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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.

Generally, squirrels are not considered aggressive toward humans. They are more likely to flee than confront people. However, like many animals, they may exhibit aggressive behavior if they feel threatened or cornered. If you approach a squirrel too closely or try to handle it, especially if it's a mother protecting her young, it may resort to defensive tactics such as biting or scratching.

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.

Unless foxes are a major threat or nuisance, living peacefully alongside them is often better. Reclusive foxes are rarely a risk to humans, and they can help keep rodent populations at bay and boost biodiversity in your yard. Plus, if you are a wildlife lover, there is the simple privilege and pleasure of watching a fox family interact right on your doorstep.