Live trapping of skunks is perhaps the most effective way of controlling skunks. When engaging in this form of trapping, it is important to ensure that you do not end up getting sprayed by the skunk. They will release a foul smelly liquid at whoever they think is threatening them. The good news is it is possible to trap skunks without being sprayed in the process.
Choose the bait carefully
The right bait plays a very important role in helping you trap skunks. Thus, it is important to choose the bait very carefully. Skunks are both carnivores as well as opportunistic eaters. They love to feed on worms and rodents as well as small sized reptiles. In addition, skunks also feed on insects and their larvae.
They will eat poultry eggs as well as small sized mammals. In fact, their hunger knows no bounds and they are even prepared to attack a beehive to get stuck on honeybees. Sometimes, skunks will also feed on garden vegetables as well as fruits and berries and grasses and roots.
Peanut butter
Before you set your trap, you need to identify the best bait to attract the skunk into the trap. Ideally, you should go with bait like peanut butter that gives off a strong smell.
Fish
Alternatively, you can also think about using fish and in some instances, you may want to use a bit of each of these two popular types of skunk bait.
Peanut butter is effective because you can easily smear it on the trigger plate. Thus, it would attract skunks who will not think twice about eating it from the trigger plate and thus would trigger the door which will then slam shut on the skunk and trap it in the process.
Canned fish is also a good bait. In particular, you should use sardines as they are what skunks love to feed on.
Fresh insect larvae
Fresh insect larvae will also prove to be an effective bait. You could get good results if you use beetles.
Bacon
Bacon is also a bait option that would provide excellent results. Finally, you may also want to use cat food which can also be smeared with some peanut butter. Marshmallows are also a type of bait that works well.
Before you use any of these above-mentioned bait options, make sure you position the bait properly within the trap. It is important that the bait be positioned deep inside the trap as then it becomes easy to trap the skunk within the cage. If it is well inside the cage, then the skunk will not have enough time to escape from the cage when the doors slams shut. Also, positioning the bait deep inside the trap is a good idea because that would minimize the chances of the skunk being wounded when it gets caught in the cage.
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