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Fleas thrive during the warmer months, starting in March and running through November. However, the prevalence of these pests depends on the climate in your state. That’s why it’s important to stay vigilant for fleas on your pets and property during spring, summer, and fall. Be sure to apply flea prevention sprays and medications to their coats as directed by a veterinarian.

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.

Gel bait and gel bait traps use poison to kill cockroaches, and aren’t safe to use around pets. Many gel bait traps are called “child-resistant,” but this only means that the traps are hard to rip open for children. Large pets and children are still able to swallow them. If you use gel bait, use it in areas where pets and children can’t access them, such as under a washing machine. Another option is to use glue traps, which don’t contain pesticides and are safe to use around pets. 

Other than blasting aphids away with your hose set to jet, insecticides offer the quickest way to kill aphids on contact. Protect other insects and critters by choosing a natural insecticide for your garden, which can be as effective as a synthetic one.