There are no poisonous materials approved for controlling skunks. Capturing skunks in live traps has hazards. Skunks are mild-tempered animals; however, they defend themselves with a unpleasant musk when frightened.

If you decide to try a live trap, purchase or build one 7 inches by 7 inches by 20 inches. Set the trap near the door of the skunk's den entrance. Use a bait such as fish-flavored pet food. You can also use sardines, chicken innards, or bread crusts spread with peanut butter. After the skunk is in the live trap, cover the trap with old canvas or another heavy material. Transport it very carefully. If you plan to release the skunk, take it at least ten miles away.

If you kill the skunk, bury the carcass. The live trap with the skunk in it could be immersed in water until the animal drowns. Skunks seldom spray when underwater. Shooting or clubbing the skunk will almost always cause it to spray.

Suggestions for getting rid of the spray odor:

• Diluted solutions of vinegar or tomato juice eliminate most of the odor from pets, people and clothing.



• Soaking clothing in a 10 percent solution of household bleach helps remove the odor.



• Try a weak solution of ammonia. Never use ammonia and bleach together.

When musk spray has entered the eyes, the result is severe burning and eye watering. There may even be a temporary blindness for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse eyes with water for 15 minutes to speed recovery. Call your local poison control office for more information on spray in eyes.

If you are a farmer or gardener, consider tolerating skunks. They eat many agricultural and garden pests like field mice, rats, insects and other creatures. They may even eat moles. Unless skunks become really bothersome, the best advice is to leave them alone.

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