Get matched with top animal fencing pros in Chetek, WI

There are a few ways to keep pesky bugs away from your garden. One option you have is to plant flowers so beneficial insects like ladybugs can control pests for you. A similar method is companion planting, which means you’ll grow vegetables that’ll discourage pests, like garlic, onions, and basil. The best pest prevention method will depend on the bugs you have issues with and the plants in your garden. 

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.

Hazing is an effective strategy for keeping foxes away from your yard because these wild animals are usually scared of people, loud noises, and sudden movements. If you have a large dog patrolling the yard, that’s also usually a powerful deterrent for foxes. You can also use hazing to keep badgers away from your yard, along with pests like raccoons and coyotes.

Skunks spray as a defense mechanism to ward off predators. The active ingredient in their sulfurous, oily musk is n-butyl mercaptan, which evaporates into a powerful and smelly gas. Once the spray hits the skunk’s target, the stench can linger for days, and water and common cleaning kits aren’t enough to wash it away.

If you happen upon a skunk in your yard, try to back away slowly to reduce the chance of them aiming at you. Encouragingly, they don’t use their weapon casually, as it can take up to 10 days for their life-saving weaponry to refill. Paw stamping, hissing, lifting their tail, and arching their back are early signs they feel trapped or under threat and that it’s time to make a careful retreat.