Get answers from experts who've solved 100,000+ pest problems across Northern Virginia and Maryland. Straight talk about what works, what doesn't, and how to protect your home — backed by our research team's findings.
Can mice chew through steel wool? Rarely. Hard steel fibers stop most gnawing, but mice pull loose wool out and it rusts. Here's how to use it the right way.
Can mice climb walls? Yes. House mice run up brick, wood, concrete and siding, plus pipes and wires. Smooth walls and metal bands stop them. Here's what to do.
How small of a hole can a mouse fit through? About 1/4 inch, the width of a pencil. See why the skull sets the limit, how rats compare, and how to seal gaps.
Does Irish Spring soap repel mice? Not reliably. No study shows it works on mice, and scents fade fast. See what the research says and what keeps mice out.
Does vinegar kill fleas? No. White and apple cider vinegar don't kill fleas, eggs, or larvae, and ACV can upset pets. Why the myth sticks and what works.
How high can mice jump? A house mouse jumps about 12 inches straight up, and some sources say up to 18. See how far they leap, fall and climb in your home.
Does baking soda kill fleas? No. There's no evidence it kills adults, eggs, or larvae. See why the myth sticks, the pet risks, and what actually clears fleas.
Does diatomaceous earth kill fleas? Yes, slowly, and mostly larvae in dry carpet. It misses eggs and pupae. How long it takes, how to use it, and its limits.
Tick removal in 5 steps: grip it at the skin with fine-tipped tweezers and pull straight up. What not to do, what to do after, and how to handle ticks on dogs.
The chances of getting sick from mouse droppings are low for most homes. See the real odds for hantavirus, LCMV and salmonella, who is at risk, and symptoms.
