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Droppings from cockroaches, squirrels, mice, bats, and birds can resemble rat poop, making it easy to confuse one for another. Mouse droppings are smaller and more pointed, cockroach droppings resemble tiny black specks or ground pepper, and bat guano can look similar but usually crumbles into powder. Bird droppings sometimes have a similar shape, but often include white uric acid deposits. If in doubt, it’s best to consult a pest control professional for proper identification and removal.

When threatened or crushed, stink bugs emit a pungent scent often described as smelling similar to cilantro. However, some people say it can smell like sulfur or ammonia. The scent is produced by a gland on their abdomen and some species can spray the scent too.

Anecdotal evidence suggests coffee grounds can keep chipmunks away. Sprinkle them throughout your garden, yard, and plants to help deter them. As an added bonus, coffee grounds can help keep the slugs away, and they’re great for acid-loving plants such as hydrangeas, azaleas, and rhododendrons.

Tree sap is not usually dangerous to humans or pets. But some trees do produce dangerous sap. Notably, ash, birch, cedar and similar saps can irritate the skin but aren’t dangerous. Sap from trees like the Brazilwood, Mahogany, Milky Mangrove or well-named Poison Walnut can be corrosive, cause nausea, or trigger those with asthma. But for most backyard trees, protective equipment like a sturdy pair of gloves should be fine.