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Raccoons in a chimney sound like thumping, rustling, scratching, or scurrying. Because they can weigh as much as 20 pounds, they make noises that are noticeable and hard to miss. Plus, they have an average litter size of 3 to 7 kits, so you may hear what sounds like multiple animals thumping, rustling, scratching, or scurrying.

Numerous predators kill hornets, including frogs, birds, lizards, bats, spiders, and hedgehogs. Some larger predators, including rats, skunks, and racoons, will occasionally attack a hornet nest in order to eat the larvae inside. These natural predators typically don’t eat enough hornets to make them an effective form of hornet control. 

The cost to hire an exterminator or pest control service is $175 on average, with typical costs ranging from $100 to $500. However, you could spend more depending on several factors, including the type of pest, the size and severity of the infestation, and the number of visits required.

Service costs also vary by frequency:

• One-time service: $300–$550

• Initial visit with ongoing service: $150–$300

• Monthly visits: $40–$70

• Quarterly visits: $100–$300

• Annual visits: $300–$550

The type of pest significantly impacts the price. For example, exterminating spiders typically costs between $100 and $300, while a termite problem can range from $230 to $2,500 or more, depending on the extent of the damage. Routine pest control services can help prevent future infestations and costly damage to your home.

If you’re an animal lover and want to support biodiversity, consider letting a possum live peacefully in your yard. Possums rarely contract rabies or behave aggressively, and they can keep problematic rat, mouse, cockroach, slug, snail, and tick populations down. You might just want to make some modifications to prevent them from making a home in your attic, chimney, or crawl spaces.