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While many pests like rats, mice, ants, cockroaches, silverfish, and bed bugs can damage your home, termites are among the most destructive. By sheer dollar amount, the damage from a bad termite infestation is unparalleled, as they can ruin walls, floors, roofs, and wooden support materials, potentially requiring massive reconstruction. Other highly destructive pests include rodents, carpenter ants, and bees that build hives within walls. If you spot signs of termites or other pests, you should hire an exterminator immediately.

The right snake trap depends on your needs and the species of snake. Glue traps are the easiest to handle but are inhumane and may catch and kill other animals, like squirrels, birds, and mice. Cage traps catch snakes alive so they can be released elsewhere. Minnow traps are the best choice for water snakes. 

There is very limited scientific evidence to support the efficacy of essential oils against bed bugs and they are very unlikely to kill the species. However, a 2021 study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) found that compounds in essential oils like clove oil, lemongrass, citronella, and bergamot could repel the insects.

No, you should never vacuum or sweep up mouse or rat droppings, as doing so can release harmful particles into the air and increase your risk of disease exposure. Instead, wear gloves and a mask, spray the droppings with a disinfectant spray, let it soak for a few minutes, and then carefully wipe them up with paper towels. Afterward, disinfect the area thoroughly and immediately wash your hands when you’re done.