Pests come in all shapes and sizes and different categories. Some pests are small, while others are quite large and more destructive.
One of the sneakiest pests is those night invaders that prowl while you're sleeping. This means you don't know they've visited until you see the destruction they leave behind.
Skunks and raccoons are two of the notorious pests that wait until dark to visit you. Both pests are also known to dig holes in the yard and cause other problems outside the home.
Here's what you need to know to spot the damage from these two pests. Also, some tips to keep them from out of your yard.
Spotting Skunk Damage Around Your Yard
Skunks are not only stinking, but also destructive. These pests eat insects and grubs, so they dig holes in the yard to find them. If a skunk doesn't find a meal while digging, it'll turn your yard apart in search of other food sources.
- Garbage
- Fruit
- Berries
- Grasses
- Grains
- Leaves
- Buds
These menaces often tear up vegetable and flower gardens. They also dig, leaving behind grass chunks that look as though they've been pulled up from the dirt. You may find numerous holes, depending on how many skunks are out at night scavenging.
Spotting Raccoon Damage Around Your Yard
Raccoons also sneak around in the dark of night, foraging for food. These pests are known for getting into and scattering trash from bins. Raccoons search compost piles for food, too.
If you wake up to trash scattered over your lawn or overturned trash cans, look for the signs that point to raccoons.
- Look for small handprint-shaped tracks
- Look for raccoon droppings that are long and segmented
- Look for scratch marks on or around your home
If you're awakened in the night, you might hear shuffling or low growling noises coming from raccoons outside.
Keeping Night Invading Pests Away
One or two skunks or raccoons may stop coming around if you try some simple methods. Use these smells as deterrents:
- Mothballs
- Predator urine
- Citrus
- Ammonia
- Cinnamon
- Cayenne pepper
Spreading this around the yard and trash cans is a good start in repelling these pests. Since these pests are nocturnal, they are sensitive to bright light. Placing a motion sensor light in the yard can keep them away.
If these methods don't work, call a residential wildlife removal service. Professionals know how to rid your yard of raccoons and skunks and do so humanely so you can once again enjoy your outdoor space.
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