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No, pest control is not covered by home insurance. This is considered routine maintenance that is the responsibility of the homeowner. Although this may be discouraging news, don’t let it deter you from taking care of your home so you can prevent pests from entering and becoming a bigger nuisance. Otherwise, you may have a bigger problem on your hands that you’ll also have to cover out-of-pocket.

Always begin by removing the gnat's source of food. Toss rotting fruit, place new fruit in the fridge, and switch the soil of your houseplants. 

The best way to get rid of gnats in the kitchen is by baiting and trapping them with something sweet. Combine water with a few drops of dish soap, apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sugar into a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and poke small holes to trap the gnat in the liquid.

If you’ve spotted a skunk or know that one of these furry creatures sprayed one of your family members, your answer is fairly obvious. However, a skunky smell in your house that isn’t coming from these critters may be a sign of a dangerous gas leak. If you suspect this, leave your home immediately and call emergency services. It could also be a build-up of dangerous gas in your home’s septic system or plumbing. Call a professional plumber near you to make an assessment.

Roaches have a strong sense of smell and are repelled by a variety of potent aromas. Scents that can help deter them include citrus (such as lemon and orange), herbs like peppermint, mint, basil, thyme, and oregano, spices like bay leaves, cinnamon, clove, and garlic, as well as lavender, eucalyptus, citronella, tea tree oil, and vinegar.

You can use these scents in several ways to create an unwelcoming environment for roaches:

• Plants: Place mint or lavender plants in your home or garden.

• Powders and Leaves: Sprinkle garlic powder or place crushed bay leaves and citrus peels in high-risk areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and entry points.

• Sprays: Create a diluted solution with scents like lemon or vinegar to spray in your home. These can also be used in cleaning products or as room fresheners.

• Essential Oils: While essential oils of these scents can be used, be cautious as they can be toxic to pets if inhaled.

It is important to note that while these smells can help keep roaches away, they typically do not kill them and may not be enough to drive out an existing infestation entirely. For best results, combine these scent-based deterrents with regular cleaning. Be sure to clean up all food spills, crumbs, and dirty dishes promptly, and keep trash cans covered with a tight-fitting lid to remove potential food sources.