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Across most of the United States, the fall season sees rats at their prime activity levels. As temperatures drop, rats become more active, spurred by the weather shift to seek shelter as winter approaches. During this time, their curiosity and energy peak, driving them to explore what your home and its surroundings might offer.

Spotting a single scorpion in the home doesn’t mean you have a full-blown infestation, but it does mean there’s a way for them to get inside. Other scorpions could easily use the same method, like entering through an air vent, as these arachnids are social creatures that tend to live in groups. If you see a baby scorpion, however, that likely indicates a nest somewhere in the home. This is also true if you spot a scorpion with an infant on its back.

Heat is the most effective instant killer of bed bugs. Exposing them to temperatures above 131 degrees Fahrenheit for over an hour can eliminate them. Methods like steam cleaners and using a dryer on high heat are effective for this. Other options that can kill bed bugs on contact include EPA-approved pesticides, bleach, disinfectant sprays with alcohol, diatomaceous earth, and hydrogen peroxide. While freezing can work, it is not an instant solution, as it can take several days at 0 degrees Fahrenheit to be effective. Keep in mind that many DIY treatments won't reach bed bugs hidden in cracks or behind walls. For severe infestations or the most effective results, it is best to hire a professional exterminator for a professional heat or chemical treatment.

Carpenter ants don’t eat wood. It’s a common misconception because many kinds of termites eat wood as well as live inside it. Carpenter ants, however, are omnivores and only chew into wood to create pathways and nests, discarding the chewed wood as frass which is a major indicator of a carpenter ant problem. They prefer to eat smaller insects, sweet things like spilled honey, and sources of protein like pet food.