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If you’re having trouble with your traps, first examine them for flaws that would allow a squirrel to escape easily, such as loose doors or hinges. It’s also important to consider the location of your trap: Place it in areas with higher squirrel traffic, and make sure it’s on a sturdy surface so it can’t wobble or tip (squirrels aren’t likely to walk in a trap that isn’t stable). Lastly, try changing out your bait—in-shell peanuts or peanut butter often work best.

Naturally occurring EPA-registered Bti products are an effective way to kill off mosquitoes at the larval stage. And, although they won’t wipe them out, there are lots of natural repellents that make your yard less attractive to mosquitoes. Try planting some marigolds, lemon thyme, or other plants they’ll steer clear of, light a citronella candle or two, or lay some bug-offensive cedar mulch.

Roof rats can carry a variety of pathogens and parasites, including salmonellosis (food contamination), leptospirosis, trichinosis, rat-bite fever, murine typhus, plague, and toxoplasmosis. Diseases can be spread via urine, droppings, or saliva. To prevent transmission, it’s essential to promptly address a roof rat infestation and avoid direct contact with the animals where possible.

As a general rule, if you hear an animal in your attic, don’t assume it will stay there. Animals are drawn to warmth and food sources, which could lead them to other parts of your house. In particular, it’s likely that small pests such as rats and mice that only need tiny gaps to squeeze through will end up in your walls and ductwork. Larger animals like raccoons may be limited to an enclosed attic.