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No, the spotted lanternfly does not sting, bite, or otherwise do anything painful or damaging to humans or animals. Do not hesitate to approach and kill the insects and any eggs you find on sight—you’ll be playing an important role in slowing the spread of these invasive and destructive pests. If you’re not sure if the insect is a spotted lanternfly, snap a picture and contact your local extension office for help identifying it.

Most spiders are harmless and are more interested in finding and eating insects than trying to bite you or your family members. Certain spiders in your home may be advantageous if you have an issue with insects. Most spiders are non-venomous and have small mouths, so even if they did bite you, it wouldn’t be enough to cause any harm.

However, some species of spiders can cause harm if you are a victim of their spider bite, including the black widow and brown recluse varieties. Both species’ venom is poisonous, and you should seek medical help if bitten.

Yes, dryer sheets can help repel mice. The strong artificial fragrances found in many dryer sheets, such as citrus, floral, or lavender, are unpleasant to mice, which are very sensitive to smells. Many people report success using them to deter mice from areas like cars, drawers, vents, and cupboards. The scent can last for many days, making the space undesirable for rodents. However, dryer sheets may not be a foolproof solution on their own. For more effective protection against rodent infestations, it is best to combine them with other preventive measures like traps, repellent sprays, and proper storage practices.

You can use bleach to kill fruit flies, but it's not the best option because bleach can be toxic to people when used on surfaces. It also isn't as effective as killing flies in drains, as it passes through the drain too quickly to do a thorough job.