While the term “gnat” is often used as a blanket term for tiny flying insects like fungus gnats and fruit flies, they are different insects. The primary distinctions are in their appearance, diet, and habitat. Fungus gnats are typically darker (gray or black) with long legs and are attracted to damp soil and decaying plant matter, often living in houseplants. In contrast, fruit flies are lighter in color (tan) with shorter legs and are drawn to overripe fruit, high-fructose organic substances, and other sweet materials.

Possums don’t typically pose a danger to humans—they prefer to stay out of sight. If they feel threatened, they play dead instead of engaging. However, they can become aggressive when cornered, typically when they become trapped inside your home or when a dog chases them. When this happens, it’s best to call a wildlife control service near you to remove possums safely.

Using rat poison in your crawl space can be risky. While it may kill rats, they can die in hard-to-reach places, causing foul odors and attracting other pests. Yikes. Moreover, secondary poisoning can happen to pets if they consume poisoned rats. If you decide to use poison, consult a local exterminator for guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Spider mites hate high humidity, strong air circulation, and potent smells like peppermint oil. Utilizing these factors can help deter spider mites so that they don’t feast on your plant leaves and inhibit growth. If you try these methods and spider mites still won’t leave, it’s time to hire a professional pest control service to tackle the task.