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A raccoon may be hanging around your house for convenient access to food, water, or shelter. They may drink water out of puddles, pools, ponds, fountains, or your pet’s water bowls. Raccoons are also known to eat just about anything, including food from gardens and waste from unsecured trash cans.

Squirrels follow a diurnal routine like humans, remaining quiet at night because they sleep. Homeowners concerned about squirrels in their homes are more likely to hear these critters in the early morning when they awaken, eager to start their day and search for sustenance. As the sun sets, squirrels wrap up their daily endeavors and return to their cozy nests for the night's rest.

This varies based on the circumstance. Chemical-based pest control baits and poisons are usually the most potent, but they are unsafe to use around children and pets, so they won’t be a fit for every household.

Safer alternatives, such as boric acid and food-grade diatomaceous earth, can work as well, though they should still stay out of reach. Aside from that, the best thing any DIY-er can do is make their place uninviting by sealing off entry points, eliminating clutter, and maintaining a clean home.

There’s little scientific evidence to suggest that homemade remedies to ward off wildlife are effective. But, often, when using them alongside other management techniques, it won’t do any harm to try. Suggestions include using urine-soaked kitty litter or sweat-soaked clothing items. Try applying them around your fence perimeters. Always read the instructions carefully for any commercially-bought repellents and opt for EPA-approved products. Multiple applications, especially after rain, are often necessary.