Chipmunks

Armadillos will dig in lawns, gardens, and raised beds looking for food or a safe place to burrow. They're nocturnal, so setting a humane trap near a burrow at night is a safe way to catch one. They have strong front feet, so make sure the trap is sturdy. Don't try to catch one with your hands because they may scratch you with their long, sharp claws as they try to get away.

Opossums may take shelter under your porch or in a shed. Encourage them to leave by placing stinky socks or shoes a few feet from the exit. They won't like the smell and should leave after a day or two. Once they do, seal the exit so they can't get back in. You also could install a one-way door that allows the opossum to exit the area but doesn't let it back in.

Time for some myth busting: Opossums aren't the bad guys they're made out to be. They rarely carry rabies, they probably weren't the critters who knocked over your trash cans, and that hissing is just a bluff. They scare away easily, and they'll even eat some of the insects and pests in your garden. Still, it's understandable if you don't want them around.

If you have a raccoon in your house, it's best to call a professional. It may be a mother with their young. Try to figure out how it got in by checking out the outside of your home from an animal's perspective. Cover holes or gaps with wire mesh. Clean up any p**p you find. When you do, wear disposable gloves, use hot soapy water, and throw away any sponges or towels you used.

These masked night-dwellers are one of the main carriers of rabies. But only one person in the U.S. has ever died from being bitten by a rabid raccoon. They usually run away from people but may get defensive and aggressive if threatened. If you get scratched or bitten, see a doctor as soon as possible. Like bats, raccoon p**p can cause health problems. It may contain a roundworm that can infect humans and pets.

Most scorpions in America are found in the Southwest. The bark scorpion lives under rocks, logs, and tree bark, so to keep them at a distance, and get rid of piles of rocks or lumber from around your home. Keep bushes and trees pruned so scorpions can't jump into your house. Wear shoes outdoors, and if you store gardening gloves or boots outside, shake them out before you put them on.

A scorpion sting can cause pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, and a feeling of warmth. In the U.S., the bark scorpion is the only type of scorpion with venom strong enough to cause severe symptoms. It's usually found in the desert areas of the Southwest.

If you encounter a snake, slowly back away and don't try to touch it. Be careful when reaching into areas you can't see where one could hide, such as holes. If you're walking or working in heavy weeds and grass, wear tall leather boots. When camping, stay away from swamps or thick foliage where they live. If you get bitten, do not try to capture the snake. Get to a doctor right away.

If you have a snake in your home or yard, the health risk depends on the type of snake. Some snakes may bite if you corner them or try to handle them. Some snakes are venomous and can poison you if they bite. (The U.S. has about 20 species of venomous snakes). Other snakes are harmless. Venom or not, snake bites hurt and can send you to the E.R.

If a bat flies into your house, it's most likely by accident. They may come in through an open window or door without a screen. They can fall down an open chimney and can squeeze through any hole about the size of your finger. To help them leave, trap them in a room and open an exterior door or window so they can fly out. Turn off the lights and keep kids and pets in a separate room. Try to stay calm and quiet as noise will upset them.