The best way to deal with pests is this: You first need to send your envoy out to meet with your enemy, and have them agree upon a neutral location. After agreeing on a meeting place, simply go on the night of the third full moon to hash out a peace treaty over coffee and butter scones, into the wee hours of the night. Well, that's how you would do it if bugs and wildlife could communicate. But sadly, they cannot. So you're going to need a more action-based strategy end this war. Here are some tips to aid you in the exclusion of pests from your Albany home.
Squirrels
Squirrels are acrobatic creatures, using leaps and bounds of amazing skill to reach bird feeders and, even more annoying, your attic. To keep Squirrels from your bird feeders you first need to locate any and all adjacent trees that a squirrel could use to reach the feeder. Then fasten a two-foot band of sheet metal around the trunk, six to eight feet above ground. Wrap wires around the trunk, attaching them with springs.
To keep squirrels from your attic, first trim tree limbs to keep perches at least six to eight feet from your home. Then check if there are squirrels already occupying the space. If your attic is already compromised, call a pest expert. If no squirrels can be found, look for holes that give entry to your attic, and seal them off. Note: A squirrel can fit through a hole approximately the size of an adult fist.
Raccoons
Raccoons are smart creatures. If they want to be in your yard, there really isn’t much you can do to stop them. However, there are some things you can do to deter them. For trash, a raccoon's favorite meal, simply make sure the lids are secure. Use bungee cords, locks, or heavier covers to keep these night dwellers digging in it, and spreading it across your lawn. Even simpler, keep your trash behind closed doors until trash day comes.
Raccoons love to get into ponds as well as swimming pools. They will leave them a mess when they are done happily taking a swim while catching and eating your pretty fish. To prevent this, put large gauge steel mesh into your pond, giving fish a place to hide, and the raccoon an unpleasant surprise. Some homeowners also use cinder blocks. Raccoons are a difficult pest. They are crafty, quick, and a nuisance to anyone being plagued by them. The only way to get rid of them is to have a professional do it for you. And it's best to find one that offers humane removal services.
Skunks
Skunks are not too bright, nearly blind, and extremely smelly. The best way to keep them away from your home is to remove all attractants from around your home, such as garbage and pet food. If a skunk sets up a dwelling in your yard, there are a few things you can do to gently invite your unwanted guest to leave. Find the den and fill it with dirt and leaves (when the skunk is not around--obviously). Seeing the filled-in den will, most of the time, be all that is needed to convince the skunk to move on. Harassment also works. Adding light and noise around the skunks den can ruin his peaceful silent night, forcing him to find a new location to set up camp. Kitty litter, which is a skunk repellent, can be placed around or inside of the den. Other repellents include capsaicin or castor oils. Sometimes skunks are in a hard to reach area, like under your deck or shed. If this is the case for you, it is best to get a professional. It is never fun being sprayed by a scared skunk.
These pests, although not deadly, can cause you harm. Contact your local pest control company and have them do a thorough inspection and humane removal of any and all pests from your property.