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No, it’s not safe to leave a doggy door open. It might be more convenient, especially at night when you just want to lay in bed. However, when you leave it open, it increases the chance of other critters getting in without your knowledge. Also, it leaves your pup unsupervised for hours at a time.

Scent deterrents like ammonia, vinegar, mothballs, and pepper can help keep coyotes away, but these are best used in tandem with other preventative measures. Remember that ammonia and vinegar can kill your plants and/or grass, so it’s best to soak rags in these substances or spray them on hardscaped areas to avoid damaging your landscape.

Scented mouse deterrents, like peppermint oil, can be effective in the short term. The pungent smells may temporarily repel mice, but they lose effectiveness as the scent fades or mice get used to it. The main drawbacks are frequent reapplication and the fact that these deterrents don't address the root cause of the infestation, such as entry points or food sources. While they can be part of a broader strategy, scented deterrents alone are rarely enough to eliminate a mouse problem.

In addition to a clean home, fleas dislike oils made from plants that are naturally bug-resistant or poisonous to bugs. That includes myrtle, mint, eucalyptus, and especially cedar oil. Common household remedies like baking soda, garlic and apple vinegar don’t have any effect on fleas. Don’t spray essential oils directly on your own skin or your pets (and their bedding, because it can be a skin irritant. Stay away from tea tree oil. In pure form it can be very toxic to pets. Always ask your vet if you have any questions.