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Skunks are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are primarily active at night, particularly around dusk and dawn. Their activity levels increase as the weather warms up, and they are generally dormant or inactive during the winter. Skunks are especially active during the spring months when they are foraging for fresh food and seeking mates. While they are typically not seen during the day, daytime activity is possible if a skunk is having trouble finding food, has babies to care for, or is severely ill.

There are several things to consider before you hire a professional exterminator:

• Do they have the proper licensing?

• Are they experienced?

• Do they use eco-friendly products?

• Are their products pet safe?

These are questions to ask yourself when you’re on the hunt for an ant exterminator, but you can also ask the exterminator or pest control company directly.

Both insects can damage wood, but there are key differences between termites and carpenter ants that tell them apart. Carpenter ants tunnel through moist wood, leaving behind smooth tunnels and sawdust-like piles, as they don't eat the wood but rather carve it for nesting. In contrast, termites actually consume wood, creating irregular galleries filled with mud and dirt, and leaving behind mud tubes as their signature. In terms of appearance, carpenter ants have segmented bodies with heart-shaped heads and larger front wings, while termites have more oval bodies with straight antennae and equal-sized wings.

Squirrels rely heavily on their sense of smell and are deterred by a variety of scents. Some of the most effective smells for repelling them include peppermint oil, coffee grounds, white vinegar, garlic, cinnamon, rosemary, and predator urine. They also have a strong aversion to capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, making capsaicin-based sprays an effective repellent for areas like gardens or bird feeders. For a DIY solution, you can create a spray from garlic and vinegar and apply it daily. Additionally, squirrels dislike strong, fresh scents, so placing items like strong-smelling soaps or dryer sheets in areas they frequent can also help keep them away.