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Yes, stink bugs can play dead. Stink bugs don’t just release bad odors, they have a defense mechanism to pretend to be dead, even when flicked over and swept into a trash bin. That’s how stink bugs may keep coming back even if you thought you got rid of them.

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.

To keep deer from eating your trees, you can either put up barriers or install a deer repellant. Barriers that protect trees from deer include tree wrap or fencing. You can also plant deer-resistant trees to prevent deer from eating or scraping against your trees or garden with plants that deer don’t like to be around.

The last thing you want is to fend off a swarm while on top of a fully-extended ladder. Additionally, be extremely careful when using a ladder, as falling from a tall height can result in serious injury. 

Leaving things to a pest control service in your area could be the best course of action if the nest is in an enclosed or difficult-to-reach space. If your spray doesn’t hit the right spot, is too far away, or isn’t powerful enough, you risk aggravating rather than killing all the wasps.