Question 1

How do I keep animals out of my pool heater?

Accepted Answer

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Small animals, particularly rats and mice, like to burrow inside pool heaters. To keep them out, seal any entry points with caulk or steel wool. Then, place mothballs inside or around your pool heater. As a final measure of protection, you can cover the pool heater in hardware cloth or wood paneling to further block entry points.

Question 2

What are the differences between moles, voles, and shrews?

Accepted Answer

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Moles live underground and feed on insects. They dig and move through tunnels, usually in meadows or forests but sometimes in lawns and gardens. They are about 6 inches long with large claws, tiny eyes, and hidden ears.

Shrews do not dig their own tunnels but will use other animals’ tunnels, and are about 3 to 4 inches long. They look similar to mice and feed on insects.

Voles are similar in size to moles but have large eyes and small but visible ears. Rather than eating insects, voles are herbivores that prefer seeds, grasses, and plant roots.

Question 3

Are moles dangerous?

Accepted Answer

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Ground moles are not typically dangerous. They're not known to carry rabies like many other wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and bats. And they don't typically bite humans, although it's possible if they feel threatened. If you do get bitten by a mole, it's best to see a physician to be safe, but most often, the bite will heal on its own unless it gets infected.

Question 4

How do you get rid of raccoons fast?

Accepted Answer

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You can get rid of raccoons quickly by making your home an undesirable place to live. Here are the best ways to get rid of raccoons fast:

Repair broken vents and screens leading to your home.
Seal open access points into your home. Many raccoons sneak in through the attic, roof, or chimney.
Trim trees and branches so raccoons don’t have easy access to your roof and chimney.
Thoroughly clean out garbage cans, remove all trash, and secure the bins.
Don’t keep food or water outside.
Add raccoon guards to outdoor bird feeders.
Clean up brush around your home—raccoons like to gather loose yard materials for bedding.

Question 5

How much does it cost to hire an exterminator or pest control service?

Accepted Answer

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The cost to hire an exterminator or pest control service is $175 on average, with typical costs ranging from $100 to $500. However, you could spend more depending on several factors, including the type of pest, the size and severity of the infestation, and the number of visits required.

Service costs also vary by frequency:

• One-time service: $300–$550

• Initial visit with ongoing service: $150–$300

• Monthly visits: $40–$70

• Quarterly visits: $100–$300

• Annual visits: $300–$550

The type of pest significantly impacts the price. For example, exterminating spiders typically costs between $100 and $300, while a termite problem can range from $230 to $2,500 or more, depending on the extent of the damage. Routine pest control services can help prevent future infestations and costly damage to your home.