What can you put around your house to keep raccoons away?

• <div><p>Although raccoons aren’t particularly picky regarding food, certain sounds, metals, and smells bother them. You can place these items around your home to keep raccoons away:</p><ul><li><p>Place wire mesh screens around and underneath decks and porches to prevent raccoons from nesting. </p></li><li><p>Put metal sheeting around the edges of your roof or at the base of trees to deter raccoons from coming close. </p></li><li><p>Place a loud battery-operated radio near the raccoon’s den to keep them from nesting.</p></li><li><p>Keep a bowl of cider vinegar on your deck or porch.</p></li><li><p>Remove old raccoon scents by thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting underneath porches and decks.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: What scent keeps gophers away?

• <div><p>Like many animals, gophers are bothered by strong scents. Peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and coffee grounds can be used as deterrents against these pests. Similarly, you can try planting lavender, rosemary, sage, geraniums, or pine trees, as these plants all have strong smells that can ward away gophers. While it may be less pleasant to work with, coyote urine scares gophers by tricking the pests into thinking your yard is a predator hot spot.</p></div>

Q: Are exterminators worth the money?

• <div><p>While there are plenty of DIY home remedies for pests, trapping and <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/fumigation-cost.htm">fumigation costs </a>are worth the investment when dealing with a serious infestation that is hard to get rid of, like termites, bed bugs, or mice.</p><p>DIY traps and sprays might help eliminate a few ants or the occasional mouse, but they're no match for a full-blown infestation. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/when-call-exterminator-pests-leave-pros.htm">Call an extermination pro</a> to locate where pests hide, how to treat the issue at the source, and how to keep it from returning.</p></div>

Q: What can you put around your house to keep raccoons away?

• <div><p>Although raccoons aren&rsquo;t particularly picky regarding food, certain sounds, metals, and smells bother them. You can place these items around your home to keep raccoons away:</p><ul><li><p>Place wire mesh screens around and underneath decks and porches to prevent raccoons from nesting. </p></li><li><p>Put metal sheeting around the edges of your roof or at the base of trees to deter raccoons from coming close. </p></li><li><p>Place a loud battery-operated radio near the raccoon&rsquo;s den to keep them from nesting.</p></li><li><p>Keep a bowl of cider vinegar on your deck or porch.</p></li><li><p>Remove old raccoon scents by thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting underneath porches and decks.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: Do deer eat grass?

• <div><p>Yes, deer eat grass. But grass is far from a deer&rsquo;s favorite food. Grass doesn&rsquo;t have the nutrients deer need, so it only makes up a fraction of their diet. Deer eat woody plants, vegetation, acorns, fruit, and legumes. If deer are frequently in your yard, however, they will likely pick at the grass.</p></div>

Q: Are snake repellents safe to use?

• <div><p>Some snake repellents are risky to use around people and pets because they use the active ingredient in mothballs, naphthalene. The <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/naphthalene.pdf">United States Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA) has classified naphthalene as a carcinogen that can cause damage to the liver, neurological issues, and cataracts. </p><p>The <a href="https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/natural-resources/coping-with-snakes-6-501/">Colorado State University Extension</a> suggests there&rsquo;s not enough conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of snake repellents to recommend their use.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Animal Removal pros in Ava, MO

*The Angi rating for Animal Removal companies in Ava, MO is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Animal Removal needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Animal Removal companies in Ava, MO is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Animal Removal needs.

Last update on September 29, 2026

Reviewed in September 2026
They did a great job. Yard looks so much better. Got rid of a lot of old appliances & junk
Extreme Clean Up Services
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Reviewed in August 2026
RDA came on time and did a great job cutting tree and removing all the wood. Very good price and show of respect for property. Painting work was just what I wanted. Very pleased with this pro RDA. Most likely will use this Pro again
R.D.A Home And Business Repair
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Reviewed in October 2025
Little more money I thought but before they continued it was discussed. Tackled the new part of the house which hadn't been cleaned in 2 yrs. Cat hair, that's why price went up, kitchen looked amazing. We will work on the old part of the house next time. Very nice ladies, worked almost 5...
L & S Cleaning
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Reviewed in July 2025
We had them built a second “service drive” to our barn site, install a shooting berm, create a pad site for the barn and propane tank installation as well as resurface the main driveway. It was a major undertaking and they did a fantastic job! We will be hiring them again as the future project...
Buchanan Dirtworks LLC
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Reviewed in January 2024
Dustin and his crew were super easy to work with. They were always professional and did the job exactly as requested. Our 30x50x16 pole barn exceeded our expectations. They even worked around some last minute changes we made to the build. They were always on time and completed the project in a...
CX4 Handymen
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Reviewed in July 2023
Katrina and her boys did an awesome job! The house was power washed sanded and caulked. They worked with pride and attention to detail. I would highly recommend them!
SPACE TRANSFORMATION. LLC
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Reviewed in May 2023
Ethan and his crew did an excellent job of insulating my shop/house! Their pricing was better than other bids, they showed up when promised, and did an excellent job including clean up. I was very impressed and would recommend them to anyone. It is good to work with professionals
Climate Shield Insulation
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Reviewed in April 2022
I had the really cheap dusty insulation in my attic and Vaughn's got it all removed without ever complaining or quitting . I had other company's who didn't even want to come out to bid the job. But Vaughn's came out and completed it in a timely manner.
Vaughn's Attic Insulation Removal, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2022
I met with Nathan to inspect my crawlspace to let me know what needed to be done. He was extremely knowledgeable. I was very happy to find out he, and the company, were also very ethical. The project is scheduled to be completed in timely manner. Many thanks to Nathan.
Foundation Recovery Systems
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Reviewed in October 2020
I thought they were too high. It cost an extra $180 to remove and replace a piece of Sheetrock. $380 total to replace an outside faucet.
Joshua Deatherage Home Emporium, LLC
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Terminix® Pest Control

3.9(

1,073

)

Pest Control - Rodents

Serving Ava, MO and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1927

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Did a greta job with inspecting the house."

62 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by81%of homeowners

Pest Control - Birds and Bats

Serving Ava, MO and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

"John was very professional and efficient. He was able to get to us fairly quickly. He explained what he needed to do and approximately how long it would take. He also came back a few weeks later and cleaned and sanitized the area, which was helpful to my husband and I."

63 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Presto-X (St. Louis)

New to Angi

Pest Control - Birds and BatsPest Control - RodentsPest Control - Small Animals

Serving Ava, MO and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1932

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Since 1932, Presto-X has been providing expert pest control services guided by the enduring principles of providing world class service to our customers and taking care of our colleagues. Presto-X covers your home or business with expert knowledge, professionally licensed and trained technicians, and exemplary service designed specifically for you.

Pest Control - Rodents

Serving Ava, MO and surrounding areas

In business since 1927

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Terminix provides excellent pest extermination and mosquito control services. They investigate and give comprehensive treatment services. I highly recommend their services."

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Animal Removal questions, answered by experts

Like many animals, gophers are bothered by strong scents. Peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and coffee grounds can be used as deterrents against these pests. Similarly, you can try planting lavender, rosemary, sage, geraniums, or pine trees, as these plants all have strong smells that can ward away gophers. While it may be less pleasant to work with, coyote urine scares gophers by tricking the pests into thinking your yard is a predator hot spot.

While there are plenty of DIY home remedies for pests, trapping and fumigation costs are worth the investment when dealing with a serious infestation that is hard to get rid of, like termites, bed bugs, or mice.

DIY traps and sprays might help eliminate a few ants or the occasional mouse, but they're no match for a full-blown infestation. Call an extermination pro to locate where pests hide, how to treat the issue at the source, and how to keep it from returning.

Although raccoons aren’t particularly picky regarding food, certain sounds, metals, and smells bother them. You can place these items around your home to keep raccoons away:

Place wire mesh screens around and underneath decks and porches to prevent raccoons from nesting.
Put metal sheeting around the edges of your roof or at the base of trees to deter raccoons from coming close.
Place a loud battery-operated radio near the raccoon’s den to keep them from nesting.
Keep a bowl of cider vinegar on your deck or porch.
Remove old raccoon scents by thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting underneath porches and decks.

Yes, deer eat grass. But grass is far from a deer’s favorite food. Grass doesn’t have the nutrients deer need, so it only makes up a fraction of their diet. Deer eat woody plants, vegetation, acorns, fruit, and legumes. If deer are frequently in your yard, however, they will likely pick at the grass.

Some snake repellents are risky to use around people and pets because they use the active ingredient in mothballs, naphthalene. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified naphthalene as a carcinogen that can cause damage to the liver, neurological issues, and cataracts.

The Colorado State University Extension suggests there’s not enough conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of snake repellents to recommend their use.

The Ava, MO homeowners’ guide to animal removal services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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