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Groundhogs are definitely cute, but it’s usually not a good idea to have them living in your yard. Not only can groundhogs tear up your grass and create unsightly holes and burrows, but they can also carry infectious diseases that are dangerous to humans.

You should never block both the top and bottom of your chimney. Proper airflow is essential because the temperature inside the chimney will still fluctuate as your house warms and cools. Moisture can build up without ventilation, leading to dampness in your walls over time. Blocking the top prevents debris and animals from entering, but the chimney still needs air circulation to avoid condensation issues. Allowing the chimney to breathe maintains the health of your home and prevents long-term damage.

Aside from a warm, cozy place to curl up, you might wonder what attracts mice to your home. Several items attract mice, including: Birdseed Pet food Water Cereal and whole grains Food scraps from the composting bin Open trash cans High-fat and high-sugar foods Unused cars—they make great homes for chilly mice Insulation in the attic Clutter Brush from your yard, including leaves, sticks, wood, and shrubs (so mice can make nests) Overgrown trees or bushes—mice love to leap from branches onto the roof Indoor nesting materials, including cloth, paper, tissues, and toilet paper Tiny cracks in the siding or foundation

Finding mouse droppings without seeing any mice is a common sign of an infestation because mice are nocturnal and skilled at hiding from humans. Droppings are often the first and most visible evidence of their presence. The location, quantity, and freshness of the droppings can help you determine where the mice are most active and how severe the infestation might be. Since mice are active at night and often travel through hidden pathways like inside walls, you may not see them directly. It's important to look for other signs of an infestation, such as gnaw marks, scratching sounds, or greasy trails along walls. If you find droppings, consider setting traps or contacting a professional exterminator to address the issue.