Skunk Control Options

Havahart® recommends the following skunk control options<

Skunk Traps

The Havahart® Small Easy Set Trap Model 1084 , features innovative updates on the set-up of a live trap. The enhancements on the old way traps were made and designed is nothing short of revolutionary! 

The Easy Set traps feature spring loaded doors that close by themselves with animal weight. The safe release mechanism, located on top of the trap, limits the user's interaction with the animal to be released.

These traps are perfect for trapping skunks. The safe release mechanism comes especially handy when catching or setting a skunk free. Pull the lever and give the removed skunk its space!

Five other choices are available for skunks, coming in a variety of shapes and sizes (models 1040 , 1077 , 1078 , 1088 ). All these traps would adequately house a skunk before it is released back into the wild.

Check out our recommended skunk baits for a more successful trapping experience!

How to trap a skunk

Very carefully! Skunks spray when they are frightened.  To move a skunk in a trap, quietly drop a sheet over the trap, pick it up gently without shaking or jerking.

In order to spray, skunks have to raise their tails, haunch up and aim. If the trap is low, and the skunk is unable to to raise their tail or turn their back to you, they most likely won't spray.

What if my pet gets sprayed?

If your dog or cat happen to get sprayed try mixing a quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap, bathe the pet and rinse well.

This will help mask the odor but when the dog gets damp, the smell will most likely return.

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Skunk Repellents

The OMRI® listed and NOP compliant for use in organic-gardening Havahart® Critter Ridder® skunk repellent is effective

in repelling skunks.

Critter Ridder® comes in liquid Ready-to-use spray, concentrate or granular shaker applications. One application lasts up to 30 days!

Skunks can be discouraged from entering an area by using a skunk repellent; however, skunk repellents work temporarily and are not a permanent solution - such as trapping and relocating.

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Skunk Exclusion

The most effective means of avoiding skunk problems is to remove the denning sites under and around structures such as garages and homes.

How to remove a resident skunk

Havahart® suggests the following steps for removing skunks already established under buildings.

• Seal all possible entrances along the foundation, but leave the main skunk  burrow entrance open.

   
• Sprinkle a thin layer of flour 2 feet in circumference on the ground in front of the opening.
   
• After dark, examine the flour for tracks that indicate the skunk has left to feed. If tracks are not present, reexamine in about an hour.
   
• After the den is empty, cover the remaining entrance immediately. Cover all openings with wire mesh, sheet metal or concrete. Bury fencing 1 1/2 to 2 feet in areas where skunks could gain access by digging.
   

• Reopen one of the entrances the next day for 1 hour after dark to allow any remaining skunks to exit before permanently sealing the entrance particularly in the months of May and June when baby skunks may still be in the den.

   
• Use tight-fitting lids to keep skunks out of garbage cans

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Habitat Modification

Properly dispose of garbage or other food sources that will attract skunks. Skunks are often attracted to rodents living in barns, crawl spaces, sheds and garages. Debris such as lumber, fence posts, and junk cars provide a shelter and encourage skunks to make a home.

To reduce skunk damage to lawns resulting from digging for grubs, use an appropriate insecticide to control the insects.

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Havahart® offers a variety of skunk repellent and skunk trap solutions to help you with your skunk control needs.