call for custom animal exclusion!.