How to Get Rid of Skunks in Window Wells

The window well we're talking about is the gap the between ground level and basement windows. That space that almost guaranteed you won a hide-and-seek game when you were a kid. While human youngsters may jump down into window wells on purpose, some unfortunate wildlife (most often skunks) end up there entirely unintentionally.

While skunks are actually better equipped to see in the dark than during daylight hours, their eyesight (peripheral vision, in particular) is not the most impressive in the animal kingdom. They mostly navigate by smell and hearing, and those senses are highly developed. So, being a bit on the clumsy side and definitely not known for their agility, short, stocky, and slow-moving skunks can quite easily take a tumble and get trapped in a window well, unable to escape due to its depth.

Surely, homeowners and animals alike will want to end the predicament of a skunk in a window well in a hurry, but doing so may not be such an easy task - at least not without some resistance and the unmistakable aroma that tends to linger long after the animal has vacated the premises.

So, what is the best way to get rid of skunks? Unlike other animal control companies, Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control offers legal and sanctioned skunk removal methods beyond trapping and relocation. 

Why Skunks Fall into Window Wells

As mentioned above, skunks aren't famous for their eyesight or athletic abilities - and in normal, everyday skunk life, that's fine. But when it comes to navigating around human structures, this can get them in trouble fast. So, let's have a look at reasons within our control that these creatures might fall into a home or building’s window wells, so we can help prevent the situation in the first place.

• Absence of Covers or Caps over Window Wells
  Covering a basement window well not only protects it from unexpected animal visitors but also helps it stay clear of debris, water, and snow. Cover options range from polycarbonate covers to sturdy metal grates.
  
  
• Overgrown Vegetation
  Trimming back vegetation may aid in making the window well more visible as well as make it less likely to attract insects (a favourite food source for skunks!) in your yard.
  
  
• Clutter and Food Sources
  Getting rid of yard clutter that may attract nightly exploration and removing food sources like pet food will make your yard less of a draw for skunks (and other wildlife). And don't forget to secure your garbage bins. Skunks are scavengers and will happily raid your trash.
  
  

Seasonal Patterns of Skunks in Window Wells

The chance of a skunk ending up in your window well is greatest from spring to autumn. While skunks do not hibernate, they enter a state of torpor during the winter months which results in much sleep and reduced activity to conserve energy.

• Spring
  This season is full of activity - young mother skunks are out 'n about foraging to feed themselves and in turn, nurse their babies. Trapping a skunk while she's caring for her young would be even more tragic in spring time, as newborn skunks are born blind and deaf and completely dependent on their mother for survival.
  
  
• Summer
  Window well accidents may be even more likely during the summer, the later part in particular, as young skunks begin to roam the outside world and learn to forage on their own. Summer also offers fruit trees, berries, and vegetable gardens for skunks to explore in your yard.
  
  
• Fall
  Fall sees young skunks venturing off on their own and into early adulthood. Feeding and putting on weight for winter is the main focus now. As food sources become more scarce and the need to find a suitable winter den becomes urgent, skunks are more likely to explore areas close to human dwellings.
  
  
• Late Winter
  Skunks are among the first to say "nuts to this" and emerge to engage in mating rituals, hence signaling the end of winter. By the end of February, eligible skunks are on a mission to find a mate. Males will travel up to five miles to mate with as many females as possible. It's a busy time of year :)
  
  

Signs That There’s a Skunk in Your Window Well

If peeking through your basement window gets you nose-to-nose with a little black and white creature, it's a sure sign you have a skunk in your window well :) Failing that, you may hear scratching sounds created by a skunk trying to escape up the metal sides or even by digging at the bottom of the window well. Of course, there's also the pungent odour of skunk spray and skunk droppings.

Once a skunk has ended up in your window well, it needs your intervention. It cannot climb out on its own and will eventually starve to death.

What NOT to Do (Safety & Legal Concerns)

• Please do not attempt to kill or harm the skunk - it doesn't want to be there, either.
• Do not try to grab or corner the animal as it will likely spray.
• Don't use bleach, ammonia, or mothballs. Deterrents now are pointless as the skunk cannot get out on its own. Also, toxic and potentially poisonous substances are illegal.
• Do not allow children or pets near the window well.
• Avoid loud or aggressive DIY removal attempts as this may trigger spraying.
  
  

Immediate Steps to Take When You Find a Skunk in a Window Well

• Stay calm and keep the area quiet.
• Turn off lights near the window.
• Close doors and windows to prevent odour from entering the home.
• Do not block the animal’s view or movement.
• Call Hawkeye for licensed skunk rescue and removal, especially if:
  • Multiple skunks are present
  • There’s a mother with babies
  • A skunk appears injured
  • There is risk of spraying near sensitive areas.
    
    

DIY Skunk Removal You Can Try

• Offer a wooden plank for the skunk to climb out. Careful, do not frighten or threaten the animal.
• If you feel confident you can handle the skunk, drop a blanket on it and remove it manually. Make sure you wear gloves and that a quick release is possible.
• After removal, secure the window well well to prevent another animal from falling in.
  
  

Professional Skunk Removal Solutions by Hawkeye

Providing Escape Route (Humane & Legal)

By lowering a ramp into the window well, we allow the skunk to leave on its own.

Skunk Trapping (Humane & Legal)

• Use of Ministry-approved live traps for trapping skunks.
• Skunk-safe trap handling to prevent spraying
  
  

Physical Capture (Humane & Legal)

Depending on the size of the window well, setting a trap without distressing the animal may not be possible. Manually removing the animal may be the quicker and kinder, and the way to go.

Permanent Skunk Exclusion Services

While our primary job is to remove the skunk, if you so wish, we can also help with securing your property so that this doesn't happen again. This can involve:

• Full inspection of foundation, basement windows, siding, and property perimeter;
• Sealing entry points that lead skunks near window wells;
• Installing heavy-duty window well covers;
• Reinforcing soil, grates, or retaining walls;
• Long-term skunk-proofing strategies.
   

Hawkeye’s Advantage Over Typical Pest Control Companies

• Other GTA companies only trap and release
• Hawkeye’s team is licensed for more advanced wildlife control beyond simple relocation
• Emergency response in the GTA
  
  

Long-Term Window Well Protection from Skunks

• Heavy-duty polycarbonate or metal window well covers
• Steel grates
• Custom covers for commercial buildings
• Regular outdoor maintenance:
  
  • Trim vegetation;
  • Secure garbage;
  • Remove food sources and standing water.
    
    
• For commercial properties:
  • Implement and communicate staff protocols (i.e., keep areas tidy and void of trash or food sources);
  • Perform maintenance inspections looking for signs of skunks such as tracks or droppings;
  • Employ skunk monitoring services.
    
    

Why Choose Hawkeye for Skunk Control in the GTA

• Licensed, insured wildlife specialists with over 35 years of experience;
• Legally permitted to use skunk control methods beyond trapping;
• Humane and permanent solutions;
• Servicing residential homes, condos, warehouses, restaurants, and industrial properties;
• Guaranteed permanent removal options.
  
  

FAQs About Skunk Removal from a Window Well

Q: Can I get rid of a skunk in a window well on my own?

A: You can certainly try some DIY methods to get a skunk out of your window well. Make sure the animal is calm before approaching. Retreat, if the skunk presents its backside and lifts it tail. The best and safest way is to slide a plank into the well and give the skunk an escape route. Again, only do this if the animal is not agitated by your presence.

Q: Will the skunk spray if I approach the window well?

A: No, a skunk may not necessarily spray if you approach carefully. Move slowly and speak in a low voice. Skunks are actually very docile animals. They only spray when they feel in imminent danger.

Q: Are repellents or deterrents effective for keeping skunks out of window wells?

A: Your best defense will be to secure the window well. In addition, some essential oils (i.e., peppermint) or citrus peels may offend a skunk's keen sense of smell. Please stay away from mothballs; they are toxic to pets.

Q: What home remedy kills skunks? And is it legal to kill a skunk by poisoning it?

A: It is illegal to poison wildlife in Ontario. You will incur fines and criminal charges.

Q: Does Pine Sol really repel skunks?

A: It's likely that skunks don't love the smell of Pine Sol. Keep in mind, that in outdoor settings scents quickly disperse, so they aren't a good long-term solution.

Q: Do coffee grounds repel skunks?

A: Yes, coffee grounds seem to repel skunks. However, to be effective, you'd have to leave a pretty thick layer of grounds. Caution: coffee grounds are toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does vinegar keep skunks away?

A: Yes, skunks seem to dislike the smell of apple cider vinegar. You can apply a diluted spray every day or so.

Q: If the skunk is stuck, should I try the wooden plank DIY method?

A: As long as the animal is not in distress and you can approach calmly, it's worth a try. Remember to move slowly and merely offer the animal a way out.

Q: Is it legal for me to trap, relocate, or kill a skunk found in my window well?

A: Killing a skunk in your window well is definitely not legal. You are entitled to defend your property from wildlife damage but a skunk in your window well is really more of a rescue operation than a threat to your property or person. You can circumvent legal responsibilities by hiring a professional wildlife agent.

Q: What if the skunk in the window well is injured or a baby?

A: This would be a case for your local animal control. Many municipalities have a 3-1-1 number in service.

Q: How fast can Hawkeye remove a skunk from a window well?

A: Our emergency lines are open 24/7. The skunk is often removed within hours.

Call Hawkeye to Remove Skunks from Window Wells

Protect your basement and foundation from the digging and spraying hazards posed by skunks! Whether it’s a standard window well skunk rescue, an emergency skunk removal from other areas on your property, or even a skunk den removal, choose the licensed GTA professional that offers permanent, guaranteed solutions for both immediate skunk removal and long-term exclusion. Contact us today - our skunk removal services are available all across Southern Ontario, including Toronto, Scarborough, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Ajax, Pickering, Newmarket, Etobicoke, Oshawa, and Mississauga.