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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.

Woodpeckers may seek out homes with aluminum siding or tin roofs because these surfaces echo their drumming. Homes with wood siding are more frequently targeted as roosting areas or for food sources. If you have insects living in the exposed wood in your home, the birds are likely looking for a snack, in which case your best option is to hire an exterminator.

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.

Yes, it’s actually common to see more cockroaches after you spray. It might seem like things are getting worse, but that’s usually a sign the treatment is working. Roach sprays and baits can flush them out of their hiding spots as they try to escape the chemicals. You might notice them acting strangely—slower, twitching, or out during the day when they’re usually hiding.