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There is often confusion between fleas versus ticks, bedbugs, carpet beetles, lice, fungus gnats, and flea beetles. Learning how to identify and differentiate between these insects is key for effective treatment. If you are unsure, it's always best to consult with a pest control professional who can properly identify the pest and provide the best treatment options.

You can find a variety of humane bird repellent sprays online and at home improvement stores. However, if you want to try a DIY method that will keep birds away without harming them, mix some water, dish soap, and a few drops of peppermint oil and spray the area you want bird-free. Peppermint oil is a notoriously lovely smell for humans, but birds tend to avoid it.

One way to keep pests away is with good housekeeping. Keep ants away with a clean kitchen. They’re less likely to wander in looking to score some free food if there isn’t a mess to find. Wipe down counters, don’t leave dirty dishes around, and keep food in air-tight containers. 

Home and yard maintenance can also keep pests away. Seal windows, patch any holes or cracks, and put screens on the vents to prevent bugs, rodents, and other uninvited guests from coming in.

Consumer-brand foggers or bug bombs are considered safe overall. Still, it's essential to read the instructions carefully as the vacating time varies depending on the type of bug bomb you use. Most of the time, it's advised that all humans and pets are out of the area for at least two to four hours after initiating the fogger process. It's also a good idea to vent the space by cracking open some windows for several hours after you're back inside.