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You’ll find groundhogs are most active during the morning hours and late afternoon, but they want to avoid humans at all costs. If you do set a trap, you can set it out the night before so it’s waiting on them the next morning, and try to remove any human scent when setting it out.

For routine pest control maintenance, most specialists recommend treatments every three months (quarterly). However, the ideal frequency can range from monthly to yearly depending on several factors. If you have a severe infestation, more frequent treatments will likely be necessary. Your location also plays a role; for example, homes near water may experience more pests in spring and summer. It's best to discuss your specific situation with a pest control professional to determine a suitable schedule. If you notice any pests between scheduled visits, inform your provider so they can address the issue promptly.

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.

Carpet beetles do not bite humans, but their larvae can cause skin irritation that’s often mistaken for bites. These tiny, bristly larvae have barbed hairs that can lead to allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, resulting in red, itchy welts or rashes. While the irritation may resemble bug bites, it’s actually a response to contact with the hairs or shed skins, not an actual bite. Adult carpet beetles are harmless and primarily feed on pollen, but their larvae can damage natural fibers like wool, fur, or leather in carpets, clothing, and upholstery.