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Fleas are master hiders, so they’re always looking for safe spots. In addition to living directly on your pets, they’re likely to hide in bedding materials, not unlike the infamous bed bugs. They also like carpet and thick grass, for similar reasons. They’re more likely to hang around dirt and debris in general, which is why it’s important to keep the home clean. 

A rodent infestation often has a distinctive, unpleasant smell. The most common odor is a strong, musky scent, similar to stale ammonia, which comes from mouse urine. As the infestation grows, the smell can become more intense. You might also notice a foul, decomposing odor if mice or rats die inside the walls or hidden areas. This combination of smells is a clear sign of a rodent problem and should prompt immediate action to address the infestation.

No, mice do not become rats. While their similarities may make them appear to be the same animal at first, they are distinct in their appearance, behaviors, and the strategies used to remove them. Juvenile rats that have not reached their full adult size may be roughly the same size as mice, making them hard to tell apart.

Scented mouse deterrents, like peppermint oil, can be effective in the short term. The pungent smells may temporarily repel mice, but they lose effectiveness as the scent fades or mice get used to it. The main drawbacks are frequent reapplication and the fact that these deterrents don't address the root cause of the infestation, such as entry points or food sources. While they can be part of a broader strategy, scented deterrents alone are rarely enough to eliminate a mouse problem.