There's anecdotal evidence that apple cider vinegar does help to repel mice. But the best way to repel mice is to keep your home scrupulously clean and seal up any obvious entry points. If you already have a mouse infestation, apple cider vinegar won’t get rid of the critters. It’s usually worth the cost of professional pest control to make sure a serious mouse problem is eradicated completely.

Termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles can move from wood furniture to other areas of your home. If you notice signs of bugs in wood furniture, it's best to remove and isolate it for treatment. Remember that it can be difficult to identify which type of pest you are dealing with, and they can already be in areas of your home.

If DIY methods don’t work or you don’t know which pest it is you should contact an exterminator if you are showing signs of wood-eating pests to prevent further damage.

Contact pest control if you have a stink bug infestation that you need to eliminate quickly. It’s difficult to kill them without crushing them and releasing their signature odor, or without using a toxic insecticide. Some homeowners have had luck with peppermint oil sprays or soapy water traps. But a professional exterminator will have the best advice and course of action.

A bowl of vinegar will not kill fleas and acts only as a repellent. To get rid of fleas, you can create a homemade flea trap or buy flea traps from a local hardware store. Consistent trapping and meticulous cleaning will help eliminate fleas before they become an infestation. If you have a moderate to severe flea infestation, you’ll likely need the help of a local flea control specialist.