Q: I have noticed rats in my yard, how can I discourage them from staying around my home?

A: The rat that we commonly see around our properties is the Norway rat, which is just another woodland creature.

If you have rats frequenting your property, it means there is a food source that has attracted them in the first place, such as a composter, garbage, bird feeder and pet food. Make sure that garbage is well contained in sturdy bins and ideally kept in a shed or garage and only put out at the curb the morning of pick-up. Composters need to be well sealed (1/2" welded wire mesh can be used to secure any weak spots), and bird feeders and pet food should be removed at least temporarily until the rat problem has been solved.

Q: I have noticed a rat in my house, what can I do?

A: First consider what food sources might be attracting it, is there food being stored down in the basement that the rats can get into? If so, deal with that first and then try to pinpoint how it gained entry. Check around vents, wires running into the house, perhaps a cold storage area that is not well sealed. Any openings should be secured with 1/2" wire mesh.

Q: How do I remove a raccoon from a dumpster?

A: Raccoons often climb into an empty dumpser in which the lid has been left open and are unable to climb back out. This can be easily resolved by using a thick, strong branch or several 2x4's as a ramp to allow the raccoon to climb out. Leave overnight as this is when raccoons are normally active.

Q: A skunk has gotten into my garage, how can I get it out?

A: Skunks will commonly wander into a garage when a door is left open, usually attracted by garbage in the garage. Once inside it will likely snack on any garbage and then will often end up sleeping in the garage for the rest of the day. To encourage it to leave, remove any remaining garbage, open the garage door before dusk and sprinkle about an eight-inch band of flour under the door (this will allow you to look for signs of tracks to know when it has left). Use a few pieces of chicken or anything with a strong smell (wet cat food should also do the trick) to create a trail leading outside and well away from the garage to help the process along. Only when you are sure the skunk has left, should the door be closed.

Q: How can I avoid startling the skunk, so that it does not spray?

A: It's worthwhile noting that skunks have poor eyesight and therefore they often do not see something until it is right in front of them. So to avoid it spraying, when you have to go into the garage just make sure to make some noise to alert it to your presence. Nothing too loud that will end up scaring it, but try simply talking in a normal but soothing voice to give it a heads up to your presence.