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It can be difficult to know what type of animal is in your attic until you see it. But several clues can help you narrow down the suspects:

• Sounds: Smaller animals like rats and mice make scurrying and tapping/gnawing sounds. Larger animals like raccoons and opossums make louder clambering noises. Also, note when animals are noisy: Squirrels are active during the day, while rats are busiest at night.

• Droppings: Rats and mice leave small, rice-shaped droppings (the rat’s version is significantly larger). Bigger droppings belong to larger critters like raccoons. As long as you’re not squeamish, an image search can help you identify what you’re seeing in your attic.

When in doubt, take photos of damage or other evidence and show them to an experienced pest control pro.

Naturally occurring EPA-registered Bti products are an effective way to kill off mosquitoes at the larval stage. And, although they won’t wipe them out, there are lots of natural repellents that make your yard less attractive to mosquitoes. Try planting some marigolds, lemon thyme, or other plants they’ll steer clear of, light a citronella candle or two, or lay some bug-offensive cedar mulch.

Luckily, spiders rarely “infest” a home like many other pests. They don’t tend to live in groups except when first born, and prefer their space. But you can prevent them from gaining entry by making sure your home is well-sealed and free of other insects. You can also lay down barrier sprays or powders designed to repel or kill spiders. Professionals can also lay down these barriers to prevent future spider problems.

Yes, humans carry fleas. Although fleas are primarily associated with dogs and cats, they are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide of mammals, including humans. The difference is that most fleas will only choose animals as their hosts. They may bite humans, but they don’t tend to stick around on humans for long. The one exception is the Pulex irritans, also called the human flea, which prefers human blood.