Q: Should I put poison in my attic to deal with an animal?

• <div><p>No, poison isn&rsquo;t the best way to deal with animals in your attic. It&rsquo;s unlikely to completely eradicate the problem, especially if you don&rsquo;t take care of access points. Also, poisoned animals may die and decay in the attic, causing noxious odors. </p><p>Some animals may leave the attic before the poison kills them, which could lead to nearby pets or other wildlife eating the animals and becoming poisoned themselves. Ultimately, it&rsquo;s better to avoid using poison and contact a professional instead.</p></div>

Q: Are skunks hard to get rid of?

• <div><p>Luckily, skunks aren&rsquo;t challenging to get rid of. You can try to remove them slowly by filling their den entryway loosely with newspaper. Many skunks notice their den is in jeopardy and take off on their own. You can also try making a homemade spray of jalapeno pepper, yellow onion, and cayenne pepper&mdash;believe it or not, skunks are sensitive to these smells, so if you spray this around the den or in hard-to-reach places around your property, most skunks will take the hint and leave. </p></div>

Question 1

Should I put poison in my attic to deal with an animal?

Accepted Answer

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No, poison isn’t the best way to deal with animals in your attic. It’s unlikely to completely eradicate the problem, especially if you don’t take care of access points. Also, poisoned animals may die and decay in the attic, causing noxious odors.

Some animals may leave the attic before the poison kills them, which could lead to nearby pets or other wildlife eating the animals and becoming poisoned themselves. Ultimately, it’s better to avoid using poison and contact a professional instead.

Question 2

Which animals build nests in attics?

Accepted Answer

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Many different types of animals like to build nests in attics. The types may vary depending on your home’s condition and location and you can prevent them by sealing off entry points and eliminating food sources. The most common critters that like to build nests in your attic include:

Raccoons
Bats
Squirrels
Mice
Rats

Raccoons
Bats
Squirrels
Mice
Rats

Question 3

Are skunks hard to get rid of?

Accepted Answer

•

Luckily, skunks aren’t challenging to get rid of. You can try to remove them slowly by filling their den entryway loosely with newspaper. Many skunks notice their den is in jeopardy and take off on their own. You can also try making a homemade spray of jalapeno pepper, yellow onion, and cayenne pepper—believe it or not, skunks are sensitive to these smells, so if you spray this around the den or in hard-to-reach places around your property, most skunks will take the hint and leave.

Question 4

When are gophers most active?

Accepted Answer

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Gophers do not hibernate, meaning you could, at least theoretically, have a gopher problem in your yard any time of year. During the colder parts of the year when soil isn't as easy to work with, gophers may not dig as many holes or be as active and instead will burrow deeper into the earth to go below the frost line to stay warm.

You can expect to see more gopher activity during the spring and fall when warmer temperatures make digging easy, and there is an abundance of new (or recently harvested) plant life available for them to graze on. They come out during the day and sleep at night.

Question 5

Can I set an animal trap in my yard?

Accepted Answer

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Setting up an animal trap in your yard largely depends on where you live and the type of critter you're dealing with. In many states, trapping nuisance animals like squirrels, rats, or raccoons is allowed, sometimes without needing a permit. However, certain wildlife species are protected, and not all states have lenient catch-and-release regulations.

Before placing a trap, check your local laws to avoid fines or other legal issues. Some areas allow DIY trapping, while others may require professional assistance. Most areas require a professional to relocate the animal once trapped. Consulting a pro ensures you handle the situation responsibly, humanely, and within the law.