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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.

To clean a trash can with maggots, combine chlorine bleach and hot water in a 1-to-1 ratio and pour about half a gallon of the solution into the bottom of your garbage can. Just make sure there aren’t holes in the can before doing so. Close the lid, and let the fumes go to work to kill the maggots. Rinse the can with a hose outside. Consider finishing up with a bleach disinfectant and a scrub brush before letting the can dry completely. You can also consider hiring an exterminator near you for a quick, easy solution to maggots in your garbage cans.

It's advisable to avoid using harmful methods to eliminate birds. Poisoning birds is inhumane and can have unintended ecological consequences, affecting other wildlife and pets. Similarly, using firearms or other lethal means poses safety risks and could be illegal in many areas. Sticky substances like adhesives can cause birds to become trapped and injured. Lastly, playing excessively loud or distressing noises can stress birds and humans. Focusing on humane and environmentally responsible strategies is essential when dealing with bird issues.

If the cat is stray (you noticed a collar or other signs of domestication), the kind thing to do is to try and find the owner. Call around to other neighbors to see if they can lead you in the right direction. If you can get close enough to snap a picture, try posting an image of the cat to local community groups and pages on social media. 

If the cat is feral, you can try to humanely trap them and participate in a local shelter’s TNR program. Before attempting capture, call around to local rescues and shelters to make sure one near you does participate in a TNR program. They may even be able to catch the cat for you.