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Brown recluse spiders are attracted to homes and properties in search of shelter and food. Key attractants include a steady supply of insects, which are their primary food source. Consequently, things that attract other bugs, like food left out or poorly sealed trash cans, will also indirectly attract spiders. They also seek warm, dry, dark spots with nooks and crannies for nesting, such as untended wood piles, dirt piles, and cardboard boxes. Additionally, excessive outdoor lighting can attract insects, which in turn draws in spiders.

Skunks spray as a defense mechanism to ward off predators. The active ingredient in their sulfurous, oily musk is n-butyl mercaptan, which evaporates into a powerful and smelly gas. Once the spray hits the skunk’s target, the stench can linger for days, and water and common cleaning kits aren’t enough to wash it away.

If you happen upon a skunk in your yard, try to back away slowly to reduce the chance of them aiming at you. Encouragingly, they don’t use their weapon casually, as it can take up to 10 days for their life-saving weaponry to refill. Paw stamping, hissing, lifting their tail, and arching their back are early signs they feel trapped or under threat and that it’s time to make a careful retreat.

While keeping any critter away permanently isn’t always possible, you can keep mice away from your home by setting traps, fumigating your space, and sealing known entry points. Once you’ve taken these steps, take time to work on prevention measures, such as clearing out all clutter and recyclables and removing all food sources.

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.