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Groundhogs have a strong aversion to powerful scents, including garlic, ammonia, vinegar, hot peppers like cayenne, and predator urine. Various herbs such as rosemary, lavender, basil, mint, sage, thyme, and oregano can also act as deterrents. You can strategically use these odors around your property by planting these crops near your garden and by the entrances to groundhog burrows. Commercially available repellents offer another option, and for best results, scent-based deterrents should be used alongside other preventive measures.

Skunks like to forage for grubs in the soil, like worms and insects, but they are also tempted by trash and pet food bowls, so keeping these items out of sight may help keep skunks away. Skunks also like to set up a den in dark places, such as a crawl space or outbuilding.

Termites are most active and cause the most damage in the spring and summer, when warm temperatures and increased moisture accelerate their activity. This is also when swarming typically occurs, allowing colonies to expand. However, termites remain active year-round, especially in warmer climates or heated homes. An established colony can continue to damage wood 365 days a year, even during cold weather.

Exterminators can get rid of your current ant problem, but they won’t prevent ants from coming back. So it’s important to implement ant preventatives to avoid future infestations.

The primary reason ants enter your home is to find food. If they can’t find any, they won’t survive. So, the most effective way to prevent ant infestations is to clean, clean, and clean some more. 

Keep your kitchen sparkling and wash your dishes immediately (or at least give them a quick rinse and wash off leftover food). Take out your garbage and compost as often as possible and tightly seal all your kitchen containers, especially the mason jars you use to hold your sugar—sugar is gold to ants.

You can also hire a local handyperson to help you prevent future ant infestations. The handyman can seal cracks and fix leaks throughout your home, which will keep any ants from entering.