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If you are not at high risk of contracting disease and take proper safety precautions, it’s considered generally safe to clean mouse droppings on your own. Before handling any droppings, make sure to put on protective equipment such as plastic gloves and a face mask. Individuals who are immunocompromised, have medical conditions, and children should especially avoid exposure to mouse droppings. 

You’ll find that phorid fly larvae breed in moist, decaying, organic matter. When trying to locate a breeding site, thoroughly inspect the following places in your home: drain pipes, trash cans, garbage disposal, pet waste, rotting produce, plants, compost bins, and even under appliances like the stove and refrigerator where moist food may have dropped. It’s also possible for a breeding site to form inside of a wall, crawl space, or under your home’s foundation.

Scarecrows and lifelike animal decoys, such as snakes, owls, coyotes, foxes, and hawks, can initially deter rabbits. However, these tactics might lose effectiveness if rabbits learn they are harmless. Having your dog or cat roam and mark the yard with their scent can also prove beneficial. Keep in mind tactics like these work best when combined with other methods.

Like many animals, gophers are bothered by strong scents. Peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil,  and coffee grounds can be used as deterrents against these pests. Similarly, you can try planting lavender, rosemary, sage, geraniums, or pine trees, as these plants all have strong smells that can ward away gophers. While it may be less pleasant to work with, coyote urine scares gophers by tricking the pests into thinking your yard is a predator hot spot.