Skunks are nocturnal animals not often seen by people. However, their offensive-smelling sprays are hard to miss.
Skunks can cause damage to underground wiring and utility lines with their digging and burrowing. They dig for grubs and insects and also cause damage to gardens and other vegetation.
Catch-and-release trapping is one of the best ways to effectively get rid of a skunk on your property. There are several models of spray-proof skunk traps that can allow a person to catch one without getting sprayed. When trapping, make sure to set it on a stable surface at dusk, use bait such as peanut butter on bread, and calmly and carefully move a captured skunk.
Read on below to learn more in greater detail about trapping skunks and avoiding their offensive spray.
- Fully enclosed;Solid steel front door;6"x24"
- “Spray Proof” design: The 6” tube limits the skunk’s ability to lift its tail preventing spraying.
- Multi-Animal Use: effective for catching skunks, opossums, rabbits, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, feral cats, and other small animals.
- Durable construction: made from one-piece 6 inch 16-gauge aluminum tubing, making it durable and indestructible.
- Heavy-duty door: The trap features a drop-down steel door at the front that is gravity-activated and self-locking.
- Humane trapping: the enclosed confinement helps keep animals calm and prevents trappers from being scratched, bitten, or sprayed.
6 Steps to Trap a Skunk (What to Know & Do)
What to Know Before Trapping Skunks
The following considerations. When trapping, make sure to set it on a stable surface at dusk, use bait such as peanut butter on bread, and calmly and carefully move a captured skunk.
Read on below to learn more in greater detail about trapping skunks and avoiding their offensive spray.
6 Steps for Skunk Traps
What to Know Before Trapping Skunks
The following considerations are important to know before using traps as a way to get rid of skunks.
Health Risks
Use caution around skunks. They can carry rabies, parasites, distemper, and salmonella. Some people are severely allergic to their spray.
Wear gloves and respirator masks, and fully cover your skin to protect yourself. Clean and disinfect clothing, shoes, and other items that come into contact with a skunk.
Vaccinate pets. Keep pets and children away from skunk activity and interactions.
If possible, purchase a spray-proof trap to further protect yourself (more on that below).
Seasonal Trapping
Skunks breed in the early spring, from February through March. Trapping should take place before the breeding season to prevent reproduction and worsening issues on your property.
Regulations
Check with your local wildlife control department about the use of traps and baits. There are varying rules and restrictions about lethal traps or poisoned baits, as well as how live-caught animals can be released.
Often, poison baits are illegal because they negatively impact other wildlife, people, and the environment.
There may be regulations that vary by season, making trapping a ticketed offense in the off-season.
What to Do
1. Choose a Catch-and-Release Trap
The following are non-lethal catch-and-release trap recommendations.
Make sure you know local laws about releasing a caught skunk. It is never okay to release one on someone else’s private property.
The following are the best trap features for catching a skunk:
- Size: Medium to large; minimum of 24 inches long
- Style: Easy-set; carrying handle
- Door(s): 1 door offers bait protection; 2 doors offer versatility and a possible higher catch rate
- Construction: Sturdy; spray-proof
Product Recommendations
| Trap Product | Features | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Z Trap Live No Stink Skunk Trap |
|
This trap has 2 doors and can be set in place using its stabilizing system. The rear door makes it user-friendly so that baiting, releasing, and cleaning can be easily accomplished. The tube-like enclosure helps prevent people from getting sprayed by skunks. It also keeps animals secure and calmer, reducing the chance the animal will thrash out and hurt itself or the handler. |
| J T Eaton Catch/Release Skunk Trap |
|
This no-harm trap allows the handler to catch skunks and release them safely. The low-profile design of this product has solid sides to prevent getting sprayed, bitten, or scratched. The spring-loaded door works reliably, giving better catching outcomes. |
| Tomahawk Model 924 – Plastic Skunk Trap |
|
This product is designed to completely enclose a trapped animal to prevent the handler from getting sprayed, bitten, or scratched. The white solid plastic sides of this trap allow a person to shine a flashlight on the trap and see the silhouette of anything caught inside. |
| Havahart Large 2-Door Humane Catch and Release Live Animal Trap |
|
This trap is made in the USA and is designed and tested to successfully catch pests. The external sensor trip rod is located outside of the cage to prevent any harm to the animal. The 2-door design allows the animals to enter from either end, giving an increased catch rate. The handle guard protects the handler from direct contact with the pest. Note: This is a wire caged trap that can be used to catch a variety of pests. It is not spray-proof. Please see below for tips when handling a trap that is not spray-proof. |
2. Find an Ideal Spot to Place the Trap
For any trap to be successful, it must be placed where the pest is active.
Look for their dens. Dens often smell like skunks at the entrance points. Skunk-made burrow entrances are typically about 4 to 6 inches wide.
For skunks, the best spots to place traps are as follows:
- Burrows (often use abandoned burrows from other pests)
- Dens underneath decks, porches, or sheds
- Tree hollows
- Wood piles
- Hollow logs
- Piles of brush
Place the trap within 5 to 10 feet of the den. If you cannot find a skunk den, place the trap near your outdoor garbage bin, compost pile, or garden.
Tips:
- Skunks are easily scared and skittish. Anchor your trap in a flat place by putting a brick or large rock on top of it so it does not rattle or shift.
- If you use a wire mesh trap, consider putting a plastic tarp over it to avoid getting sprayed. However, the tarp must be secure so it does not scare the skunk.
- You may see skunk tracks which look like baby bear prints. The prints are flat-footed, showing five toes on four feet with claw marks. Tracks can help you determine their pathways.
3. Bait the Trap
Baits must be attractive to skunks to lure them inside.
Position the bait towards the back of 1-door traps and in the middle of 2-door traps to get the creature fully inside. Refer to your trap’s user manual for specifics.
Use non-lethal baits such as the following:
- Spoiled meats
- Honey
- Molasses
- Peanut butter on bread
- Dog or cat food
- Apples
4. Check the Trap Frequently
Check the trap often, especially if you are using a non-spray-proof trap. Once a skunk is caught, relocate it within 24 hours.
5. Relocate the Skunk
Calmly approach the trap. Cover the trap with a cloth to avoid startling the animal.
Transport the trapped skunk to a relocation site at least 10 miles away from your home, ensuring it is a safe area for the skunk to live.
Release the skunk by slowly opening the trap and allowing it to walk out on its own.
6. Prevent Future Skunk Problems
Seal any potential entry points to prevent skunks from returning. Install fencing around decks and sheds, and remove any food sources such as pet food or garbage that may attract skunks.
Maintain your yard by keeping it free of brush piles, wood piles, and tall grass where skunks might find shelter.
Conclusion
Using a skunk trap that is spray-proof is the best way to get a skunk off of your property. Purchase a tubular spray-proof trap with solid sides for best results. If you opt for a mesh trap, cover it securely with a plastic tarp to prevent getting sprayed. Set and bait the trap near areas of skunk activity, such as dens or gardens, using humane and tempting baits such as peanut butter on bread, spoiled meats, or dry cat food. Release the skunk at least 10 miles away, following local and state regulations.
If skunk trapping proves challenging or if you prefer non-capture methods, consider using skunk repellents. These can include commercially available sprays, granular repellents, or motion-activated lights and water systems that discourage skunks from entering your property in the first place. Combining physical barriers, such as fencing, with repellents provides a comprehensive approach to skunk management and prevention, ensuring your property remains free from these nocturnal visitors.
