How to Kill Skunks - Is Poison the Answer?
How To Kill Skunks
There are many pest animals that can cause a nuisance in our gardens, outbuildings and homes, and it is one of the natural reactions of people to want to kill those animals and prevent the damage that they cause. This instinct is one that some people will choose to overcome, and trying to deal with pest animals in a more humane way is often considered to be more efficient as well as being kinder to the pest animal in question. Different methods of killing skunks will have different results, and in many cases this can require a fair amount of follow up work in order to deal with the problem fully.
Because of the prevalence of the use of rat poison when dealing with rodents, many people have started thinking of poison as one of the best ways to deal with pest animals, but the reality is quite different. In order to be able to use poison effectively, you need to be able to target the pest animal, but when using poison to kill skunks, there is a strong possibility that you will kill cats, dogs or any other animals active in your area. As well as the issue of targeting the pest animal, poison is also a very painful death that can take quite some time, and this means that you will often have to search for the carcass so that it can be removed.
Using Lethal Traps To Kill Skunks
This is another method of killing a skunk that is causing problems, and there are a variety of different trap types that can be used to deal with the problem animal. A large body crushing trap that will snap shut around the animal is usually effective at killing the animal, while more experienced hunters and trappers will use snares that can be affixed to a fence post to strangle the animal. The difficulty with this method as well is that it can be hard to ensure that it is only skunks that will be killed by these lethal traps, as domestic animals and other creatures can often be killed accidentally by those who place traps recklessly.
Problems With Killing Skunks
One of the main reasons that people should think again before they choose to kill skunks is that they are animals that can be dealt with in other ways, and by choosing to use lethal means it can expose the trappers to the diseases carried by the skunks. From conditions like leptospirosis found in the feces of the animals through to the diseases that can be transmitted by fleas and parasites on the animals, dealing with a skunk carcass is not a pleasant business. There are also regulations about lethal trapping that will apply in many areas, so you should also check these before you lay any traps or poison down, in case you break the law while dealing with the skunk.
Hunting Skunks
Hunters have long been interested in skunks, and while many people will want to deal with them because they are pest animals, many hunters shoot skunks because their furry pelts are attractive and can often be in demand. This is a method of killing skunks that can be quite humane if it is done properly, but you will need to be a good shot with a rifle in order to kill a skunk cleanly. It is also worth noting that if you live in an urban or suburban area, hunting with a rifle will usually be illegal due to the risks that you could hit someone else.
Alternative Methods Of Removing Skunks
Some people will discuss animal repellent as a potential method to get rid of skunks, but in the majority of cases this won't solve the problem that you're having, and the skunk will continue to return. The best way to deal with a skunk problem is to trap the animal and then relocate it several miles away. Cage traps are often considered to be the most effective way of catching an animal, and after throwing a blanket over the trap to prevent the skunk from spraying you, you can relocate the animal well away from your property, with most experts suggesting removing the animals at least ten miles from the area where they are causing the issue.
Changing Your Yard Or Garden To Keep Skunks Away
There are amendments that you can make to your garden or yard that will make it less attractive to skunks, and preventing the animals from getting in with a good fence will often save you from having to kill any more skunks. You can also look to reduce the food sources available to them in the area, by ensuring that garbage sacks and pet food is secured and isn't stored in thin plastic sacks but rather in sturdy containers. Choosing borders of plants with spiky foliage can also be a deterrent for skunks, with pumpkins and squash plants also useful in this regard.
Go back to the main Skunk Removal page for more information about how to kill skunks. Is poison a good way to exterminate skunk?
