In a message dated 99-03-01 10:21:29 EST, MDK writes:

> We have tried trapping them for release in the preserve, bricking up a small
>  crawl space where they have nested (since 1860?), and blocking the opening
>  between the ground and lattice panel, but mechanical solutions haven't
> worked
>  so far. Does anyone know a "foolproof" way to prevent these animals from
>  setting up housekeeping?  Is there a better mechanical way to keep them
out?
>  Is there some sort of device that emits ultrasonic beeps or some such that
> we
>  can set up inside the basement that would drive them away? Help!

Mary-
Two home remedies for outwitting squirells (did I spell that right?) which
might also work to deter your puddle-wonderful skunks.

1) mothballs spread around the nesting site
2) cayenne pepper liberally spread around nesting site

If the babies are already in the nest, they can chew through just about
anything to get back in, so you have to make conditions uninhabitable.

I'll check with my rodent-hating posse on Old-House-List for other tips.

the little lame balloon-frame girl,
Heidi