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Common signs of a flea infestation include pets scratching or grooming excessively, visible fleas on pets, and red spots or bites on the skin of both pets and people. You may also notice dark spots on your pet’s fur, known as “flea dirt,” which is flea feces. Itching and irritation for both you and your pets are also strong indicators of an infestation.

Aside from incorporating smells that roaches hate in your bedroom, such as citronella, lemongrass, or clove oil, there are a few ways you can keep roaches away at night. First, try moving your bed away from the wall, as roaches will often climb the walls and onto your bed. If you’re still having trouble, you can also purchase a mosquito tent for your bed, or hang netting from the ceiling to surround your sleeping area. Make sure it isn’t touching the ground, though, as they may attempt to climb it.

To determine if you have a rat or mouse infestation, look for several key differences. The most obvious is the size of the rodent: rats are significantly larger with thicker bodies, while mice are much smaller and more slender. You can also identify them by their droppings; rat droppings are larger and rounder, about the size of a raisin, while mouse droppings are smaller, like a grain of rice, and often have pointed ends. Other signs include the sounds they make, as rats produce louder scratching and gnawing noises due to their size. Behaviorally, rats tend to be more cautious, whereas mice are more curious and might be seen more often. Additionally, rat nests are typically larger than those of mice. If you are unable to see the pest or find clear evidence, a professional inspection can provide a definitive identification.

The number of treatments required to eliminate bed bugs varies depending on the severity of the infestation. Most cases require two to four treatments within a three- to six-week span. However, a small infestation might only need one inspection and one treatment visit. In contrast, severe cases or large homes may require an ongoing plan with quarterly, monthly, or semi-monthly visits from an exterminator for up to a year. To get rid of bed bugs as quickly as possible, it's best to investigate and treat them at the first sign of an issue.