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Boric acid is among the harsher chemicals you can use in your home, and it poses risks whether ingested, inhaled, or touched. Kids and pets alike tend to put their hands and mouths on anything within reach, so it’s always a good idea to store boric acid in a spot they can’t get to and use it only when they’re not around for an extended period. When you use it, ensure they’re out of the house and fully clean up any trace of boric acid when you’re done because even a small amount can cause problems. 

Homes provide a stable environment with ample hiding spots, warmth, and protection from the elements, making them ideal habitats for spiders. The presence of insects within homes serves as a major food source for spiders, enticing them to establish their webs or burrows in and around residential structures. The nooks and crannies of homes provide perfect locations for spiders to construct webs or lay in wait for unsuspecting prey.

Squirrels rely heavily on their sense of smell and are deterred by a variety of scents. Some of the most effective smells for repelling them include peppermint oil, coffee grounds, white vinegar, garlic, cinnamon, rosemary, and predator urine. They also have a strong aversion to capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, making capsaicin-based sprays an effective repellent for areas like gardens or bird feeders. For a DIY solution, you can create a spray from garlic and vinegar and apply it daily. Additionally, squirrels dislike strong, fresh scents, so placing items like strong-smelling soaps or dryer sheets in areas they frequent can also help keep them away.

While many pests like rats, mice, ants, cockroaches, silverfish, and bed bugs can damage your home, termites are among the most destructive. By sheer dollar amount, the damage from a bad termite infestation is unparalleled, as they can ruin walls, floors, roofs, and wooden support materials, potentially requiring massive reconstruction. Other highly destructive pests include rodents, carpenter ants, and bees that build hives within walls. If you spot signs of termites or other pests, you should hire an exterminator immediately.