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Cinnamon's warm scent appeals to many people but not to many bugs. The spice contains eugenol, which also happens to be used in insecticides. While the level of eugenol in cinnamon isn't enough to eliminate bugs on its own, the scent can be strong enough to keep them away. 

You can try sprinkling cinnamon around areas where you've seen insects, such as ants and mosquitos. Remember that you'll have to reapply frequently, especially after periods of rain.

In some cases, a clean house can have roaches, especially if you have excess moisture somewhere. You may want to check for leaky pipes or look underneath sinks to make sure water isn’t dripping near a hidden area that is inviting the cockroaches in. Roaches can also take up residence in clean homes with not-protected food sources, like open bags of food in a kitchen cupboard.

Rats are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night, typically from late evening through the early morning. They use the cover of darkness to explore, forage for food, and find water, as they feel safer and can avoid daytime predators and human activity. Their sharp senses, including keen night vision and hearing, are well-suited for navigating in the dark. Because they prefer to stay hidden during the day in secluded areas like walls or attics, you are more likely to spot signs of their presence—such as droppings or gnaw marks—before you see an actual rat.

Rat poison that contains an anticoagulant like warfarin can cause bleeding, chills, confusion, extreme fatigue, headache, convulsions, lightheadedness, and seizures. Anticoagulants prevent your blood from forming clots, which can result in uncontrolled bleeding both internally and externally. Other types of rat poison that aren't anticoagulants attack your liver, kidneys, and digestive system. They can suppress your breathing and heart rate, causing low blood oxygen and poor circulation. Burning in your throat and gastric discomfort are common symptoms.