Using chemicals with harsh odors is a natural way to repel bears. While the animal’s strong sense of smell is an asset in the animal kingdom, it’s a weakness here. Simply place bleach or ammonia in a bucket and leave it outside day or night. Ironically, bears also dislike the smell of pine, so you can use pine oil or a pine-based cleaning agent. Avoid using cleaning products with fruit or citrus smells, however.
How long skunks stick around depends on the time of year and whether they have youngsters. Skunks only spend a few days in a den during warm months. However, they’ll put down roots during the other seasons, particularly females with kits. Female skunks may stay in the same place throughout early spring and summer, and all skunks usually stick around during the winter months. No matter the season, skunks prefer safe areas with plenty of access to food.
While doggie doors are convenient for pet owners, they do offer a few drawbacks. For instance, they’re small enough that unwanted critters could come into the house, such as raccoons, snakes, rats, and insects.
They’re also large enough that small children can escape through them, which can be a serious concern to parents of young children.
Finally, doggie doors can make it difficult to regulate your home’s temperature because they constantly let in hot or cold outside air.
If you’ve spotted a skunk or know that one of these furry creatures sprayed one of your family members, your answer is fairly obvious. However, a skunky smell in your house that isn’t coming from these critters may be a sign of a dangerous gas leak. If you suspect this, leave your home immediately and call emergency services. It could also be a build-up of dangerous gas in your home’s septic system or plumbing. Call a professional plumber near you to make an assessment.
The best deterrents for possums include securing trash cans with tight-fitting lids, removing outdoor food sources like pet food or fallen fruit, and trimming tree branches that provide access to your roof or an open window. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can also startle and discourage them from visiting. Additionally, you can take advantage of their strong sense of smell by using garlic, onion, or commercial possum repellents to keep them off your property.
The Bowdle, SD 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.