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There’s little scientific evidence to suggest that homemade remedies to ward off wildlife are effective. But, often, when using them alongside other management techniques, it won’t do any harm to try. Suggestions include using urine-soaked kitty litter or sweat-soaked clothing items. Try applying them around your fence perimeters. Always read the instructions carefully for any commercially-bought repellents and opt for EPA-approved products. Multiple applications, especially after rain, are often necessary.

No, vinegar cannot kill bamboo. Common household chemicals like vinegar and even bleach are unlikely to kill bamboo, and they may only have minimal effect on bamboo roots. Since they can alter the chemical composition of nearby soil, we suggest avoiding these methods. Bamboo is very tough and not even all herbicides work well against it. To beat back bamboo, find an herbicide that’s specifically designed to work against tough grasses.

Ants hate strong odors such as peppermint, citrus, cinnamon, and essential oils such as lavender and eucalyptus. You can sprinkle cinnamon in the area or combine essential oils with water to form a spray that repels ants in the event of an infestation—just make sure nothing you apply will harm your surfaces, kids, or pets.

Snakes love yards where they can access pet food, insects, and rodents. They also like places with plenty of hiding spots, such as tall grasses, thick or overgrown shrubbery, pools of water, broken gutters, and boxes. Reducing clutter and debris on your property may help keep them from visiting.