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Certain strong smells may help repel bats, though this is not a foolproof method and is best used in conjunction with other deterrence strategies. Scents like peppermint oil, eucalyptus, cinnamon, cloves, and mint are often suggested as natural remedies. To create a spray, you can mix two cups of warm water with half a cup of sugar and a few drops of your preferred essential oil. Apply this mixture using a spray bottle to possible entry points and throughout the affected area, such as an attic. While this home remedy is popular, evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited.

Scented mouse deterrents, like peppermint oil, can be effective in the short term. The pungent smells may temporarily repel mice, but they lose effectiveness as the scent fades or mice get used to it. The main drawbacks are frequent reapplication and the fact that these deterrents don't address the root cause of the infestation, such as entry points or food sources. While they can be part of a broader strategy, scented deterrents alone are rarely enough to eliminate a mouse problem.

Prime mosquito season varies depending on your location. It’s longer in the sweltering southern states and shorter in the cooler, drier northern regions. In places like Florida, it can run from February to November, but in the Pacific Northwest, mosquitoes appear in April and can hang around until the end of October. While the hottest summer months are when they are at peak population, mosquito seasons are extending in many regions because of the increase in annual temperatures.

You can remove a wasp nest yourself, but it isn’t a good idea. Although it looks easy enough to hit down a nest with a broom, wasps may be inside or around the nest and are known for getting aggressive when their nest is threatened. If you follow our guidelines for removing wasps nests with pesticide spray, insecticidal dust, water and dish soap, or boiling water, you may be able to safely tackle the problem.