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You can get rid of raccoons quickly by making your home an undesirable place to live. Here are the best ways to get rid of raccoons fast:

• Repair broken vents and screens leading to your home.

• Seal open access points into your home. Many raccoons sneak in through the attic, roof, or chimney.

• Trim trees and branches so raccoons don’t have easy access to your roof and chimney. 

• Thoroughly clean out garbage cans, remove all trash, and secure the bins.

• Don’t keep food or water outside.

• Add raccoon guards to outdoor bird feeders. 

• Clean up brush around your home—raccoons like to gather loose yard materials for bedding.

Moisture issues caused by leaky pipes, improper drainage, and poor airflow create environments that are ideal for termites to thrive in. Dampwood termites prefer water-damaged wood while subterranean termites require moist environments to survive. Climate can have an impact as well, with termites preferring to live in warm and humid climates with mild temperatures year-round. However, termites are present in every state in the United States, with the exception of Alaska.

The houseplants that are prone to spider mites include English ivy, palms, philodendrons, calathea, and alocasia. Although spider mites can infest any indoor plant, they are more commonly drawn to the types listed above. If you have these in your home, pay special attention to them to help catch signs of infestation early.

The best termite treatment depends on your specific infestation, home, and budget. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the most common professional treatments are soil-applied barrier treatments, like liquid termiticides, and termite baits. Bait stations are placed in the soil and work by moving poison back into the colony to kill the queen. For infestations that haven't fully taken root, barriers and targeted termiticides are often the most effective options. Additionally, preventative measures such as moisture removal and installing physical barriers to protect vulnerable wood are important, particularly during construction or remodeling. It is best to work with a termite professional to determine the right treatment for your situation.