Q: How can I tell if I have bed bugs or fleas?

• <div>When you&rsquo;re <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-kill-fleas-carpet.htm">checking for bed bugs in your home</a>, 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:<ul><li>Rust-colored or reddish stains on mattresses and bed sheets</li><li>Dark spots on fabric</li><li>Shed skins</li><li>Fecal matter (looks like black spots)</li></ul>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.</div>

Question 1

What are the most common types of wasps?

Accepted Answer

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The most common wasps are hornets, yellowjackets, and paper wasps. Both hornets and yellowjackets are black and yellow, and hornets are known to be more aggressive if their nests are disturbed. Paper wasps are black or reddish-brown with yellow markings and often build nests on eaves or branches. Of the more than 300,000 species of wasps, these are the most often encountered by pest control professionals.

Question 2

How can I tell if I have bed bugs or fleas?

Accepted Answer

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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.

Question 3

Does vinegar keep bugs away?

Accepted Answer

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Vinegar can be an insect repellant, as many bugs find its scent off-putting. However, vinegar is acidic and may also cause damage to any plants it comes in contact with. If you'd like to use vinegar to deter pests in your garden, be careful not to spray it directly on the plant's leaves or stems.

It's also worth noting that vinegar's effects can be short. To continue to repel bugs, you'll need to spray vinegar repeatedly.

Question 4

Are squirrels aggressive?

Accepted Answer

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Generally, squirrels are not considered aggressive toward humans. They are more likely to flee than confront people. However, like many animals, they may exhibit aggressive behavior if they feel threatened or cornered. If you approach a squirrel too closely or try to handle it, especially if it's a mother protecting her young, it may resort to defensive tactics such as biting or scratching.

Question 5

Do I need to wash my sheets and clothes after pest control?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, you should wash your sheets and clothes immediately after receiving a pest control service. If your pest pro sprayed chemicals inside your home, it’s important to remove any lingering residue from your washable items. Consult your pest control pro for a list of post-treatment steps to follow.