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Some snake repellents are risky to use around people and pets because they use the active ingredient in mothballs, naphthalene. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified naphthalene as a carcinogen that can cause damage to the liver, neurological issues, and cataracts. 

The Colorado State University Extension suggests there’s not enough conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of snake repellents to recommend their use.

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.

Aside from a warm, cozy place to curl up, you might wonder what attracts mice to your home. Several items attract mice, including: Birdseed Pet food Water Cereal and whole grains Food scraps from the composting bin Open trash cans High-fat and high-sugar foods Unused cars—they make great homes for chilly mice Insulation in the attic Clutter Brush from your yard, including leaves, sticks, wood, and shrubs (so mice can make nests) Overgrown trees or bushes—mice love to leap from branches onto the roof Indoor nesting materials, including cloth, paper, tissues, and toilet paper Tiny cracks in the siding or foundation

Pantry bugs are rarely able to get into sealed packages, but they may try. If you find pests on or around a sealed food item, check inside to make sure the food is still clean. Not sure whether a package is contaminated? Spread the contents onto a cookie sheet and use a flashlight to look for pests.