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To determine if you have a rat or mouse infestation, look for several key differences. The most obvious is the size of the rodent: rats are significantly larger with thicker bodies, while mice are much smaller and more slender. You can also identify them by their droppings; rat droppings are larger and rounder, about the size of a raisin, while mouse droppings are smaller, like a grain of rice, and often have pointed ends. Other signs include the sounds they make, as rats produce louder scratching and gnawing noises due to their size. Behaviorally, rats tend to be more cautious, whereas mice are more curious and might be seen more often. Additionally, rat nests are typically larger than those of mice. If you are unable to see the pest or find clear evidence, a professional inspection can provide a definitive identification.

Sure, they are icky to behold, but are silverfish bad? In terms of illness or injury to humans, the answer is no because they don’t bite or carry disease. However, they can damage household items, including books, wallpaper, certain foods, and clothing, as they love to feed on starchy materials and adhesives. What’s more, their presence often indicates high humidity or moisture issues in the home, which can lead to further pest problems.

Aside from a warm, cozy place to curl up, you might wonder what attracts mice to your home. Several items attract mice, including: Birdseed Pet food Water Cereal and whole grains Food scraps from the composting bin Open trash cans High-fat and high-sugar foods Unused cars—they make great homes for chilly mice Insulation in the attic Clutter Brush from your yard, including leaves, sticks, wood, and shrubs (so mice can make nests) Overgrown trees or bushes—mice love to leap from branches onto the roof Indoor nesting materials, including cloth, paper, tissues, and toilet paper Tiny cracks in the siding or foundation

When a wasp stings, it pushes its stinger into the skin and releases venom. The sting site will typically become inflamed and swollen and likely hurt quite a bit. 

Some people are allergic to the venom and can have serious allergic reactions to a wasp sting. This sting could cause the throat to swell, difficulty breathing, hives, rapid heart rate, and vomiting. If you or someone has an allergic reaction to a wasp sting, it’s important to call 911 for emergency treatment, as reactions can be life-threatening.