Q: Why is there a skunky smell in my house?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;ve spotted a skunk or know that one of these furry creatures sprayed one of your family members, your answer is fairly obvious. However, a skunky smell in your house that isn&rsquo;t coming from these critters may be a sign of a dangerous gas leak. If you suspect this, leave your home immediately and call emergency services. It could also be a build-up of dangerous gas in your home&rsquo;s septic system or plumbing. Call a professional <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/plumbers/">plumber near you</a> to make an assessment. </p></div>

Q: What’s the hardest pest to get rid of?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s debatable, but most will say either termites or bed bugs are the hardest to remove. When dealing with termites, you must find the central nest (as opposed to satellite nests) and exterminate the queen and all potential queens, which often takes the work of a specialist. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-bed-bug-extermination-cost.htm">Bed bugs</a>, meanwhile, are incredibly hardy, good at hiding, and resistant to pesticides, so it takes very careful, very thorough work to get rid of them permanently. </p></div>

Question 1

How do I keep mice from chewing my car wires?

Accepted Answer

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Take a few preventative measures to prevent mice from chewing your car wires. First, consider adding a few drops of a taste deterrent, such as pine-based floor cleaner or peppermint oil. Also, regularly starting your vehicle, even if you don't drive it frequently, can discourage rodents from nesting in the engine bay, as they prefer quieter and sheltered environments. Finally, consider leaving your car's hood up at night when parked in a garage, which makes the engine bay less inviting for rodents as it becomes less dark, warm, and comfortable.

Question 2

Is there anything I shouldn’t do when trying to get rid of snakes?

Accepted Answer

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Even if you have extreme ophidiophobia (fear of snakes), don’t try to shoot or kill them with a shovel. Besides being pretty cruel, killing snakes in most states is illegal unless your life is at risk and many species are protected.

Plus, you're putting yourself at greater risk using these techniques if it goes wrong and the now-angry snake is venomous.

Question 3

Why is there a skunky smell in my house?

Accepted Answer

•

If you’ve spotted a skunk or know that one of these furry creatures sprayed one of your family members, your answer is fairly obvious. However, a skunky smell in your house that isn’t coming from these critters may be a sign of a dangerous gas leak. If you suspect this, leave your home immediately and call emergency services. It could also be a build-up of dangerous gas in your home’s septic system or plumbing. Call a professional plumber near you to make an assessment.

Question 4

What smells keep coyotes away?

Accepted Answer

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Scent deterrents like ammonia, vinegar, mothballs, and pepper can help keep coyotes away, but these are best used in tandem with other preventative measures. Remember that ammonia and vinegar can kill your plants and/or grass, so it’s best to soak rags in these substances or spray them on hardscaped areas to avoid damaging your landscape.

Question 5

What’s the hardest pest to get rid of?

Accepted Answer

•

It’s debatable, but most will say either termites or bed bugs are the hardest to remove. When dealing with termites, you must find the central nest (as opposed to satellite nests) and exterminate the queen and all potential queens, which often takes the work of a specialist. Bed bugs, meanwhile, are incredibly hardy, good at hiding, and resistant to pesticides, so it takes very careful, very thorough work to get rid of them permanently.