The best animal repellents for gardens include a variety of different scents. You can use predator urine to keep away deer, raccoons, squirrels, and more. The odor will tell the critters that your yard is a dangerous place. Other scents that repel critters are herbs like lavender, geranium, and mint. You can also use hot pepper, garlic, and strong-smelling soap.

Legal considerations include adherence to local and federal wildlife protection laws, particularly for species that might be protected or endangered.

Hawk attacks on pets are rare, and they won’t target animals that outweigh them. Hawks typically weigh between one and three pounds. That means you don’t need to worry if you have a Labrador Retriever or French Bulldog. However, small cats and toy breed dogs, like Chihuahuas, are at risk. Pet attacks are more likely in winter when food is scarce or in the early summer when inexperienced young hawks are honing their hunting skills.

Yes, in some cases if your damper is left open, animals can come down your chimney. In these instances, it’s more likely that they have fallen in while looking for a safe spot rather than entered your house intentionally. Leaving your damper closed or installing a chimney cap can prevent animals from coming inside.