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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.

Once the animals and their young are out of the house, remove the nest and locate any entry points. Some may be difficult to find because some animals can fit through very small holes. Once you’ve located as many entry points as possible, use materials such as metal or masonry to block off the entry. Ideally, you should choose materials that most animals cannot chew through. Create a one-way door or flap to allow animals to leave but not return. Additional methods include using repellants designed to make an area unappealing to the types of animals that find your home so inviting. 

Finding mouse droppings without seeing any mice is a common sign of an infestation because mice are nocturnal and skilled at hiding from humans. Droppings are often the first and most visible evidence of their presence. The location, quantity, and freshness of the droppings can help you determine where the mice are most active and how severe the infestation might be. Since mice are active at night and often travel through hidden pathways like inside walls, you may not see them directly. It's important to look for other signs of an infestation, such as gnaw marks, scratching sounds, or greasy trails along walls. If you find droppings, consider setting traps or contacting a professional exterminator to address the issue.

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.