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Rats have a strong sense of smell and do not like the smell of bleach. However, pouring bleach in drains or toilets is not a good idea because it can cause dangerous chemical reactions and even damage your pipes. It’s best to have a professional plumber install a rat-blocker or non-return valve instead to keep critters from crawling up the toilet.

Most spiders are harmless and are more interested in finding and eating insects than trying to bite you or your family members. Certain spiders in your home may be advantageous if you have an issue with insects. Most spiders are non-venomous and have small mouths, so even if they did bite you, it wouldn’t be enough to cause any harm.

However, some species of spiders can cause harm if you are a victim of their spider bite, including the black widow and brown recluse varieties. Both species’ venom is poisonous, and you should seek medical help if bitten.

Squash bugs technically aren’t invasive, as they are native to North America. However, this doesn’t mean that they aren’t incredibly destructive. These pests can cause significant damage to squash, pumpkins, and other cucurbit crops by feeding on plant sap and injecting toxins that cause leaves to wilt, dry out, and die. In large numbers, squash bugs can decimate entire plants (especially younger ones), making them a major nuisance for home gardeners and commercial growers alike.

Whether you, your dog, or your cat has been sprayed, Poison Control recommends using a solution of 1 quart of 3% (household strength) hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda, and 1 teaspoonful of liquid dish detergent mixed together and immediately applied to the sprayed fur or skin to get rid of skunk smell. After leaving it on for five minutes, rinse with water. If your eyes get sprayed, rinse for at least 15 minutes with room-temperature water.