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The longevity of pest control treatment depends on the treatments and the type of pest. Pest control services for serious infestations can last 3 to 6 months. Some treatments are more or less permanent if the pro fixes how pests were entering the home. Other treatments, like sprayed barriers or bait traps, are designed to last for anywhere from 30 days to several months. Pest control often offers to re-apply treatments like this to ensure full eradication and discourage new infestations.

Heat is the most effective instant killer of bed bugs. Exposing them to temperatures above 131 degrees Fahrenheit for over an hour can eliminate them. Methods like steam cleaners and using a dryer on high heat are effective for this. Other options that can kill bed bugs on contact include EPA-approved pesticides, bleach, disinfectant sprays with alcohol, diatomaceous earth, and hydrogen peroxide. While freezing can work, it is not an instant solution, as it can take several days at 0 degrees Fahrenheit to be effective. Keep in mind that many DIY treatments won't reach bed bugs hidden in cracks or behind walls. For severe infestations or the most effective results, it is best to hire a professional exterminator for a professional heat or chemical treatment.

Deers have an extraordinarily strong sense of smell, which means they can react strongly to certain scents. Lavender, garlic, mint, cinnamon, clove, and human hair are some of the most offensive scents for deer. You can try mixing some of these pungent oils or scents with a spray mixture and adding them to your garden.

You’ll find groundhogs are most active during the morning hours and late afternoon, but they want to avoid humans at all costs. If you do set a trap, you can set it out the night before so it’s waiting on them the next morning, and try to remove any human scent when setting it out.