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This varies based on the circumstance. Chemical-based pest control baits and poisons are usually the most potent, but they are unsafe to use around children and pets, so they won’t be a fit for every household.

Safer alternatives, such as boric acid and food-grade diatomaceous earth, can work as well, though they should still stay out of reach. Aside from that, the best thing any DIY-er can do is make their place uninviting by sealing off entry points, eliminating clutter, and maintaining a clean home.

While possums don’t typically carry rabies, they can have lice, fleas, ticks, and mites. According to the University of California’s Pest Management Program, possums can also carry diseases like leptospirosis, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, and fevers. Possums are also the carriers of a parasite that can pass to horses and cats called Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM).

When you’re checking for bed bugs in your home, start by searching for the telltale signs rather than the insects themselves, as they tend to stay hidden during the day. Here are the key signs of a bed bug infestation:

• Rust-colored or reddish stains on mattresses and bed sheets

• Dark spots on fabric

• Shed skins

• Fecal matter (looks like black spots)

As for fleas, you can typically spot them on your pet. If you notice them scratching themselves excessively, look for bites and bugs on their skin and fur.

Water bugs won’t actively chase you, but they earned the nickname “toe-biters” for good reason. Water bugs are highly defensive. They typically rest an inch or so below water, waiting for prey. But if they feel threatened by a human that gets close, they may inject the person with a harmless venom from their legs, which may feel like a bite.