Get matched with top pest control specialists in Holyoke, CO

Skunks spray as a defense mechanism to ward off predators. The active ingredient in their sulfurous, oily musk is n-butyl mercaptan, which evaporates into a powerful and smelly gas. Once the spray hits the skunk’s target, the stench can linger for days, and water and common cleaning kits aren’t enough to wash it away.

If you happen upon a skunk in your yard, try to back away slowly to reduce the chance of them aiming at you. Encouragingly, they don’t use their weapon casually, as it can take up to 10 days for their life-saving weaponry to refill. Paw stamping, hissing, lifting their tail, and arching their back are early signs they feel trapped or under threat and that it’s time to make a careful retreat.

Spider egg sacs are meant to last, so you can't crush them. One of the best ways to deal with them is to vacuum them up and then quickly dispose of your debris in the trash so the egg sacs leave your property permanently. Egg sacs surrounded by little spiderlings means that it has already hatched, but you may be able to catch many of these with a vacuum cleaner, too.

While many pests like rats, mice, ants, cockroaches, silverfish, and bed bugs can damage your home, termites are among the most destructive. By sheer dollar amount, the damage from a bad termite infestation is unparalleled, as they can ruin walls, floors, roofs, and wooden support materials, potentially requiring massive reconstruction. Other highly destructive pests include rodents, carpenter ants, and bees that build hives within walls. If you spot signs of termites or other pests, you should hire an exterminator immediately.

Spiders are most active during the warm spring and summer months. During this time, most spiders emerge from their hiding places to lay eggs and hunt for food. However, each species of spider is different and some are more active than others. Stay vigilant for signs of spiders in your home once the weather begins to warm.