Q: Should you squish a scorpion?

• <div><p>Attempting to squish a scorpion by hand or foot isn&rsquo;t a good idea, as many can flatten themselves and survive a simple strike&mdash;plus, they&rsquo;ll be provoked and very likely to sting. Instead, it's best to use a sharp or heavy object to pierce or crush the exoskeleton with force. Always wear protective clothing, including thick gloves, pants, and closed-toe shoes, to avoid being stung. Use long tweezers, scissors, or a knife to pierce the exoskeleton or crush it with a heavy object, making sure to twist or press down firmly to ensure the scorpion is truly dead. </p></div>

Question 1

Should you squish a scorpion?

Accepted Answer

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Attempting to squish a scorpion by hand or foot isn’t a good idea, as many can flatten themselves and survive a simple strike—plus, they’ll be provoked and very likely to sting. Instead, it's best to use a sharp or heavy object to pierce or crush the exoskeleton with force. Always wear protective clothing, including thick gloves, pants, and closed-toe shoes, to avoid being stung. Use long tweezers, scissors, or a knife to pierce the exoskeleton or crush it with a heavy object, making sure to twist or press down firmly to ensure the scorpion is truly dead.

Question 2

What kind of damage is caused by iguanas?

Accepted Answer

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Iguanas cause a variety of damage to properties and pose other dangers. Their tunnels can collapse seawalls and foundations. They destroy native plants, trees, gardens, and agriculture. They compete with native animals for food. Their droppings, left almost anywhere, can transmit salmonella which is especially dangerous to vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

Question 3

What scents are most effective at deterring squirrels?

Accepted Answer

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Squirrels rely heavily on their sense of smell and are deterred by a variety of scents. Some of the most effective smells for repelling them include peppermint oil, coffee grounds, white vinegar, garlic, cinnamon, rosemary, and predator urine. They also have a strong aversion to capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, making capsaicin-based sprays an effective repellent for areas like gardens or bird feeders. For a DIY solution, you can create a spray from garlic and vinegar and apply it daily. Additionally, squirrels dislike strong, fresh scents, so placing items like strong-smelling soaps or dryer sheets in areas they frequent can also help keep them away.

Question 4

Should I hire an animal removal specialist instead of calling my local municipality?

Accepted Answer

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You might be tempted to call your local municipality to remove animals from your property, such as a groundhog burrowing in your yard or raccoons getting into your trash cans. However, they typically only remove domestic animals like dogs and cats from properties, or sick and injured wildlife that pose a public safety risk or health threat, such as a rabid animal. They typically do not capture or remove healthy wildlife.

Animal removal professionals have the tools, knowledge, and skills to trap and remove wild animals adequately and humanely. They also can relocate them correctly.

Question 5

Should I remove groundhogs myself?

Accepted Answer

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You can remove groundhogs yourself using a DIY approach of rags soaked in ammonia, or you can purchase and set a trap for the groundhog. These low-cost methods are easy to implement, but you should ensure that you comply with local laws and regulations concerning animal trapping and release. You can also hire an experienced professional to remove groundhogs from your yard.