Skunk Spraying In February? (Mating Season Explained & What To Do Now)
It is the middle of February, the air is crisp, and suddenly your yard, or worse, under your house, smells like someone set off a chemical weapon. You know that unmistakable skunk stench, but you are confused: “It is winter, so why are they spraying now?”
I have fielded this exact question from worried homeowners every February for years, and the answer is always the same: it is not random.
February is peak skunk mating season in most of North America, and that means more fighting, more territory marking, and way more spraying, especially under decks, sheds, crawlspaces, and porches.
In this guide, I will explain exactly why the smell spikes now, how to tell if skunks are living under your home, and the simple, safe steps you can take right now to evict them before babies arrive in March/April.
Why Skunks Spray More in February (It’s Not Just Defense)
Skunks do not spray just because they are scared; they also spray to communicate. In February, males are roaming farther, fighting rivals, and marking territory to impress females. That means more “I was here” sprays around den sites, food sources, and travel paths.
Females are also getting ready to give birth in about 60 to 65 days (late March to early May), so they are fiercely protective of good denning spots, like the warm, dry space under your house.
When two skunks disagree about who gets to stay, they spray. When a male gets too pushy, they spray. When a female feels threatened, they spray. February is basically skunk drama season.
That is why the smell seems to appear out of nowhere on mild, sunny days: the skunks are up and active, defending territory and looking for mates.
Signs Skunks Are Living Under Your House Right Now
If you are smelling skunk in February, look for these clues that they have already moved in:
- Strong skunk odor coming from crawlspace, porch, deck, or shed (especially at dusk/dawn)
- Small, round holes (4 to 6 inches wide) dug under the foundation, deck, or porch
- Dirt piles or disturbed soil near entry points
- Tracks (like a small dog print with long front claws) in soft soil or snow
- Greasy rub marks on foundation or wood (from their oily fur)
- Scat (droppings): 0.5 to 1 inch diameter, dark, often with insect parts or berry seeds
If you see 2 to 3 of these signs, you likely have a resident skunk (or pair) using your space as a winter den.
Read also: What To Do If Sprayed By A Skunk: Your Step-By-Step Recovery Guide
The “Love Stinks” Reality: Mating Season Makes Prevention Urgent
Here is the part most people miss: if skunks are under your house in February, babies are likely coming in 2 to 3 months.
Once kits are born, the mother becomes extremely defensive, and the smell gets 10× worse.
Evicting them now, before babies arrive, is much easier and safer than trying to deal with a mama skunk protecting her young.
How to Humanely Encourage Skunks to Leave Before Babies Arrive
Skunks are not aggressive unless cornered or protecting their babies. The goal is to make your crawlspace or under-deck area uncomfortable so they move to a better spot on their own.
Step-by-Step Eviction Plan (No Trapping Required)
- Confirm they are gone during the day; shine a flashlight into the entry hole at noon. If no eyes reflect back, they are out foraging.
- Install a one-way exclusion door; hardware cloth funnel or commercial one-way valve over the hole so they can exit but not re-enter. Secure it firmly.
- Place ammonia-soaked rags or predator urine near the hole (in jars with holes punched in the lid). Skunks hate the smell of predators.
- Use a bright light and a radio; leave a bright shop light and a talk radio on low volume in the space during the day. They hate constant light and human voices.
- Wait 3 to 5 days; check for tracks or new digging. If none, they have left.
- Permanently seal the entry; use 0.25-inch hardware cloth buried 12 inches deep and extending outward in an L-shape. Cover with soil or rocks.
Do this in February/March while they are still solo; once babies are born, eviction becomes much harder and riskier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Skunks Spray More During Mating Season?
Yes, males spray to mark territory and compete with rivals. Females spray to protect den sites. February–March is peak spray season.
Is it Safe to Block a Skunk Den while they’re Inside?
No, never seal them in. Use a one-way exclusion door so they can leave but not return. Trapping and relocating are legal in some areas but stressful for the animal and often illegal without permits.
How Long Does it take to Evict a Skunk with a One-Way Door?
Usually, 3 to 7 days if you make the space uncomfortable (light, radio, ammonia). Check daily for new digging or activity to confirm they are gone.
Can I Use Mothballs or Ammonia to Repel Skunks?
Ammonia works well (mimics predator urine); place it in jars with holes near the entry. Mothballs are toxic to pets, wildlife, and humans; avoid them.
Conclusion
Skunk spraying in February is not random; it is mating season battles, territory marking, and females securing den sites before babies arrive in spring.
That strong smell means they are active now, and if they are under your house, acting early makes eviction simple and humane.
Use the one-way door + light/radio + scent deterrent combo; seal the entry once they are out, and you will likely have a skunk-free home by March.
Check your crawlspace or porch this weekend; look for holes, tracks, or smells. If you find signs, start the eviction steps right away. You have got this, and your nose will thank you.
Have you smelled skunk in February this year? Did you find where they are hiding? Share in the comments, as your story might help another homeowner catch it early!
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