Get matched with top nest installation pros in Cleary, MS

To keep animals away from your trash, you can spray store-bought ammonia-based cleaners on the bag or make your own spray. All you need is a spray bottle with one part ammonia and one part water. Once you’ve sprayed the bags, keep your kids and pets away.

Luckily, skunks aren’t challenging to get rid of. You can try to remove them slowly by filling their den entryway loosely with newspaper. Many skunks notice their den is in jeopardy and take off on their own. You can also try making a homemade spray of jalapeno pepper, yellow onion, and cayenne pepper—believe it or not, skunks are sensitive to these smells, so if you spray this around the den or in hard-to-reach places around your property, most skunks will take the hint and leave. 

Armadillos have very strong smelling capabilities to track down insects efficiently. But this superpower is actually a double-edged sword because their extreme sense of smell also causes them to be more sensitive and deterred by strong odors. To keep them at bay, you can place small amounts of substances like vinegar, ammonia, and mothballs around your property and near armadillo hotspots.

Although you can technically flood an armadillo out of its hole, it’s important to remember that this can be potentially fatal to the animal. Armadillos sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day, and if you perform this technique while they’re deep in sleep, they may not awake soon enough to save themselves.

One way to keep pests away is with good housekeeping. Keep ants away with a clean kitchen. They’re less likely to wander in looking to score some free food if there isn’t a mess to find. Wipe down counters, don’t leave dirty dishes around, and keep food in air-tight containers. 

Home and yard maintenance can also keep pests away. Seal windows, patch any holes or cracks, and put screens on the vents to prevent bugs, rodents, and other uninvited guests from coming in.