Not usually. Most pest control will offer one-off services without the need to sign a contract. However, for especially large projects, or treatments that will involve additional trips for months into the future, pest control companies may require you to sign a contract.

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.

No, one snake does not always mean more. While snakes do often congregate in dens to breed, for most of the year, they are primarily solitary creatures that do not travel in groups. A single snake may make its way near your home in search of food, warmth, or shelter.

If your house is full of things that attract spiders, you’re more likely to have a population explosion. When you have lots of cracks leading to warm, secure spots in your home, why wouldn’t they want to come in? Especially if your home has plenty of other meal-ticket insects, like flies, roaches, and fleas. Sealing up obvious cracks and gaps and keeping your house bug-free makes it a less appealing place for spiders.