Get matched with top pest control specialists in Virginia, IL

When selecting the right pest control company to banish mosquito populations around your home, first search for well-reviewed, qualified, licensed professionals. Next, make sure you’re comfortable with the pro’s methods—some companies offer natural control products and not just chemical options. Finally, check the company’s contract carefully for things like guarantees, discounts for multiple treatments, and liability insurance.

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.

A standard homeowners insurance policy will often cover raccoon damage in an attic, on a roof, or in other areas of a home’s structure. If you have raccoons removed and discover structural damage, file a claim. However, homeowners insurance typically won’t cover the repair or replacement of personal items that you may have stored in an attic.

It’s very rare that home insurance covers an exterminator. Pest problems aren’t covered under standard home insurance. They’re typically considered ongoing events that could have been prevented, which makes them ineligible. Some insurance companies will specifically ban termite and rodent services because costs can be high. However, a sudden and unstoppable infestation, especially one that resulted because of a sudden event like storm, may be covered. Call your insurance company and ask about the details if you aren’t sure.