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It is highly unlikely that fleas will go away on their own without treatment. Female fleas can lay dozens of eggs per day—up to 50—causing their numbers to multiply quickly and spread throughout your home. An adult flea can live for around 100 days or even up to a year as long as it has access to a host, such as a pet or human. Even without a host to feed on, fleas can survive for weeks. Because of their rapid reproduction and resilience, it's best to tackle a flea problem as soon as possible. Hiring an exterminator is recommended to prevent the infestation from worsening.

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.

If you find bed bugs on your mattress, your first step is to put your sheets, pillowcases, pillows, and nearby linens into a trash bag and wash them in hot water. Then, vacuum your mattress and the rest of your bedroom, paying special attention to the mattress seams and crevices near your headboard. Next, use one (or more) of the solutions listed above to kill any live bugs, or call an exterminator for a professional treatment.

It’s possible that skunks will leave on their own. Skunks may appear briefly on your property and move on if they cannot find food. However, waiting them out is not a foolproof solution. If the skunk finds a food source on or near your property and builds a nest, the animal will almost certainly not choose to move. If you can eliminate food sources, you’ll have a better chance of seeing the skunk leave on its own.