Do I need to worry about rats in my yard but not in my house?

• <div><p>Seeing a rat or two isn’t uncommon, especially in mild climates. That doesn’t mean they are actively a danger to your home. The problem is when you start seeing rats regularly in your yard, there’s a good chance they are also looking for ways to get into your house or other buildings. All they need is a small hole or gap, and they have a new place to nest -- which is bad news for you. Stay cautious if you start seeing rats in your yard all the time. </p></div>

Will pest-repellent plants kill animals?

• <div><p>Some of the plants listed above, like daffodils, are poisonous to many animals if eaten. But wild animals instinctively avoid them, for the most part. Household pets don’t always have the same survival instinct, which is why it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with common plants that pose a danger to cats and dogs.</p></div>

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Q: Does cinnamon keep bugs away?

• <div><p>Cinnamon's warm scent appeals to many people but not to many bugs. The spice contains eugenol, which also happens to be used in insecticides. While the level of eugenol in cinnamon isn't enough to eliminate bugs on its own, the scent can be strong enough to keep them away. </p><p>You can try sprinkling cinnamon around areas where you've seen insects, such as ants and mosquitos. Remember that you'll have to reapply frequently, especially after periods of rain.</p></div>

Q: Do I need to worry about rats in my yard but not in my house?

• <div><p>Seeing a rat or two isn&rsquo;t uncommon, especially in mild climates. That doesn&rsquo;t mean they are actively a danger to your home. The problem is when you start seeing rats regularly in your yard, there&rsquo;s a good chance they are also looking for ways to get into your house or other buildings. All they need is a small hole or gap, and they have a new place to nest -- which is bad news for you. Stay cautious if you start seeing rats in your yard all the time. </p></div>

Q: What keeps fleas off you?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re heading outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants to minimize skin exposure. You may also want to wear clothing and any additional gear, like backpacks or tents, treated with 0.5% permethrin. If you&rsquo;re dealing with fleas at home, you may want to wear insect repellant and vacuum your bed, carpets, and upholstery frequently to minimize fleas.</p></div>

Q: How do I keep birds off the porch?

• <div><p>Keeping birds away from a porch can involve a combination of strategies. Start with cleaning your porch. Remove food, debris, and plants that may be attracting feathered friends. Afterward, install physical deterrents like netting or spikes. Next, top off your porch with a decoy or two&mdash;and owl or hawk works. When wondering <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-keep-birds-off-porch.htm">how to keep birds off the porch</a>, it is always best to use humane efforts that won't harm winged creatures or the environment.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Pest Control pros in Dumas, MS

*The Angi rating for Pest Control companies in Dumas, MS is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Pest Control companies in Dumas, MS is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

Last update on January 20, 2026

Reviewed in February 2025
Prompt service and very professional. Did a fantastic job fixing our LVP flooring and even cleaned the floor after he finished. I will actually hire him again to build shelving for a large pantry very soon. He can do it all and very good at keeping his word and also very affordable, so much more...
Braddock and Sons Remodeling
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Reviewed in September 2024
I called Jordan at Williams Remodeling LLC to come out and do some work for me on my house and OMG! He did an outstanding job. Very professional! Very polite! Showed up when he said he was going to! Will definitely be the only company I use from now on!
Williams Remodeling LLC
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Reviewed in March 2024
They were very prompt and on time. They worked with me to design my front beds and agreed to complete an extra pair of beds down my walkway for me. I had forgotten to add them when we first agreed on the contract but they added it on for me at the last minute. They left my front yard clean...
S and S landscaping
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Reviewed in July 2023
Excellent service. They responded quickly with a very reasonable price following an on-site observation. They showed up with a well coordinated team, trimmed back a large tree, removed all of the debris and left the area better than they found it. The access was very difficult, and they were...
2C Construction
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Reviewed in June 2023
He cleared my drains and increased the pressure in the water flow. He was very polite and professional. I was very pleased with his work. I am elderly and his prices are very reasonable.
Father & Son Plumbing
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Reviewed in July 2022
Jay and his crew removed three pine trees that were in bad shape but were between our home, shop, power lines, and propane tank. Work was excellent and fast and they cleaned up so well I didn't even have to go behind them with a rake. Highly recommend!
Angry Beavers Tree Service Company, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2021
Billy is very experienced & knowledgeable. we'll have no problem hiring him again.
Davis Painting and Home Repair
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Reviewed in August 2014
Had a few bumps in the road but Terry and I were able to work thru our differences and get to the finish line. I had to do a little more follow-up work than usual but I would certainly recommend Mr. Tilly with Moisture Control Experts.
Moisture Control Experts
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Find Pest control specialists in Dumas

Terminix - Greenville -Termite & Pest Control

4.22(

)

Terminix - Greenville -Termite & Pest Control

4.22(

)

Customers say: Super punctual

99 years of experience

When pests or termites move in, you want the ultimate weapon to take them out: Terminix, America’s leading provider of termite and pest control. It's no wonder more than 2.7 million customers trust us to protect their homes and families from the havoc that unwanted intruders can create. You can look to us for a wide range of services to protect your home top to bottom, inside and out: Insulation Service, Moisture Control Solutions, Rodent and Wildlife Service and more. We can even help you win the fight against the bite with our revolutionary Mosquito Service. Don’t trust your home to just anybody. Go big. Go strong. Go Terminix. Protector of home since 1927.

Family Termite and Environmental Inc

4.38(

)

Family Termite and Environmental Inc

4.38(

)

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 92% of Angi customers

Gulf Coast Offices: Harrison County:(228) 822-1212; Hancock County: (228) 466-9022; Jackson County: (228) 497-1230. Locally owned and operated. No subs used. Costs are hourly. No travel charges. Basic service charges apply, ask for details. May request appointment online.

"They did not have to dig a trench around my house. They used a machine to inject chemical into soil. The technician told me if I dug up shrubs (disturb the soil) to let them know, and they would retreat that section. Also when new pine straw was added let them know. I use this company for my Qtrly pest control also."

Linda H on August 2019

"They did not have to dig a trench around my house. They used a machine to inject chemical into soil. The technician told me if I dug up shrubs (disturb the soil) to let them know, and they would retreat that section. Also when new pine straw was added let them know. I use this company for my Qtrly pest control also."

HENDERSON PEST CONTROL

3.67(

)

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

When it comes to Memphis pest control, people trust the skilled professionals at James Pest Management to do the job right. We understand how important your home is to you, and we know how to help protect it from insects and other animals.

"Been with James Pest for 12 years and they have ALWAYS treated me with love and care!"

Katylee B on September 2024

"Been with James Pest for 12 years and they have ALWAYS treated me with love and care!"

Katylee B on September 2024

Showing 1-10 of 19

Pest Control questions, answered by experts

Cinnamon's warm scent appeals to many people but not to many bugs. The spice contains eugenol, which also happens to be used in insecticides. While the level of eugenol in cinnamon isn't enough to eliminate bugs on its own, the scent can be strong enough to keep them away.

You can try sprinkling cinnamon around areas where you've seen insects, such as ants and mosquitos. Remember that you'll have to reapply frequently, especially after periods of rain.

Seeing a rat or two isn’t uncommon, especially in mild climates. That doesn’t mean they are actively a danger to your home. The problem is when you start seeing rats regularly in your yard, there’s a good chance they are also looking for ways to get into your house or other buildings. All they need is a small hole or gap, and they have a new place to nest -- which is bad news for you. Stay cautious if you start seeing rats in your yard all the time.

If you’re heading outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants to minimize skin exposure. You may also want to wear clothing and any additional gear, like backpacks or tents, treated with 0.5% permethrin. If you’re dealing with fleas at home, you may want to wear insect repellant and vacuum your bed, carpets, and upholstery frequently to minimize fleas.

Keeping birds away from a porch can involve a combination of strategies. Start with cleaning your porch. Remove food, debris, and plants that may be attracting feathered friends. Afterward, install physical deterrents like netting or spikes. Next, top off your porch with a decoy or two—and owl or hawk works. When wondering how to keep birds off the porch, it is always best to use humane efforts that won't harm winged creatures or the environment.

Some of the plants listed above, like daffodils, are poisonous to many animals if eaten. But wild animals instinctively avoid them, for the most part. Household pets don’t always have the same survival instinct, which is why it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with common plants that pose a danger to cats and dogs.

The Dumas, MS homeowners’ guide to pest control services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Angi
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Nov 19, 2025Nov 19, 2025
How Much Does a Mosquito Misting System Cost? [2026 Data]
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Professional spider exterminator costs vary depending on the infestation size, visit frequency, and methods. Use this guide to budget for speedy spider removal.
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How to Keep Foxes Away From Your Yard and Garden
Foxes are opportunistic scavengers, so you don’t want to give them an excuse to park on your property. Learn how to keep foxes away from your yard.
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Dec 18, 2025Dec 18, 2025
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Wasps are considered scary pests. But how do you tell a dangerous wasp from a helpful one? Here’s how to identify common types of wasps.
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Nov 20, 2025Nov 20, 2025
Why Are There So Many Phorid Flies in My Home?
Wondering why there are so many phorid flies in your home? Learn several ways to protect your home from this household pest.