Question 1

What smells keep bats away?

Accepted Answer

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Certain strong smells may help repel bats, though this is not a foolproof method and is best used in conjunction with other deterrence strategies. Scents like peppermint oil, eucalyptus, cinnamon, cloves, and mint are often suggested as natural remedies. To create a spray, you can mix two cups of warm water with half a cup of sugar and a few drops of your preferred essential oil. Apply this mixture using a spray bottle to possible entry points and throughout the affected area, such as an attic. While this home remedy is popular, evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited.

Question 2

What should I do if I find a tick on my body?

Accepted Answer

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Ticks are most commonly found behind (or even inside) ears, behind knees, in belly buttons, in the hair, and in your underarms. If you find a tick on your body or on your pet, use a pair of clean tweezers to grab the tick as close to the surface of your skin as possible. If you simply yank or twist it, you can leave the tick’s mouth parts lodged in your skin and will need to remove those carefully with the tweezers.

Once you have removed the tick, flush it down the toilet and wash your skin with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Know the signs of lyme disease such as fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a rash.

Question 3

How many cockroaches should you see before you call an exterminator?

Accepted Answer

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If you spot two or more cockroaches inside your home, you should hire an exterminator to conduct an inspection and provide eradication treatments. If you see one cockroach and no others, it may have been a stray that wandered inside. Don’t hesitate to call an exterminator as soon as you see more than one cockroach in your home.

Question 4

How do you deter bugs in your home?

Accepted Answer

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One way to keep pests away is with good housekeeping. Keep ants away with a clean kitchen. They’re less likely to wander in looking to score some free food if there isn’t a mess to find. Wipe down counters, don’t leave dirty dishes around, and keep food in air-tight containers.

Home and yard maintenance can also keep pests away. Seal windows, patch any holes or cracks, and put screens on the vents to prevent bugs, rodents, and other uninvited guests from coming in.

Question 5

What time of day are rats most active?

Accepted Answer

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Rats are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night, typically from late evening through the early morning. They use the cover of darkness to explore, forage for food, and find water, as they feel safer and can avoid daytime predators and human activity. Their sharp senses, including keen night vision and hearing, are well-suited for navigating in the dark. Because they prefer to stay hidden during the day in secluded areas like walls or attics, you are more likely to spot signs of their presence—such as droppings or gnaw marks—before you see an actual rat.