What equipment is needed to trap a skunk?

If you are seeing skunks around your home or even inside your property then it is vital to know how you can trap them. Skunks are small bodied and you are not required to use heavy duty, strong materials in order to trap them.

There are different materials you will need to build a skunk trap and it is up to you which choice of trap you decide to use.



Using a Live Cage

It is not considered hard when trapping skunks but it is important not to kill the skunks or be inhuman while capturing them. Using a trap with wire mesh and using a cage of the correct size for a skunk will make the job easier and less stressful for the skunk.

When using a live trap:

• Make sure the trap is set in the same room or as close to the area where you see skunk activity
• Place the trap on the ground avoid putting it on a table or cupboard. This will ensure the cage is secure to the ground to avoid the skunk escaping.
• Use bait they like to ensure they will enter the trap such as strong smelling cat food or peanut butter.

Spring loaded trap:

A spring loaded trap is used with different materials. Your aim is to lure the skunk inside the trap and then make sure the door is shut behind them once they are inside. The skunk can survive in the cage for a few days but to avoid stress to the animal it is best to relocate or drop off to the wildlife rescue place as soon as possible.

You can use a garbage can for this method or a ramp skunk trap as well.

If you want to make one yourself you will need a trash can of over 100 liters and a wooden stick. Place the garbage can upright in the area the skunk seems to be. You will need to get a sturdy piece of wood to use for the ramp. This is a good way to catch the skunk and avoid being sprayed by it at the same time.

You can even use a rat trap to catch a skunk. They are small like rabbits so a rat or rabbit trap is suitable if you plan to dispose of the animal as soon as you have caught it. If you find a trap with a front release this will ensure that the front is covered so the skunk cannot spray you. The skunk will most often only spray when they can see their target.

Chicken parts, bacon, peanut butter and fish flavored food are all enticing to a skunk. Place items like logs or twigs around the tin so it looks like a nice cozy place to enter which will entice the skunk more to enter and eat the food as well as rest.

Be sure whatever option you go with that there is no harm to the skunk or any other wildlife that may be lingering around.


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