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Homemade raccoon repellents can be a cost-effective and humane method for keeping raccoons off your property. Raccoons despise the smell of vinegar, so keeping a bowl of it near your home can keep them away. Some wildlife companies advise using cayenne pepper or hot sauce sprinkled near your deck or porch as another homemade option.

Like many other rodents, squirrels can be a little difficult to get rid of (especially in the case of an infestation), but the best approach is to make the place as unattractive to squirrels as possible. If you do have an infestation inside your home, then professional help may be necessary so you can lay as many traps as possible. 

It’s debatable, but most will say either termites or bed bugs are the hardest to remove. When dealing with termites, you must find the central nest (as opposed to satellite nests) and exterminate the queen and all potential queens, which often takes the work of a specialist. Bed bugs, meanwhile, are incredibly hardy, good at hiding, and resistant to pesticides, so it takes very careful, very thorough work to get rid of them permanently. 

When you’re checking for bed bugs in your home, start by searching for the telltale signs rather than the insects themselves, as they tend to stay hidden during the day. Here are the key signs of a bed bug infestation:

• Rust-colored or reddish stains on mattresses and bed sheets

• Dark spots on fabric

• Shed skins

• Fecal matter (looks like black spots)

As for fleas, you can typically spot them on your pet. If you notice them scratching themselves excessively, look for bites and bugs on their skin and fur.