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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.

Earwigs are omnivores, so they have a varied diet. Generally, they feast on decaying organic matter, leaves, flowers, and vegetables. They’ll also eat other insects (dead or alive) like aphids, sowbugs, and mites.

It’s an age-old and terrifying question: Can rats come through the toilet? The answer, unfortunately, is yes; however, it’s extremely rare. In the very unlikely case that this happens, it’s usually the result of rats from the sewer making their way into home plumbing pipes and up into the toilet. 

No, the spotted lanternfly does not sting, bite, or otherwise do anything painful or damaging to humans or animals. Do not hesitate to approach and kill the insects and any eggs you find on sight—you’ll be playing an important role in slowing the spread of these invasive and destructive pests. If you’re not sure if the insect is a spotted lanternfly, snap a picture and contact your local extension office for help identifying it.