Skunk

[MikeA]

I appreciate all of the innovative techniques described in this topic for eradication of skunk infestation.   Two nights in a row now, the critter (either resident skunk or transient opossum) has taken the bait and sprung the trap but I guess he's become educated.  The trap door both nights has been unlatched.  It's spring loaded and there is just a friction cabinet type latch to hold it closed after it is sprung.  At this point, I'm thinking that I am just going to have to dig out openings in the gaps under the deck and shovel sand in.  While doing this, I'll have my pellet gun pumped up to 10 and loaded with a 22cal pellet.  A shot between the eyes should take care of the problem if I scare him out of his den.  Of course, I am fully expecting to anoint myself with tomato juice afterwards.  If I do, it won't be the first time.  I used to have a dog that was a skunk hunter and one winter, we fought the smell for months!The vet didn't have any ideas other than the trap and the types of bait we have been using.  There is another option.  A company in Wichita called "Critter Control" specializes in trapping unwanted four legged guests.  I'm sure they charge a couple of hundred to do the job, but at this time, it's sounding  better and better!

[MikeA]

Last night was the last night I could use the trap.   Caught another opossum Going to try the moth balls.  Frustrating!

[cddenver]

Going to try the moth balls.  Frustrating!

 
Through this whole thread, I've been thinking that I'm glad it's not five years ago, otherwise I'd be the one in your spot.  I had a big problem for almost a year with squirrels getting in the attic.  Tried everything - patching, baiting, trapping, and "special sauce" on snacks I'd leave for them.
 
Start thinking about the Caddyshack solution - mold a Mrs. Stinky out of plastique.

[MikeA]

If my wife hadn't seen the critter slither down into the hole he'd dug under the concrete deck of our swimming pool, I'd say I was dealing with opossums rather than skunks.  We've had trouble with possums before.  Since baiting the trap, I've caught two opossums but no skunk.  We have two water gardens and one has probably 350 goldfish in it.  The swimming pool is close by.  But she saw SKUNK.  And, we've had trouble this time of year from skunks too.  I'll give the moth balls a few days and then fill in the opening with sand and see if there is evidence of him crawling/digging out.  If so, I may have to take the advice from the forum and just have concrete pumped in.  Hate to go to that expense if we end up filling in the pool though.

[faygo]

MikeA
It's been almost two weeks now without an update on your guest. Did you blow him up, trap him, bury him alive or did he just get tired of you annoying him and leave?

[MikeA]

MikeA
It's been almost two weeks now without an update on your guest. Did you blow him up, trap him, bury him alive or did he just get tired of you annoying him and leave?Nope.  I couldn't trap him.  I couldn't run him off.  So for now, I'm calling it my "skunk habitat" and giving tours.

[faygo]

When life deals you Lemons, make lemonade.
 

[cddenver]

Nope.  I couldn't trap him.  I couldn't run him off.  So for now, I'm calling it my "skunk habitat" and giving tours.

 
Personally, I think you off'ed him and don't want to admit it for fear of being reported to the animal police. 

[Webman]

Any sightings or did he maybe run off on his own?

[vpguy3]

I tell you Mike, go the trapper route. I saw our skunk on a Friday morning, called the pro Friday noon, traps set by 2PM on the same Friday. Skunk trapped by 7AM the next morning. Stinky (large) was picked up and gone by 9:30AM. He charged me $75 to set two traps and $50 for each stink pot he hauled off, I had one so total was $125 and he was gone about 24 hours after I first saw him and NO SMELL!!Good Luck!