How to Kill a Skunk

Live-trapping and releasing skunks elsewhere -- wear gloves -- is often an option.

Skunks can be a nuisance to humans in urban and suburban environments. According to the Montana Department of Agriculture, live-trapping nuisance animals in a solid metal or wire mesh cage is an effective way of removing them from your home. While you should not needlessly destroy a skunk you have trapped, conditions may make it necessary or preferable to terminate the skunk in a safe manner rather than re-releasing it in another locale.

Things You'll Need

• Hose
• Water
• Large container

Instructions

Solid Traps

1. If the trap used to capture the skunk is solid metal, stand the trap on end with the opening on top.

2. Fill the trap completely with water from a hose or large container.

3. Wait a minimum of three to five minutes while the skunk is submerged. Death as a result of drowning should occur during this time.

Mesh Traps

1. If the trap is made from wire mesh, fill a large container with water.

2. Submerge the trap fully in the container.

3. Wait a minimum of three to five minutes while the skunk is submerged. Death as a result of drowning should occur during this time.

Tips & Warnings

• If skunks are living under a building you can block all openings to prevent their return. They'll usually find a new home elsewhere. See Resources for information.

• Wear gloves and protective wear while handling skunks, carcasses and contaminated equipment.

• Dispose of carcasses properly by placing them in a plastic bag and burying in the ground.

• Don't kill skunks needlessly. They eat mice and insects.

• Skunks can be vectors for rabies. Healthy skunks avoid people or will act defensively -- arched back, tail in the air, stamping front feet -- while rabid skunks will charge aggressively, face first, tail down, sometimes dragging their hindquarters.

References

• Montana Department of Agriculture

Resources

• Do It Yourself Pest Control: General Skunk Information