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

What keeps snakes away?

Accepted Answer

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Regular lawn care keeps snakes away because it eliminates common hiding places. You can deter snakes by trimming grass, shrubs, and trees and removing weeds from your lawn and gardens. Clear away leaves and other debris that could serve as a potential snake habitat. You can also seal entry points around building perimeters and install metal snake fencing.

Question 2

Will mothballs keep foxes away?

Accepted Answer

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While foxes may find them unpleasant, mothballs are not an effective deterrent. Additionally, mothballs are toxic for humans and animals and should never be used outside. They contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which are very harmful to the environment. Use safer, more reliable deterrents, or hire a professional wildlife control expert.

Question 3

How often do voles breed?

Accepted Answer

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Voles are pretty prolific breeders, managing to squeeze in 5 to 10 litters a year, and each litter usually has around 3 to 5 little ones. These furry creatures are flexible with their love lives, as they can breed all year round, though spring and summer are their prime times. If they're living it up in warmer areas, voles don't take a break and keep reproducing non-stop.

Question 4

Are snake repellents safe to use?

Accepted Answer

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Some snake repellents are risky to use around people and pets because they use the active ingredient in mothballs, naphthalene. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified naphthalene as a carcinogen that can cause damage to the liver, neurological issues, and cataracts.

The Colorado State University Extension suggests there’s not enough conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of snake repellents to recommend their use.

Question 5

Why is there a skunky smell in my house?

Accepted Answer

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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.