Question 1

Can I remove animals myself?

Accepted Answer

•

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

What causes termites?

Accepted Answer

•

Moisture issues caused by leaky pipes, improper drainage, and poor airflow create environments that are ideal for termites to thrive in. Dampwood termites prefer water-damaged wood while subterranean termites require moist environments to survive. Climate can have an impact as well, with termites preferring to live in warm and humid climates with mild temperatures year-round. However, termites are present in every state in the United States, with the exception of Alaska.

Question 3

What decoys scare rabbits away?

Accepted Answer

•

Scarecrows and lifelike animal decoys, such as snakes, owls, coyotes, foxes, and hawks, can initially deter rabbits. However, these tactics might lose effectiveness if rabbits learn they are harmless. Having your dog or cat roam and mark the yard with their scent can also prove beneficial. Keep in mind tactics like these work best when combined with other methods.

Question 4

How do you attract an iguana to a trap?

Accepted Answer

•

Alongside selecting the best bait for an iguana trap, the location, position, and timing play a part. If the lizards have a burrow in your yard or regularly take the same route, place the trap there during the day. Iguanas are diurnal and most active during the day. A shady spot is best to keep the animal comfortable. And don’t forget to pick a level surface or stabilize the trap with a brick—iguanas are less likely to enter if it’s wobbly.

Question 5

Should I report a stray or feral cat?

Accepted Answer

•

If the cat is stray (you noticed a collar or other signs of domestication), the kind thing to do is to try and find the owner. Call around to other neighbors to see if they can lead you in the right direction. If you can get close enough to snap a picture, try posting an image of the cat to local community groups and pages on social media.

If the cat is feral, you can try to humanely trap them and participate in a local shelter’s TNR program. Before attempting capture, call around to local rescues and shelters to make sure one near you does participate in a TNR program. They may even be able to catch the cat for you.