What Is the Best Bait for Humane 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.

1. Canned Sardines

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.

Best for: Homeowners needing potent skunk bait that can attract from a distance

2. Wet Cat Food

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. 

Best for: Homeowners looking for an effective and affordable bait

3. Peanut Butter

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.

Best for: Homeowners looking for an affordable solution for multiple traps

4. Raw Chicken Parts

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.

Best for: Homes located in areas without dangerous predators like bears

5. Marshmallows

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. 

Best for: Dry areas with limited food sources or raccoons

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro for Skunk Removal

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.