Using A One-Way Exclusion Funnel To Get Rid Of A Skunk Without Trapping Them

Removing a skunk from your property can be a tricky endeavor, especially if you have no experience. It can be hard to avoid becoming vulnerable to the diseases they carry and simultaneously avoid being sprayed by that putrid smelling liquid.

A one-way exclusion funnel can be a highly successful mechanism for safely removing the animal from its den, if it is used properly. However, there are some things to take into consideration before-hand. Skipping steps or moving hastily can cause more damage to your property and cause mortal damage to animals in the long run.



Before Installing an Exclusion Funnel

Before installing a one-way exclusion funnel, it is important to ensure that you are only dealing with an adult skunk. If a female skunk has kits in its burrow, it will fit relentlessly to get back to them. A mother skunk will attempt to chew through wire mesh and even dig additional tunnels to get back to her kits in the burrow.

If she is unsuccessful, the kits are likely to die inside without her and this will present you with a whole new host of issues. You will have to deal with the gut-wrenching stench of dead animals, the damage they cause before they die, disease carrying pathogens in their fecal matter and even an infestation of additional parasites feeding on the dead carcasses.

Once you have established that you are dealing with a single adult skunk or juveniles old enough to leave the burrow independently, it is time for a fishing expedition. It is likely that there is more than one entrance to the burrow. You must find them all and seal them up.

You must also eliminate what attracted the skunks to your property in the first place. Skunks typically move when they find a better source of food and water. Take steps to avoid leaving trash outside over night and ensure that it is tightly secured in a container with a lid. You’ll also want to pick up pet food and any fallen fruit from trees.

Install the Exclusion Funnel

Once this is complete, it is time to install the exclusion funnel over the main entry left to the burrow. All others should be properly sealed. When the skunk leaves to go find food, it will have no choice but to leave through the exclusion funnel which will let them out but prevent their return.

If food sources have been eliminated and potential burrows sealed, the skunks will wander away in search of a better place to bed down. Just be sure to wear the proper protection when cleaning up after them.


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