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Some pest control treatments, such as spraying insecticides or bug bombs, can cause severe health problems for your household members if you are improperly exposed to them. That's why putting away pet toys, dishes, bedding, children's toys and items is essential. Pest technicians are trained to reduce risk, but it's best to take caution by avoiding the risk of items being accidentally sprayed. Discuss any concerns you may have with your pest control specialist.

Gophers are ubiquitous in certain areas, and the only way to completely get rid of them is to put down gopher wire two feet below the surface of your soil and vertically along the edges of your yard. Unfortunately, this may not be a practical solution unless you’re completely redoing your yard or installing an aboveground garden. Alternatively, you may consider putting underground rock barriers around the edge of your yard to discourage gopher visits. However, you’ll still likely get some pests because they can dig as deep as 6 feet below the surface.

How often you need pest control depends on your infestation problem. If you have a one-off issue, such as a wasp nest in a high-traffic area, you shouldn't need regular service. However, if you live in an area prone to ticks, termites, and ants, you'll likely need at least an annual pest control service. If the problem is persistent and significant, you may need quarterly or monthly service.

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.