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Squash bugs technically aren’t invasive, as they are native to North America. However, this doesn’t mean that they aren’t incredibly destructive. These pests can cause significant damage to squash, pumpkins, and other cucurbit crops by feeding on plant sap and injecting toxins that cause leaves to wilt, dry out, and die. In large numbers, squash bugs can decimate entire plants (especially younger ones), making them a major nuisance for home gardeners and commercial growers alike.

Poison will kill small rodents and can seem like the quick and easy way to get rid of them. But—in addition to its inhumane nature—poison has some drawbacks. First of all, if you have small children or pets in the home, setting out poison isn't the best idea, as your pets or children could ingest it. 

Poisoned mice and rodents don't die instantly. Instead, it can take several days for the poison to work its way through their system. In the meantime, there's a chance that a predator, such as a cat, fox, or other mammal, will eat the poisoned rodent and become poisoned themselves.

If you find a tick inside crawling in the house, remember not to just step on it or try to crush it. Ticks have hard bodies and it’s hard to kill them this way. Instead, pick it up with toilet paper and flush it. You can also place it in a sealed bag, or kill it by placing it in alcohol. 

If you spot a bug in your home that seems very similar to a flea, it’s likely a springtail, which is a tiny jumping insect that can resemble a flea. Unlike fleas, they are not dangerous to humans or animals because they don’t bite. Fleas are smaller than springtails, which is how you can distinguish them.