Jeffersontown, KY — Love is in the air, and unfortunately, it smells like skunk spray. Male skunks are traveling long distances to find mates, leading to increased roadkill and backyard encounters in J-Town.

Males often spray when fighting over females, or females spray to reject suitors. This explains the random skunk odors occurring at night even if you don’t see an animal.

Check your crawl space vents and shed perimeters. Wandering males often look for temporary daytime shelter in these areas.

Understanding Skunk Behavior

Skunks are normally solitary and stay close to their dens in winter. However, in February and March, males become active and roam up to 5 miles a night in search of females.

This increased movement leads to:

1. More Roadkill: Skunks are slow-moving and have poor eyesight, making them vulnerable to traffic.
2. Daytime Sightings: While nocturnal, love-struck males may be seen moving during the day.
3. Conflict: Males will fight each other for dominance, often spraying during the scuffle.
4. Rejection Sprays: Females who are not ready to mate will spray aggressive males to drive them away.

Why Is My House Smelling?

If you wake up to a strong skunk odor but don’t see a skunk, it likely sprayed nearby during a mating dispute. The oil in the spray is potent and can drift for blocks.

However, if the smell is constant and seems to be coming from under your floorboards, you may have a female denning under your house. Females look for secure dens (under decks, sheds, or crawl spaces) to give birth in May.

Prevention Tips

• Seal Vents: Ensure all foundation vents are screened with heavy-duty hardware cloth.
• Block Deck Access: Install lattice or wire mesh around the base of decks and porches.
• Remove Food: Do not leave pet food outside. Skunks are omnivores and will eat anything.
• Secure Trash: Keep garbage cans tightly closed.

What to Do If Sprayed

If your dog encounters a skunk, do not use tomato juice. Use a mixture of:

• 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap

Mix in an open bucket and apply immediately to the dry coat. Rinse thoroughly. This chemically neutralizes the odor-causing thiols.