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.
Raccoons should be removed in most cases, especially when they’ve made their way indoors. Even if they seem harmless, raccoons are wild animals that can damage your property and potentially harm you, your family, and your pets. As soon as you notice signs of raccoons on your property, address the situation by securing your garbage and consulting a pro.
When baiting an iguana trap, several items should be avoided. Do not use poisonous baits, such as those intended for rats or mice. This practice is often illegal, is unlikely to attract iguanas, and poses a significant risk to pets or other wildlife. Additionally, avoid using herbs, fruits, and vegetables that are toxic to iguanas, such as fresh sage, rosemary, avocados, and eggplants. While ripe fruit can be an effective bait, be sure to remove any pits or seeds from fruits like apples, pears, and peaches, as they are highly toxic. Finally, steer clear of citrus fruits, which act as a natural deterrent.
Squirrels are pretty skittish creatures, and they dread the presence of rodent-chasing dogs and cats. Sudden noises and bursts of activity can send them scampering away. Anything with an element of surprise, like motion-detecting lighting, strobe lights, and noisy wind chimes, can unsettle them. Even loud radios and voices can be perceived as threatening and terrifying to these furry critters.
Small animals, particularly rats and mice, like to burrow inside pool heaters. To keep them out, seal any entry points with caulk or steel wool. Then, place mothballs inside or around your pool heater. As a final measure of protection, you can cover the pool heater in hardware cloth or wood paneling to further block entry points.
The Bowman, ND homeowners’ guide to animal fencing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Pipe fencing is an extremely strong, durable option for containing horses and other livestock. This guide breaks down the factors that affect pipe fence cost.