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  • IfA skunk is visibly living under the porch, deck, shed or houseWildlife control first. Odor treatment now would be undone by the next spray.
  • IfYou see fresh digging, tracks or a worn entry hole, but no skunkWildlife control first, or at least a check for activity, before odor work.
  • IfA skunk sprayed while passing through, and there is no sign it lives on the propertyOdor treatment can go ahead. Consider closing any openings anyway.
  • IfA skunk is trapped in a window well or a garageHelp it leave or call wildlife control; odor work comes after.
  • IfA skunk appears sick or is acting strangely in daylightCall Denver animal services through 311. Do not approach it.
  • IfThe animal is gone and the openings are already sealedGo straight to odor treatment.
  • IfThe smell is a dead-animal smell rather than sprayThe animal needs to be located and removed first; odor treatment follows.

What each professional typically does

Wildlife control operator

  • Confirms whether an animal is present
  • Removes or excludes the animal under Colorado rules
  • Handles young skunks if a litter is present
  • Installs one-way doors and permanent closures
  • Advises on attractants around the yard

Odor treatment provider

  • Locates where the spray landed
  • Treats soil, wood and surfaces outside
  • Treats rooms, fabrics and flooring inside
  • Addresses ductwork if odor is in the air system
  • Removes materials that cannot be treated

Coordinating the two

  1. Book the wildlife visit

    Describe where you have seen activity and when. Ask how they will confirm the animal is gone.

  2. Protect the house in the meantime

    Close windows on the affected side, set the HVAC fan to auto, and bag any sprayed fabric outside.

  3. Ask the wildlife operator about timing for sealing

    Sometimes sealing happens right away; sometimes it waits until after odor treatment so the space can be accessed.

  4. Schedule odor treatment once the space is empty

    Share what the wildlife operator found: where the den was, where the animal entered, any debris left behind.

  5. Close the opening for good

    Make sure someone is responsible for final sealing, so neither professional assumes the other did it.

General information for Washington Park, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.