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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.

Sort of. Hornets are a subsection of wasps with some unique characteristics (along with yellowjackets and similar types of insects). Hornets are generally rare in the United States, with European and Asian hornets the two notable examples.

Hornets tend to be significantly larger than wasps, often larger than one inch. They are also typically white or brown striped instead of yellow like many wasps. They tend to be one of the more aggressive types of wasps, which when combined with their size makes them a priority for homeowners.

Squirrels rely heavily on their sense of smell and are deterred by a variety of scents. Some of the most effective smells for repelling them include peppermint oil, coffee grounds, white vinegar, garlic, cinnamon, rosemary, and predator urine. They also have a strong aversion to capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, making capsaicin-based sprays an effective repellent for areas like gardens or bird feeders. For a DIY solution, you can create a spray from garlic and vinegar and apply it daily. Additionally, squirrels dislike strong, fresh scents, so placing items like strong-smelling soaps or dryer sheets in areas they frequent can also help keep them away.

There are many steps you can take to keep mice out of your home. The most preventative include removing all available food sources, keeping your home clean, and sealing up entry points to your home. You can also try using live traps or even getting a cat. If none of these measures work, enlist the help of a pest control company.