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Trees that provide a habitat to bats and an abundance of bugs—their main food source—will attract bats to your yard. Because the North American landscape has changed so much in recent years, bats have a harder time finding trees with cavities to shelter in. If your yard has a dead or dying tree with a lot of sun exposure, bats will likely be drawn to it because trees with those features are less common.

How often you need pest control depends on your infestation problem. If you have a one-off issue, such as a wasp nest in a high-traffic area, you shouldn't need regular service. However, if you live in an area prone to ticks, termites, and ants, you'll likely need at least an annual pest control service. If the problem is persistent and significant, you may need quarterly or monthly service.

Some believe that essential oils, like peppermint, may work the way that roach-repellent foods do: the roaches do not like the smell that the oil is producing and so they stay away. While essential oils can deter roaches from surfaces, they do not fight an infestation. Use essential oils as a prevention method, not a removal method.

Squirrels rely heavily on their sense of smell and are deterred by a variety of scents. Some of the most effective smells for repelling them include peppermint oil, coffee grounds, white vinegar, garlic, cinnamon, rosemary, and predator urine. They also have a strong aversion to capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, making capsaicin-based sprays an effective repellent for areas like gardens or bird feeders. For a DIY solution, you can create a spray from garlic and vinegar and apply it daily. Additionally, squirrels dislike strong, fresh scents, so placing items like strong-smelling soaps or dryer sheets in areas they frequent can also help keep them away.