Question 1

Can I remove animals myself?

Accepted Answer

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DIY animal removal is rarely a good idea and is not advised for many reasons. First, these types of animals can carry diseases and, therefore, pose a health risk to you, your family, and your pets if mishandled. Second, depending on your city or municipality, it may be illegal to remove or handle wildlife yourself.

Sealing your home against these animals yourself is also a bad idea. Trapping an animal under your house will cause odor and insect problems when it passes away.

Question 2

How can I tell what kind of animal is in my attic?

Accepted Answer

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It can be difficult to know what type of animal is in your attic until you see it. But several clues can help you narrow down the suspects:

Sounds: Smaller animals like rats and mice make scurrying and tapping/gnawing sounds. Larger animals like raccoons and opossums make louder clambering noises. Also, note when animals are noisy: Squirrels are active during the day, while rats are busiest at night.
Droppings: Rats and mice leave small, rice-shaped droppings (the rat’s version is significantly larger). Bigger droppings belong to larger critters like raccoons. As long as you’re not squeamish, an image search can help you identify what you’re seeing in your attic.

When in doubt, take photos of damage or other evidence and show them to an experienced pest control pro.

Question 3

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.

Question 4

What is a natural deterrent for geese?

Accepted Answer

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Look for goose repellents that contain the ingredient methyl anthranilate. This is a natural chemical found in grape juice. In human food, it’s often used as grape flavoring. With geese, it’s highly irritating. Grape Kool-Aid contains methyl anthranilate, the active ingredient in most bird repellents. It won’t harm geese, but it will deter them.

Question 5

How do I keep pests away from my garden?

Accepted Answer

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There are a few ways to keep pesky bugs away from your garden. One option you have is to plant flowers so beneficial insects like ladybugs can control pests for you. A similar method is companion planting, which means you’ll grow vegetables that’ll discourage pests, like garlic, onions, and basil. The best pest prevention method will depend on the bugs you have issues with and the plants in your garden.