Skunk smell inside house - Ask Extension
Last night i went to turn on the shower faucet when I got a strong skunk smell from what seemed like the shower drain.
Later I went downstairs and th...
Knowledgebase
Skunk smell inside house #870972
Asked May 31, 2024, 2:37 PM EDT
Last night i went to turn on the shower faucet when I got a strong skunk smell from what seemed like the shower drain.
Later I went downstairs and the laundry room reeked of skunk.
As did the garage when I went out to investigate.
Why would the scent be so strong INdoors?
Thanks.
Livingston County Michigan
Expert Response
I cannot say for sure, but here are some possible reasons.
The most likely answer is that a skunk sprayed under/near your home. Skunks generally den in areas such as crawl spaces, sheds, porches, under garages, etc. While they mostly go unnoticed, when they spray it can be extremely potent for a few days especially if its close/under your home. To deter skunks avoid feeding cats outdoors and block access to common den areas. If you do end up finding a den, using a light or sound near their dens can deter them from returning.
Two less possible reasons are a gas leak and sewer gas backing up into your home. Companies add methyl mercaptan to give natural gas a smell. It can smell like skunk to some people (most often it can smell like rotten eggs). Another possibility is sewer gas. Drains which are not run often and/or have a crack can also smell skunky due to sewer gas escaping them. I've personally experienced this issue at my house.
The most likely answer is that a skunk sprayed under/near your home. Skunks generally den in areas such as crawl spaces, sheds, porches, under garages, etc. While they mostly go unnoticed, when they spray it can be extremely potent for a few days especially if its close/under your home. To deter skunks avoid feeding cats outdoors and block access to common den areas. If you do end up finding a den, using a light or sound near their dens can deter them from returning.
Two less possible reasons are a gas leak and sewer gas backing up into your home. Companies add methyl mercaptan to give natural gas a smell. It can smell like skunk to some people (most often it can smell like rotten eggs). Another possibility is sewer gas. Drains which are not run often and/or have a crack can also smell skunky due to sewer gas escaping them. I've personally experienced this issue at my house.
