Extend the wire screen or other materials used to block the entrance several inches below the ground to prevent the skunk from digging under it. Or, the barrier can include a wire skirt at ground level extending at least 12 inches horizontally outward from the entrance. Young skunks may remain in the den from April through August. Be sure all animals are out before sealing up the entrance. These materials are not registered by the Environmental Protection Agency for this purpose, however.
Bright lights placed under buildings can serve a similar function.
When skunks have become trapped by falling into a window well, cellar, or hole in the ground, carefully lower a cleated board into the hole to allow them to climb out and escape. The presence of skunks near homes and farmyards can be further discouraged by removing brush piles, stacked lumber, wood piles and similar sources of shelter which they may find inviting. A fence can exclude skunks from landscaped areas, gardens, school yards and other such places. This will discourage most skunks from digging under it. Only rarely will skunks climb such a fence.