Get matched with top animal fencing pros in Silver City, NM

If you discover a dead animal in your air ducts, address the issue promptly to prevent unpleasant odors and potential health hazards. Turn off your HVAC system to prevent further spread of contaminants and contact a professional HVAC technician or pest control specialist to remove the animal and clean the affected area. They have the tools and expertise to handle the situation, including removing and disinfecting contaminated ductwork. The technician will inspect the ducts for any damage or other issues that might have allowed the animal to enter.

Some stores sell smoke bombs to drive animals out of spaces, but we don’t recommend you use them, especially in an attic. The smoke can be toxic to humans or pets that may accidentally inhale it. Meanwhile, critters can easily escape the smoke by temporarily leaving the attic, only to return via their usual entry points after the smoke clears.

You’ll find groundhogs are most active during the morning hours and late afternoon, but they want to avoid humans at all costs. If you do set a trap, you can set it out the night before so it’s waiting on them the next morning, and try to remove any human scent when setting it out.

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.