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Tree sap is not usually dangerous to humans or pets. But some trees do produce dangerous sap. Notably, ash, birch, cedar and similar saps can irritate the skin but aren’t dangerous. Sap from trees like the Brazilwood, Mahogany, Milky Mangrove or well-named Poison Walnut can be corrosive, cause nausea, or trigger those with asthma. But for most backyard trees, protective equipment like a sturdy pair of gloves should be fine.

Whether you, your dog, or your cat has been sprayed, Poison Control recommends using a solution of 1 quart of 3% (household strength) hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda, and 1 teaspoonful of liquid dish detergent mixed together and immediately applied to the sprayed fur or skin to get rid of skunk smell. After leaving it on for five minutes, rinse with water. If your eyes get sprayed, rinse for at least 15 minutes with room-temperature water.

Scorpions can climb walls with rough surfaces (like stucco siding). They need something to grip onto, which is why they can easily climb on clothes, comforters on beds, and other items in your home.

However, it’s worth noting that scorpions cannot climb clean glass. So if you have a hole or damaged area where scorpions are coming in, a temporary fix may be to secure a piece of glass over the area.

Roaches have a strong sense of smell and are repelled by a variety of potent aromas. Scents that can help deter them include citrus (such as lemon and orange), herbs like peppermint, mint, basil, thyme, and oregano, spices like bay leaves, cinnamon, clove, and garlic, as well as lavender, eucalyptus, citronella, tea tree oil, and vinegar.

You can use these scents in several ways to create an unwelcoming environment for roaches:

• Plants: Place mint or lavender plants in your home or garden.

• Powders and Leaves: Sprinkle garlic powder or place crushed bay leaves and citrus peels in high-risk areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and entry points.

• Sprays: Create a diluted solution with scents like lemon or vinegar to spray in your home. These can also be used in cleaning products or as room fresheners.

• Essential Oils: While essential oils of these scents can be used, be cautious as they can be toxic to pets if inhaled.

It is important to note that while these smells can help keep roaches away, they typically do not kill them and may not be enough to drive out an existing infestation entirely. For best results, combine these scent-based deterrents with regular cleaning. Be sure to clean up all food spills, crumbs, and dirty dishes promptly, and keep trash cans covered with a tight-fitting lid to remove potential food sources.