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The houseplants that are prone to spider mites include English ivy, palms, philodendrons, calathea, and alocasia. Although spider mites can infest any indoor plant, they are more commonly drawn to the types listed above. If you have these in your home, pay special attention to them to help catch signs of infestation early.

Squirrels rely heavily on their sense of smell and are deterred by a variety of scents. Some of the most effective smells for repelling them include peppermint oil, coffee grounds, white vinegar, garlic, cinnamon, rosemary, and predator urine. They also have a strong aversion to capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, making capsaicin-based sprays an effective repellent for areas like gardens or bird feeders. For a DIY solution, you can create a spray from garlic and vinegar and apply it daily. Additionally, squirrels dislike strong, fresh scents, so placing items like strong-smelling soaps or dryer sheets in areas they frequent can also help keep them away.

Like any other animal, rats are attracted to food sources, water, and shelter. Clean up food messes right away, don’t leave pet food out, and secure your garbage to make your home less appealing. Fix leaky pipes and dripping faucets, and declutter spaces that rats might think to nest in.

If you’re apprehensive about whether pest control services are safe for dealing with a termite infestation, rest assured that they are, as long as you hire a licensed company following strict safety protocols. Before the process begins, you'll need to remove food, plants, and pets from the home to prevent chemical exposure. You’ll also need to vacate your home for a couple of days while the treatment takes place and the chemicals dissipate. Re-entry is only safe once your pest control provider confirms that the home has been properly ventilated and cleared for return.