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Yes, humans carry fleas. Although fleas are primarily associated with dogs and cats, they are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide of mammals, including humans. The difference is that most fleas will only choose animals as their hosts. They may bite humans, but they don’t tend to stick around on humans for long. The one exception is the Pulex irritans, also called the human flea, which prefers human blood.

Roaches multiply quickly, which is why an infestation can spread so fast. Female American cockroaches lay about 12 eggs in each egg case, called an ootheca. They can lay six to 14 ootheca during their short lifespan. German cockroaches lay four to five ootheca in their lifetime, with each carrying 20 to 40 eggs. Many roaches can have 100 to over 200 offspring during their lifespan.

Using rat poison in your crawl space can be risky. While it may kill rats, they can die in hard-to-reach places, causing foul odors and attracting other pests. Yikes. Moreover, secondary poisoning can happen to pets if they consume poisoned rats. If you decide to use poison, consult a local exterminator for guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness.

You can find anti-rat sprays in most home department stores that may be worth a try. Spray them along fences and in areas where you don’t want rats to go (like around decks) and they may think twice before approaching. For a natural version, you can try a mint spray, since rats generally dislike mint. But even the most effective sprays are unlikely to stop a hungry rat over time.