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While you don’t have to fully evacuate your home after a bed bug treatment, you will have to stay out of the treated rooms (or the whole home) for at least four to five hours after treatment. In most cases, you can return to sleeping on your existing mattress and use your existing furniture, but it’s best to confirm this with a bed bug pro.

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.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, pyrethrins and pyrethroids are the most common chemical compounds used to get rid of bed bugs. These chemicals force bed bugs out of their hiding spots and kill them on the spot so they are eliminated for good. Only professional exterminators can apply these treatments, and they are reserved for severe infestations.

Common signs of a flea infestation include pets scratching or grooming excessively, visible fleas on pets, and red spots or bites on the skin of both pets and people. You may also notice dark spots on your pet’s fur, known as “flea dirt,” which is flea feces. Itching and irritation for both you and your pets are also strong indicators of an infestation.