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A rat nest often looks like a messy, loosely formed pile hidden in a quiet spot. It may appear as a ball-shaped cluster or just a scattered heap made from shredded paper, fabric, insulation, leaves, twigs, and other soft materials. Rats gather whatever they can find nearby to build their nests, often tucking them away in walls, attics, or behind appliances for warmth and safety.

Stay calm and avoid acting like a threat. Avoid swatting at the wasps or yelling, which will agitate wasps and make them more likely to attack. Instead, move away at a slow, steady pace in one direction, getting as much distance between you and the wasps as possible. 

Wasps swarm to protect their nest, so moving far away indicates you are not a threat and they should subside. Do not try to handle a wasp nest filled with agitated wasps. Wait until they call down before you take action, or trust in a professional.

If you’re wondering whether pest control services are safe, rest assured that they are if you hire a licensed and experienced exterminator. Professionals are trained to use EPA-approved products in controlled amounts and apply them in targeted areas to minimize exposure to people and pets. Plus, many modern pest control methods are designed to be low-risk while still effectively eliminating pests like scorpions. If you have concerns about chemicals, ask your exterminator about eco-friendly or integrated pest management (IPM) options, which focus on prevention and minimal pesticide use.

If the cat is stray (you noticed a collar or other signs of domestication), the kind thing to do is to try and find the owner. Call around to other neighbors to see if they can lead you in the right direction. If you can get close enough to snap a picture, try posting an image of the cat to local community groups and pages on social media. 

If the cat is feral, you can try to humanely trap them and participate in a local shelter’s TNR program. Before attempting capture, call around to local rescues and shelters to make sure one near you does participate in a TNR program. They may even be able to catch the cat for you.