What Equipment Works Best For Trapping A Skunk?

Skunks are pesky little creatures with an uncanny ability to end up in some very inconvenient places. They certainly aren’t animals you want hanging around your house or yard. Skunks can do quite a bit of property damage. They also pose a health risk to people and household pets.

Handling Skunks

When you end up with a nuisance skunk, you basically have three options for handling the situation. You can kill the creature humanely, trap the animal and relocate it or call a professional to handle the job. A professional will charge for their services but they are well worth the money. You will first have to decide what works best for you.

While exploring your options, you will have to check on your state and local laws governing this animal. Sometimes killing the animal is permitted. Other times, relocation and professional services are your only two options.



Equipment

The method you choose for ridding yourself of a skunk will determine the type of equipment you need. No matter what you decide to do, you should always wear personal protective equipment. Safety goggles are long, thick gloves are recommended.

To relocate the animal, you will need a live bait trap. These aren’t hard to find. You will also need a towel or small blanket to cover the cage. It will help keep the animal calm once it is trapped so nobody gets sprayed. The best bet is to use a live bait trap with solid sides.

Baiting the trap isn’t difficult. These animals eat a variety of foods are attracted to pungent aromas. Sardines and wet cat food are among the favorite types of bait but rotting fruit works well too. AN old favorite is marshmallows. Skunks find them irresistible.

Depending on where the animal is, a snare pole may be necessary or helpful. A skunk trapped in a window well may require a snare pole and a five-gallon bucket to remove.

Getting Help

Trapping and relocating a skunk is a big job, especially for those without experience. It may be best to call a professional to help handle the task quickly and effectively. Don’t bother with a pest control company. They are not usually equipped to handle larger animals like skunks.

Don’t let anyone talk you into poisoning the animal. Poisons pose an environmental risk as well as a health risk, not to mention they are inhumane. Poisons are never a good idea.

The best thing to do is to call your local ranger or wildlife management team. If they can’t help themselves, they will put you in touch with the best person for the job.


Visit our Wildlife Trapper Middletown home page to learn more about us.