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Paper wasps, like many other wasps, are attracted to sweet smells that remind them of nectar. That’s why wasps may buzz around you as you snack on watermelon on the patio. They may also like the scent of certain perfumes. Standing water attracts these wasps, too.

Paper wasps are also attracted to warm, sheltered spaces, where they can build nests and raise larva in protected areas away from predators. They may also be attracted to untreated wood on your deck or fence, as they use wood pulp to build nests.

While there are many sweet, ripe, or fermented items that attract fruit flies, the clear winner is apple cider vinegar. The liquid is sweet, potent, and fermented, making it the perfect bait for luring fruit flies into your trap.

It can be difficult to know what type of animal is in your attic until you see it. But several clues can help you narrow down the suspects:

• Sounds: Smaller animals like rats and mice make scurrying and tapping/gnawing sounds. Larger animals like raccoons and opossums make louder clambering noises. Also, note when animals are noisy: Squirrels are active during the day, while rats are busiest at night.

• Droppings: Rats and mice leave small, rice-shaped droppings (the rat’s version is significantly larger). Bigger droppings belong to larger critters like raccoons. As long as you’re not squeamish, an image search can help you identify what you’re seeing in your attic.

When in doubt, take photos of damage or other evidence and show them to an experienced pest control pro.

The number of spiders considered normal in a house can vary significantly depending on geographic location, season, and the specific environment of the house. Generally, it's common for a home to have one or two spiders present at any time. If you consistently notice more than one spider in your home daily or you're dealing with potentially dangerous species, it's advisable to seek professional pest control services to address the issue.