Elmer Bensinger
Pest Control Specialist
wikiHow's Editorial ProcesswikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.
Co-authored Articles (95)
How to
Make Homemade Cat Repellent
Whether you're a cat lover or not, it's always frustrating when cats mess around where they shouldn't. It may be your garden beds, your favorite house plant, or your living room couch, but if a pesky cat is scratching up...
How to Repel and Keep Pigeons Away Naturally
Effective, fast ways to deter pigeons from balconies, roofs, and more Pigeons might be entertaining to watch, but their droppings can cause damage to buildings or cars and spread diseases to people and other animals. If ...
8 Natural & Chemical Ways to Get Rid of Maggots
Take care of infestations for good with these pest control tips When maggots get into your trash can or somewhere in your home, taking care of them quickly prevents them from growing into flies and spreading. No matter ...
How to Remove Frogs from Your Home or Garden
Fend off and prevent destructive amphibious pests Frogs reduce the insect population in an area and are relatively harmless, unless you're dealing with a species that is poisonous to pets. Introducing a few natural preda...
How to Clean, Degrease, and Whiten Bones
Safely handle, clean, and prepare animal bones for display Bones and skulls make great decor and jewelry, but it’s important to clean them first to make sure they’re safe to handle. The process may be slow, taking an...
How to
Protect Estuaries
Estuaries are the intertidal zones where rivers meet the sea, and they act as extraordinary habitats for unique marine animals that are adapted to brackish water — a mix of both freshwater and saltwater. They are among...
How to
Repel Chickens
If you've ever had free-range chickens wreak havoc on your yard or garden, you know how much damage they can inflict in a short period of time. There are a few things you can do to discourage chickens from trampling, scr...
How to Remove Ticks In and Around Your House
Easy ways to kill ticks and prevent them from coming backIf you just saw a tick crawling around your house, don’t worry! We have plenty of tips and tricks for how to get rid of these creepy crawlies. With this step-by-...
How to
Kill Leeches
Leeches are typically water-dwelling invertebrates related to worms. They will feed by attaching themselves to a host and sucking its blood. If a leech attaches itself to your body, it can seem gross and be uncomfortable...
How to
Stop a Goose Attack
Geese are territorial birds and are known to chase or attack anyone who disturbs their territory. While geese may chase people, an actual physical attack is fairly rare. You can stop a goose's aggression by respectfully ...
How to Remove & Kill Asian Lady Beetles (Plus, How to Keep Them Away)
Control infestations & prevent beetles from getting insideIf Asian lady beetles have started wandering into your home, there are plenty of easy steps you can take to eradicate the infestation. While these bugs have a bad...
How to
Build a Dry Well
A dry well is an excellent way to divert water runoff from your roof away from your home and yard. Essentially, a dry well takes the water coming off of your home when it rains and drains it away from your home to a tank...
How to
Change a Roof Tile
Replacement of roof tiles that have cracked, broken or disappeared is important to prevent roof leaks an ceiling damage once rain and wind appear. Fixing the problem quickly by yourself is possible provided it's only a f...
How to
Make a Bird Trap
You cannot legally trap most birds in many states and countries. However, in a survival situation, or to do some basic population control in your yard, light trapping is permissible. Though you may need a permit, and you...
How to
Repair Rotted Wood
Over time, wood will start to rot as it’s exposed to moisture. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also cause damage to your home if it’s left untreated.. 5 February 2021. Luckily, rot is easy to remove and replace....
How to
Cancel Aptive Pest Control
Get out of your Aptive pest control agreement without hassle If you have a contract with Aptive Pest Control that you want to get out of, it can feel like you have to jump through hoops to get anyone to help you. Many c...
How to
Trap a Rabbit
Effective techniques for catching or even hunting wild rabbitsRabbits, although often classified in the rodent family, are actually part of the Lagomorpha family, and live in forests and meadows. Rabbits often find their...
Are Gophers, Groundhogs, and Woodchucks the Same? How to Tell These Animals Apart
Find out how size, teeth, and diet differ between gophers and groundhogs It’s brown, furry, and loves to dig…but wait, that could be a gopher or a groundhog! They might seem like versions of the same animal, but the...
How to Trap a Fox Quickly & Safely
Learn how to bait and trap a pesky fox Small, omnivorous, wily predators and scavengers, foxes can sometimes be serious nuisances, especially to farmers or other people with small, domesticated animals. Knowing how to ca...
How to
Get Rid of Scorpions
Scorpions are common household pests. These arachnids are typically found in the southern United States, with the largest varieties dwelling in desert regions. Scorpions prefer to stay in dark spaces during the day and c...