Say goodbye to stinky surprises by opting for safe skunk removal
Skunks are harmless—as long as you don’t corner them—and beneficial for controlling pests. However, they can tear up lawns looking for food, and their smelly spray is a nuisance. Relocation is one solution, which makes knowing the best bait for skunks to use for humane trapping essential. Skunks like fresh, aromatic food due to their strong sense of smell. Just remember to set traps at night since skunks are nocturnal.
Trapped animals can be dangerous, no matter their size. Do not attempt to handle them—call in a pro for safe removal instead.
Effectiveness: Very high
While a can of sardines is more expensive than other types of bait, like peanut butter or marshmallows, its fishy odor is highly effective at luring skunks from a considerable distance.
To use, open a can and place it at the back of the trap, ensuring the strong smell permeates the area. Canned salmon or tuna are excellent alternatives if your local market doesn't carry sardines.
Once trapped, call a local skunk control specialist to remove and relocate the animal.
Note: As with most types of bait, other animals, including raccoons and bears, are attracted to canned fish.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pungent smell | Attracts other animals |
| Effective from distance | Oily and messy |
| Easy to use | Spoils in heat |
| High success rate | Expensive |
Best for: Homeowners needing potent skunk bait that can attract from a distance
Effectiveness: Very high
Wet cat food is highly effective as skunk bait due to its robust scent and moist texture. Fishy, high-aromatic varieties are particularly good at attracting skunks from a distance, encouraging them to enter the trap.
Additionally, small cat food containers are more cost-effective than sardines, making them a better choice for setting up multiple traps. However, wet cat food has a shorter shelf life than other types of canned foods, including sardines.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong, meaty scent | Attracts other animals |
| Easy to use | Can spoil in the heat |
| Cheaper than sardines | May attract insects |
| Highly effective | Short shelf life |
Best for: Homeowners looking for an effective and affordable bait
Effectiveness: High
Many skunks find peanut butter irresistible because of its nutty aroma. Spread a generous amount of peanut butter on a piece of bread, a small cracker, or a shallow dish.
Place the bait at the back of the trap to ensure the skunk fully enters it before it triggers. Peanut butter's sticky nature ensures that skunks work to get the bait, increasing the chances of triggering the trap.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong aroma | Attracts other animals |
| Easy to use | Messy application |
| Readily available | Heat spoilage |
| Inexpensive | Limited scent range |
Best for: Homeowners looking for an affordable solution for multiple traps
Effectiveness: Moderate
Protein-rich foods like uncooked chicken are very appealing to skunks. Raw chicken is also safer for animal consumption than cooked because its bones are less likely to splinter.
However, fresh chicken can be less effective than other types of skunk bait. Chicken spoils quickly, especially in warm weather, losing its appeal and scent, while sardines, cat food, and even peanut butter maintain their aroma longer.
Additionally, raw chicken attracts other predators and opportunistic hunters, such as dogs, bears, raccoons, and foxes, which can interfere with trapping efforts. Lastly, handling uncooked chicken carries a risk of salmonella.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly attractive | Spoils quickly |
| Safe bones | Attracts predators |
| Protein-rich | Loses scent quickly |
| Readily available | Salmonella risk |
Best for: Homes located in areas without dangerous predators like bears
Effectiveness: Moderate
Skunks have a sweet tooth, making sugary foods like marshmallows wildly appealing. These sweet treats are also easy for humans to handle when setting traps and are a cost-effective option for baiting numerous traps on a budget.
However, marshmallows lack the robust and long-lasting aroma of sardines and cat food, which can attract skunks from greater distances. They also dissolve quickly in water, such as in rainy conditions. Moreover, marshmallows are less nutritionally appealing than protein-rich baits like raw chicken and peanut butter.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sweet treat | Attracts bugs |
| Easy to handle | Unnatural food source |
| Inexpensive | Limited scent range |
| Readily available | Dissolves in water |
Best for: Dry areas with limited food sources or raccoons
To safely trap a skunk, plan carefully and consider your safety and the skunk's welfare. Check local wildlife regulations for compliance. Use a humane skunk trap with a protective cover, which costs $60 to $120. These traps allow the animal to breathe while shielding you from spraying. If relocation is allowed under local regulations, take the skunk to a suitable habitat at least 10 miles from residential areas.
Professional skunk removal costs an average of $450. While DIY trapping and relocation can save money, it’s not always safe, feasible, or legal to handle animals yourself.
Homeowners should contact their local wildlife control service before trapping a skunk or other animal. These experts ensure humane and effective removal, minimizing the risk of injury or disease. They also can address potential entry points in your yard to prevent future infestations. Additionally, professionals know local wildlife regulations, ensuring your situation is dealt with legally and humanely.
We had an immediate need for junk removal. The guy we originally hired skipped out on us so I had to find another service right away. The job required removal by end of day and Titan made it happen. They even moved other jobs around to make it work. The guys were extremely friendly,...
This company arrived right on time. They were very professional. There rates were the best I have found. I did have three estimates on my tree removal and there price was the best of all. I also had them remove the stump. It was a very hot day and I appreciated that they done the job right.
Amanco Tree ServicesFront tree was removed and pleased with the work. Back trees were trimmed and one was suppose to be cut down to the ground but was only cut halfway and a 10 ft stump left in the yard looking horrible. Owners daughter, was in charge that day. I told her it should be cut to the ground, she said...
REMOVED TREE BUT THEY NEVER CAME BACK TO REMOVE STUMP HAD TO HIRE SOMEONE ELSE TO FINALLY REMOVE STUMP. AND WHEN I PAID MINUS WHAT IT COST FOR A SECOND COMPANY TO REMOVE THE STUMP THEY WANTED TO TAKE ME TO COURT.
Tree Services of OmahaThe servic rep came in, ordered part and a short time later when the part arrived they were very prompt to remove and replace the damaged part.
Service Guard a Division of Black Hills EnergyExcellent spot removal
All Pro Carpet Cleaning IncRemoved weeds and volunteer trees from fence line. Removed weeds from landscaping. Cleaned gutters. Just general yard clean-up.
We had a tree cut down and just needed them to drop the tree as we were going to remove the felled tree. They didn't try to talk me out of the work and came in quickly dropped the tree skillfully in the required area. Very good to work with. |
The job was okay but it took 45 mins to do one large room, stairs, and bedroom. I still had spots in the large room carpet when it was finished. I just felt that had they taken just a little more time they could have treated the spots before cleaning and perhaps they would have came out....
Steamaway of NebraskaFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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