Fifi in Residence?

This morning about 6:30 I walked out on my back porch and saw a skunk move off quickly toward the woods on the south side of the house.  I went inside to the guest bathroom window to see if "Fifi LaPhew" put in another appearance.  In a couple minutes he/she walked around the back of the firewood stacks — and then waddled along between the stacks and did not reappear at the other end.

It's a handsome skunk.  Instead of a white stripe, the entire back is snow white.  Very striking.  But also very odoriferous when not amused.

The skunk disappeared between the front wood crib and
the back row of firewood stacked between the trees.

Hmmm.  This area between the stacks of firewood is well protected from predators.  Perhaps Fifi has decided this is the perfect place to build a nest and raise a brood of little LaPhews.  I'll have to explore this afternoon and — hopefully without getting sprayed! — find out what is happening between the stacks.  That makes me sound like a prudish librarian chasing amorous college students!

If I find a nest, what next?  I could call a critter removal firm — but local residents have had mixed results from these businesses.  Checking online, I found this suggestion which sounds like it might work:

Soak rags, old socks, etc. in ammonia and scatter these around where the skunks are nesting.  The closer you can get them to the nest, the better.  Skunks, opossums, and raccoons can't stand the smell.  I know.  Ironic.  Still, if it works, it works.  You'll need to resoak... a couple of times a day.  It usually only takes about 2 days for them to pack up and skedaddle. (Askville by Amazon)

If I have a nest and ammonia doesn't work, I'll have to try something else. •••