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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.

When you’re checking for bed bugs in your home, start by searching for the telltale signs rather than the insects themselves, as they tend to stay hidden during the day. Here are the key signs of a bed bug infestation:

• Rust-colored or reddish stains on mattresses and bed sheets

• Dark spots on fabric

• Shed skins

• Fecal matter (looks like black spots)

As for fleas, you can typically spot them on your pet. If you notice them scratching themselves excessively, look for bites and bugs on their skin and fur.

Tree sap is not usually dangerous to humans or pets. But some trees do produce dangerous sap. Notably, ash, birch, cedar and similar saps can irritate the skin but aren’t dangerous. Sap from trees like the Brazilwood, Mahogany, Milky Mangrove or well-named Poison Walnut can be corrosive, cause nausea, or trigger those with asthma. But for most backyard trees, protective equipment like a sturdy pair of gloves should be fine.

The houseplants that are prone to spider mites include English ivy, palms, philodendrons, calathea, and alocasia. Although spider mites can infest any indoor plant, they are more commonly drawn to the types listed above. If you have these in your home, pay special attention to them to help catch signs of infestation early.