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Rat poison is dyed bright colors like blue, green, or pink. This will allow you to easily identify bait and is intended to prevent accidental ingestion.

Carpenter ants don’t eat wood. It’s a common misconception because many kinds of termites eat wood as well as live inside it. Carpenter ants, however, are omnivores and only chew into wood to create pathways and nests, discarding the chewed wood as frass which is a major indicator of a carpenter ant problem. They prefer to eat smaller insects, sweet things like spilled honey, and sources of protein like pet food.

If you’re wondering whether pest control services are safe, rest assured that they are if you hire a licensed and experienced exterminator. Professionals are trained to use EPA-approved products in controlled amounts and apply them in targeted areas to minimize exposure to people and pets. Plus, many modern pest control methods are designed to be low-risk while still effectively eliminating pests like scorpions. If you have concerns about chemicals, ask your exterminator about eco-friendly or integrated pest management (IPM) options, which focus on prevention and minimal pesticide use.

Ants hate strong odors such as peppermint, citrus, cinnamon, and essential oils such as lavender and eucalyptus. You can sprinkle cinnamon in the area or combine essential oils with water to form a spray that repels ants in the event of an infestation—just make sure nothing you apply will harm your surfaces, kids, or pets.