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Foggers work best on insects out in the open, such as ants. Insects that tend to hide, including bed bugs, are less susceptible to the bombs and will likely need to be dealt with in another manner.

Woodpeckers may seek out homes with aluminum siding or tin roofs because these surfaces echo their drumming. Homes with wood siding are more frequently targeted as roosting areas or for food sources. If you have insects living in the exposed wood in your home, the birds are likely looking for a snack, in which case your best option is to hire an exterminator.

The time it will take to see results from a professional exterminator can vary depending on the type of treatment and the severity of the infestation. You may notice a reduction of ants within a few days, but it can take weeks to months for the treatment to take full effect and kill the entire colony of ants. Make sure to discuss what results you can expect with your exterminator and any post-infestation cleaning you should do after the treatment.

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.