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Setting up an animal trap in your yard largely depends on where you live and the type of critter you're dealing with. In many states, trapping nuisance animals like squirrels, rats, or raccoons is allowed, sometimes without needing a permit. However, certain wildlife species are protected, and not all states have lenient catch-and-release regulations.

Before placing a trap, check your local laws to avoid fines or other legal issues. Some areas allow DIY trapping, while others may require professional assistance. Most areas require a professional to relocate the animal once trapped. Consulting a pro ensures you handle the situation responsibly, humanely, and within the law.

This varies based on the circumstance. Chemical-based pest control baits and poisons are usually the most potent, but they are unsafe to use around children and pets, so they won’t be a fit for every household.

Safer alternatives, such as boric acid and food-grade diatomaceous earth, can work as well, though they should still stay out of reach. Aside from that, the best thing any DIY-er can do is make their place uninviting by sealing off entry points, eliminating clutter, and maintaining a clean home.

Preventing rats and mice from getting into the attic can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are a few steps you can take to keep them looking elsewhere for a new place to call home:

• Block or cover any potential access holes

• Keep piles or stacks of firewood or other materials away from the house

• Seal food and garbage in containers to prevent rodents from chewing through or getting in

Roaches won’t sting your pets and don’t have venom like spiders do , but they present other dangers. Cockroaches are notorious carriers of diseases like salmonella and parasites like tapeworms. Because they’re so dirty, their bites (otherwise harmless) can also get infected. You don’t want your pets chasing and trying to eat cockroaches, or sleeping near a roach infestation.