How do I keep animals away from my plants?

• <div><p>You can take multiple approaches to keep animals out of your edible landscape. You can use natural repellents such as mint and cayenne pepper to deter them from your garden. You can also build a fence (or opt for a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/privet-hedge.htm">privet hedge</a>) or keep the most enticing plants in a sectioned-off area. The most efficient method of keeping your four-legged guests at bay is to determine what animal it is and create a customized plan for them. </p></div>

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

• <div><p>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:</p><ul><li><p><b>Sounds</b>: 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.</p></li><li><p><b>Droppings</b>: 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.</p></li></ul><p>When in doubt, take photos of damage or other evidence and show them to an experienced pest control pro.</p></div>

Best animal removal specialists near Ava, MO

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

• <div><p>Even if you have extreme ophidiophobia (fear of snakes), don&rsquo;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. </p><p>Plus, you're putting yourself at greater risk using these techniques if it goes wrong and the now-angry snake is venomous.</p></div>

Q: What animals eat brown recluse spiders?

• <div><p>The brown recluse has numerous predators in the wild (or close to your home). They are a valuable part of the ecosystem, too. Their predators often include birds, praying mantis, crickets, chickens, spider wasps, and more. However, the brown recluse spider is a master at hiding, making it much more difficult for predators to hunt them.</p></div>

Q: What is the best homemade raccoon repellent?

• <div><p>Homemade raccoon repellents can be a cost-effective and humane method for keeping raccoons off your property. Raccoons despise the smell of vinegar, so keeping a bowl of it near your home can keep them away. Some wildlife companies advise using cayenne pepper or hot sauce sprinkled near your deck or porch as another homemade option.</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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Top-Rated Animal removal specialists in Ava - Updated Nov 2026

Terminix® Pest Control

3.9(

1,074

)

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."

58 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."

65 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 FAQs, answered by experts

You can take multiple approaches to keep animals out of your edible landscape. You can use natural repellents such as mint and cayenne pepper to deter them from your garden. You can also build a fence (or opt for a privet hedge) or keep the most enticing plants in a sectioned-off area. The most efficient method of keeping your four-legged guests at bay is to determine what animal it is and create a customized plan for them.

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.

The brown recluse has numerous predators in the wild (or close to your home). They are a valuable part of the ecosystem, too. Their predators often include birds, praying mantis, crickets, chickens, spider wasps, and more. However, the brown recluse spider is a master at hiding, making it much more difficult for predators to hunt them.

Homemade raccoon repellents can be a cost-effective and humane method for keeping raccoons off your property. Raccoons despise the smell of vinegar, so keeping a bowl of it near your home can keep them away. Some wildlife companies advise using cayenne pepper or hot sauce sprinkled near your deck or porch as another homemade option.

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.

The Ava, MO homeowners’ guide to animal removal services

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