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Droppings from cockroaches, squirrels, mice, bats, and birds can resemble rat poop, making it easy to confuse one for another. Mouse droppings are smaller and more pointed, cockroach droppings resemble tiny black specks or ground pepper, and bat guano can look similar but usually crumbles into powder. Bird droppings sometimes have a similar shape, but often include white uric acid deposits. If in doubt, it’s best to consult a pest control professional for proper identification and removal.

The most effective natural roach repellent is Borax with its key ingredient of boric acid and diatomaceous earth. But some homeowners may not feel like these are “natural” enough, especially since you can’t use Borax around curious pets or toddlers.

On the other hand, studies have shown that oregano oil mixtures have some of the best repellent effects, and other research indicates that catnip oil, peppermint oil, and citrus oils have notable effects on keeping roaches away. Rosemary oil has been shown to be the most effective natural oil for killing cockroaches outright.

Armadillos have very strong smelling capabilities to track down insects efficiently. But this superpower is actually a double-edged sword because their extreme sense of smell also causes them to be more sensitive and deterred by strong odors. To keep them at bay, you can place small amounts of substances like vinegar, ammonia, and mothballs around your property and near armadillo hotspots.

Although you can technically flood an armadillo out of its hole, it’s important to remember that this can be potentially fatal to the animal. Armadillos sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day, and if you perform this technique while they’re deep in sleep, they may not awake soon enough to save themselves.

Groundhogs love to eat a variety of plant matter. This includes beans, peas, sunflowers, tender greens such as leafy vegetables, clover, dandelion, and alfalfa, and sweet fruits such as apples and berries. Groundhogs eat up to a pound and a half of plant matter each day, so household gardens often become their prime target.