..."Since the rains started here I have lost several cactus"... Isn't initial problem too much rain that possibly caused rotting that attracted bugs of any kind? Just like a flies/grubs feeding on decaying flesh (or even fresh, uncallused wound)...they didn't cause death of it, but certainly take advantage of feeding and laying eggs on their favorite...Too much rain could be the reason, and larvae or any bugs (likely laying more eggs!) a consequence of it. I would assure all succulents are in very fast draining mix, in containers with excellent drainage (holes) and if rains are persistent, perhaps use some extra rain protection. Even just an outdoors umbrella helps, or if many plants, plastic sheet or similar temporary protection.

Astrophytum ooibo nudum the skin was clean when I got it. Today found some specks not supposed to be there. It does not rub off. Before photo After with specks Question is there anything not right? Pls help.

I use motion detecting sprinklers for 6 tables of plants on my roof, which has worked fantastically. They don't even go around my plants when the sprinklers are off (in case I left them off by accident). I know someone who has live trapped and relocated from their property, but from what I hear squirrels are very territorial and others will just move in. They had to modify the traps slightly for higher sensitivity because the squirrels/chipmunks could get in and out. One day they also caught a bird!

I personally leave the top on for months, as long as there is nothing bad going on like mold for example. If everything looks healthy and you have a nice little environment going on inside of the container or bag you can wait till spring to open things up. Keep in mind once you open things up the soil dries out, so you will need to water your baby succulents.