Q: Why is there a skunky smell in my house?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;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&rsquo;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&rsquo;s septic system or plumbing. Call a professional <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/plumbers/">plumber near you</a> to make an assessment. </p></div>

Question 1

Can I remove animals myself?

Accepted Answer

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DIY animal removal is rarely a good idea and is not advised for many reasons. First, these types of animals can carry diseases and, therefore, pose a health risk to you, your family, and your pets if mishandled. Second, depending on your city or municipality, it may be illegal to remove or handle wildlife yourself.

Sealing your home against these animals yourself is also a bad idea. Trapping an animal under your house will cause odor and insect problems when it passes away.

Question 2

When are gophers most active?

Accepted Answer

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Gophers do not hibernate, meaning you could, at least theoretically, have a gopher problem in your yard any time of year. During the colder parts of the year when soil isn't as easy to work with, gophers may not dig as many holes or be as active and instead will burrow deeper into the earth to go below the frost line to stay warm.

You can expect to see more gopher activity during the spring and fall when warmer temperatures make digging easy, and there is an abundance of new (or recently harvested) plant life available for them to graze on. They come out during the day and sleep at night.

Question 3

Do coffee grounds keep chipmunks away?

Accepted Answer

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Anecdotal evidence suggests coffee grounds can keep chipmunks away. Sprinkle them throughout your garden, yard, and plants to help deter them. As an added bonus, coffee grounds can help keep the slugs away, and they’re great for acid-loving plants such as hydrangeas, azaleas, and rhododendrons.

Question 4

What scents deter squirrels the most?

Accepted Answer

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Squirrels have a strong sense of smell and can be deterred by various scents they dislike. Effective options include peppermint oil, rosemary, garlic, cinnamon, white vinegar, coffee grounds, and predator urine. Squirrels also have a strong aversion to capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, making capsaicin-based repellents a good choice for protecting specific areas like gardens or bird feeders. For a DIY solution, you can create a garlic and vinegar spray and apply it daily. Additionally, placing strong-smelling items like certain soaps or dryer sheets near where squirrels frequent can also be effective.