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Grass spiders, also known as funnel-web spiders, are the culprits here, building small webs directly into the grass to catch any insects that have the misfortune of crawling too close. They are often confused with wolf spiders, as the two species look nearly identical, but grass spiders are actually great helpers in maintaining your lawn.

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.

Adult fleas can live a few days to a couple of weeks on your couch if they don't have a host to feed on. However, flea eggs, larvae, and pupae can live much longer, even several months, with the right conditions. That is why it’s vital to eradicate them from your couch and other upholstered furniture.

Common signs of a flea infestation include pets scratching or grooming excessively, itching and irritation affecting both pets and people, and visible flea bites or red spots on the skin. You might also see live fleas on your pets or find dark specks in their fur, known as 'flea dirt,' which is flea feces.