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According to the National Pesticide Information Center, there aren’t any insect repellents registered for use against bed bugs that can be put on your skin. Some people may utilize diluted essential oils on their skin to try to repel bed bugs, but this is not considered effective for remedying the problem. The best way to repel bed bugs is to treat them with a non-toxic method to rid them from your home.

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.

Like many animals, gophers are bothered by strong scents. Peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil,  and coffee grounds can be used as deterrents against these pests. Similarly, you can try planting lavender, rosemary, sage, geraniums, or pine trees, as these plants all have strong smells that can ward away gophers. While it may be less pleasant to work with, coyote urine scares gophers by tricking the pests into thinking your yard is a predator hot spot.

Rats have a strong sense of smell and do not like the smell of bleach. However, pouring bleach in drains or toilets is not a good idea because it can cause dangerous chemical reactions and even damage your pipes. It’s best to have a professional plumber install a rat-blocker or non-return valve instead to keep critters from crawling up the toilet.