Question 1

How do you get rid of an armadillo in your yard?

Accepted Answer

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Trapping should be a last resort for getting rid of armadillos from your yard. To reduce the chance of damage, try exclusion techniques, habitat modification, and removal of attractants. No repellents are proven effective against armadillos. Instead, consider fencing, sealing burrow holes, and clearing debris and overgrown shrubs that act as hiding spots. You should also remove easy-to-access food sources, such as fallen fruit.

Question 2

What should I do if I get sprayed by a skunk?

Accepted Answer

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Whether you, your dog, or your cat has been sprayed, Poison Control recommends using a solution of 1 quart of 3% (household strength) hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda, and 1 teaspoonful of liquid dish detergent mixed together and immediately applied to the sprayed fur or skin to get rid of skunk smell. After leaving it on for five minutes, rinse with water. If your eyes get sprayed, rinse for at least 15 minutes with room-temperature water.

Question 3

Is there anything I shouldn’t do when trying to get rid of snakes?

Accepted Answer

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Even if you have extreme ophidiophobia (fear of snakes), don’t try to shoot or kill them with a shovel. Besides being pretty cruel, killing snakes in most states is illegal unless your life is at risk and many species are protected.

Plus, you're putting yourself at greater risk using these techniques if it goes wrong and the now-angry snake is venomous.

Question 4

When are armadillos most active?

Accepted Answer

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Armadillos are most active during cooler hours to avoid extreme temperatures, particularly the daytime heat in the warm climates where they live. This activity pattern helps them reduce the risk of overheating and dehydration. They are generally active from late at night to early morning, often between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., but can also be seen around dawn and dusk. An exception to this is during mating season (June-July in the northern hemisphere, November-December in the southern hemisphere), when male armadillos may be more active than usual.

Question 5

Do groundhogs exhibit aggressive behavior?

Accepted Answer

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Groundhogs usually keep their cool despite being easily spooked. However, there are exceptions—they might get defensive or territorial if they feel threatened or overly concerned. If they sense a threat to their babies, they could get feisty, too. These wild animals are not meant to be kept as pets. If you find babies or an injured groundhog, contact your local animal rescue or wildlife service for guidance.