Skunk & Woodchuck Removal in Monroe County: Safe, Humane, Professional

Skunk & Woodchuck Removal in Monroe County: Safe, Humane, Professional

Skunks and woodchucks—also known as groundhogs—may seem harmless at first glance, but once they’ve taken up residence on your property, they can quickly cause damage, disrupt daily life, and become a persistent nuisance. Whether you live in suburban Rochester or manage a rural property in Monroe County, these burrowing animals can wreak havoc by digging under sheds, weakening foundations, destroying gardens, or contaminating barns and crawlspaces.



At RPM Pest Control Management LLC, we specialize in safe, humane wildlife removal—protecting both your property and the animals themselves. In this guide, we explain why skunks and woodchucks are a growing issue in Upstate New York, how to spot signs of their activity, why DIY removal often fails, and how our proven process eliminates the problem for good.

Why Skunks and Woodchucks Are a Problem

Both animals are common throughout Monroe County, especially in semi-rural neighborhoods, agricultural zones, and areas near wooded parks or undeveloped lots. They’re drawn to properties that offer shelter, food, and protection from predators.

Skunks

• Spray a powerful, noxious odor when threatened (including pets and humans)
  
  
• Burrow under decks, sheds, patios, and porches—weakening the structure
  
  
• Can carry rabies and other diseases
  
  
• Often invade chicken coops, crawlspaces, and trash storage areas
  
  

Woodchucks (Groundhogs)

• Dig extensive burrow networks that can stretch under garages, barns, and sheds
  
  
• Their tunnels can destabilize foundations or lead to soil erosion
  
  
• Frequently feed on vegetable gardens, ornamental plants, and agricultural crops
  
  
• May chew on wood or plastic irrigation systems
  
  

Both animals:

• Can introduce fleas, ticks, and mites to your yard or barn
  
  
• Attract predators like foxes, coyotes, or stray dogs once established
  
  
• Are protected in many regions, meaning that improper trapping or relocation can lead to fines or legal trouble
  
  

In short: if left unchecked, these seemingly small animals can lead to big property headaches—and potential health hazards.

Signs of Skunk or Woodchuck Activity

The earlier you spot a problem, the easier it is to resolve it humanely. Here are the key signs that skunks or woodchucks may be active on your property:

• Fresh burrows near sheds, decks, barn foundations, or garden beds
  
  
• Oval-shaped holes about 4–6 inches wide with fresh soil nearby
  
  
• A distinct musky, sulfur-like odor, especially around crawlspaces or under porches
  
  
• Chewed vegetation, especially leafy greens, melons, and flowers
  
  
• Visible tracks or droppings near structures or fencing
  
  
• Woodchucks seen during the day, grazing near tree lines or gardens
  
  
• Skunks spotted at dusk or night, near trash bins or along fence lines
  
  

Woodchucks are mostly diurnal (active during the day), while skunks are nocturnal. So if you’re noticing animal activity both day and night, you may be dealing with both pests simultaneously.

DIY Removal Risks and Limitations

It may be tempting to set a trap or sprinkle repellent granules around the yard—but wildlife removal isn’t as simple as it seems. In fact, most DIY approaches are ineffective and risky, especially with skunks and woodchucks.

Here's why:

• Getting sprayed by a startled skunk is not only unpleasant—it can linger for days, soak into wood, and even affect indoor HVAC systems.
  
  
• Improper trapping may be illegal in parts of New York State without a nuisance wildlife permit.
  
  
• Relocating wildlife is regulated. Transporting animals more than a few miles may spread disease or violate DEC regulations.
  
  
• Injured or stressed animals can become aggressive, leading to bites or scratches.
  
  
• DIY methods often fail to address the root cause, allowing new animals to move in.
  
  

If you've tried flooding a burrow, using ammonia, or setting a basic trap without success, you're not alone. Many Rochester-area homeowners turn to RPM after weeks or months of failed DIY attempts—sometimes after damage has already been done.

RPM’s Safe, Humane Wildlife Removal Process

At RPM Pest Control, we offer a complete solution for nuisance wildlife—not just trapping. Our process is designed for safety, compliance, and long-term prevention, and we’re fully trained in New York State wildlife handling protocols.

Step 1: Detailed Inspection

• We inspect the property to identify burrow locations, denning sites, and entry points
  
  
• Look for signs of multiple animals or species
  
  
• Use trail cameras or motion sensors if activity occurs after dark
  
  
• Evaluate property vulnerabilities like deck gaps, crawlspaces, or loose fencing
  
  

Step 2: Live Humane Trapping

• We use DEC-approved live traps with species-specific bait
  
  
• Traps are monitored daily to ensure the animal’s welfare
  
  
• We follow humane capture and handling protocols, with minimal stress to the animal
  
  
• Skunk traps are covered to prevent spraying
  
  

Step 3: Relocation & Legal Compliance

• Once captured, animals are relocated safely and legally, according to DEC guidelines
  
  
• We work with local wildlife release sites and ensure no dependent young are left behind
  
  
• If relocation isn’t viable (due to season, health, or species), we follow all ethical and regulatory procedures
  
  

Step 4: Exclusion & Structural Repairs

• Seal burrow entry points under decks, barns, porches, and sheds
  
  
• Recommend barrier fencing, gravel skirts, or welded wire mesh where needed
  
  
• Advise on landscaping changes to reduce attractants (e.g., removing fruit trees, compost bins, etc.)
  
  

[Learn more about our wildlife services – https://www.rpmpestcontrolmanagement.com/]

Seasonal Trends for Wildlife in Rochester

Wildlife activity varies by season—but skunks and woodchucks can become a problem at nearly any time of year in Monroe County.

Spring through Fall

• Woodchucks are most active from March through September
  
  
• Breeding occurs in early spring, with baby groundhogs emerging by late April or May
  
  
• Peak burrowing and feeding damage happens during summer
  
  

Fall and Early Winter

• Skunks become more visible as they search for warm denning sites for the winter
  
  
• Crawlspaces, barns, and garages are common shelters
  
  
• Late fall is a critical time for exclusion repairs and sealing
  
  

Winter

• Skunks may enter torpor (light hibernation) but will still emerge during warm spells
  
  
• Woodchucks typically hibernate fully, but their tunnels remain active sites for other animals
  
  

RPM offers seasonal maintenance plans for properties with recurring wildlife problems—especially farms, gardens, and rural estates.

FAQs

Q1. Is skunk removal safe for pets and kids?

Yes. We use safe, humane traps and never apply toxic chemicals. Our technicians take care to place traps in protected areas away from pets or children.

Q2. Can you remove animals from under porches, decks, or sheds?

Absolutely. These are common denning sites. We specialize in tight-access removal and post-removal exclusion services.

Q3. Do you handle repairs after removal?

Yes. We can seal entry points, install barriers, and recommend trusted local contractors for more extensive structural work.

Call RPM for Skunk & Woodchuck Removal in Monroe County

If you suspect skunks or woodchucks are nesting on your property—or you’ve already noticed damage—don’t wait. These animals can cause long-term property issues, from foundation damage to contaminated barns.

At RPM Pest Control Management LLC, we provide fast, humane, and fully licensed wildlife removal services throughout Rochester, NY and greater Monroe County.

We work with:

• Homeowners with gardens, patios, or crawlspaces
  
  
• Horse properties, chicken coops, and hobby farms
  
  
• Rental homes and property managers
  
  
• Agricultural and outbuilding sites
  
  

Call (585) 301-5811 or schedule your inspection online to get help today. Our wildlife experts are ready to help you protect your land—safely and responsibly.