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It is highly unlikely that fleas will go away on their own without treatment. Female fleas can lay dozens of eggs per day—up to 50—causing their numbers to multiply quickly and spread throughout your home. An adult flea can live for around 100 days or even up to a year as long as it has access to a host, such as a pet or human. Even without a host to feed on, fleas can survive for weeks. Because of their rapid reproduction and resilience, it's best to tackle a flea problem as soon as possible. Hiring an exterminator is recommended to prevent the infestation from worsening.

You can find anti-rat sprays in most home department stores that may be worth a try. Spray them along fences and in areas where you don’t want rats to go (like around decks) and they may think twice before approaching. For a natural version, you can try a mint spray, since rats generally dislike mint. But even the most effective sprays are unlikely to stop a hungry rat over time.

The full process of using a rat exterminator can take several weeks. If you have a larger infestation, the exterminator may need to return several times to collect rats. The timeline of your rat eradication depends on the infestation size and type of treatment, so consult a rat exterminator to get an accurate estimate for your specific issue.

Using chemicals with harsh odors is a natural way to repel bears. While the animal’s strong sense of smell is an asset in the animal kingdom, it’s a weakness here. Simply place bleach or ammonia in a bucket and leave it outside day or night. Ironically, bears also dislike the smell of pine, so you can use pine oil or a pine-based cleaning agent. Avoid using cleaning products with fruit or citrus smells, however.