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You can find anti-rat sprays in most home department stores that may be worth a try. Spray them along fences and in areas where you don’t want rats to go (like around decks) and they may think twice before approaching. For a natural version, you can try a mint spray, since rats generally dislike mint. But even the most effective sprays are unlikely to stop a hungry rat over time.

Natural methods such as spraying orange oil, spreading diatomaceous earth, or spreading boric acid can help prevent termites from entering your home or damaging your garden. Place these solutions near termite entry points to deter them. Termites also dislike the smell of cedarwood, geranium, and tea tree oil, which can all be used to keep termites away.

Boric acid is among the harsher chemicals you can use in your home, and it poses risks whether ingested, inhaled, or touched. Kids and pets alike tend to put their hands and mouths on anything within reach, so it’s always a good idea to store boric acid in a spot they can’t get to and use it only when they’re not around for an extended period. When you use it, ensure they’re out of the house and fully clean up any trace of boric acid when you’re done because even a small amount can cause problems. 

It is a myth that smashing a stink bug attracts more stink bugs. According to the National Pesticide Information Center, killing a stink bug will not attract more of them. They are able to secrete a pheromone that attracts other bugs, but they will only release their alarm pheromone when they’re squished—which won’t attract more bugs.