Question 1

What pest is most damaging to a house?

Accepted Answer

•

While many pests like rats, mice, ants, cockroaches, silverfish, and bed bugs can damage your home, termites are among the most destructive. By sheer dollar amount, the damage from a bad termite infestation is unparalleled, as they can ruin walls, floors, roofs, and wooden support materials, potentially requiring massive reconstruction. Other highly destructive pests include rodents, carpenter ants, and bees that build hives within walls. If you spot signs of termites or other pests, you should hire an exterminator immediately.

Question 2

Do essential oils get rid of cockroaches?

Accepted Answer

•

Some believe that essential oils, like peppermint, may work the way that roach-repellent foods do: the roaches do not like the smell that the oil is producing and so they stay away. While essential oils can deter roaches from surfaces, they do not fight an infestation. Use essential oils as a prevention method, not a removal method.

Question 3

How do I get rid of fleas in my yard without harming my pet?

Accepted Answer

•

There are several ways to get rid of fleas in your yard without harming your pet. One option is to use a flea control treatment (such as a spray or bomb) that’s safe for pets. If you’re unsure whether a certain product is pet-friendly, check the label or ask a pest removal pro. Alternatively, you can apply beneficial nematodes—which won’t affect pets or people—to your lawn.

Question 4

Does bleach in toilets stop rats?

Accepted Answer

•

Rats have a strong sense of smell and do not like the smell of bleach. However, pouring bleach in drains or toilets is not a good idea because it can cause dangerous chemical reactions and even damage your pipes. It’s best to have a professional plumber install a rat-blocker or non-return valve instead to keep critters from crawling up the toilet.

Question 5

What do paper wasps look like?

Accepted Answer

•

Paper wasps look similar to other wasps, like yellow jackets. They have narrow, but not thread-like, waists with black or brown bodies and yellow colorations. You can better identify paper wasps by their nests, which are made with regurgitated wood pulp. The nests look like they are made from paper and usually have visible hexagonal holes, like a honeybee hive.

They build their nests in places like eaves or branches, and their removal more often warrants the help of a wasp control specialist near you.