Author page: Dr. Eleanor Vance (PhD, BSc Hons)

Can Cats Help Get Rid of Mice in Your Home?

Can Cats Help Get Rid of Mice in Your Home?

Updated: April 30th, 2025 It’s well-known that cats chase mice, while mice instinctively scramble in their presence. This begs the question—do cats really help control mouse populations? Below, we delve deeper into the predator-prey relationship between cats and mice, exploring the nuances of their interactions and providing insights into effective pest management strategies. The Cat-and-Mouse Relationship It’s fascinating to consider…

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How to Remove & Help Keep Mice Out of the Stove

Keeping Your Kitchen Rodent-Free: A Comprehensive Guide to Tackling Mice in Your Stove Mice are often attracted to kitchens due to the availability of food and warmth, making stoves and ovens their ideal nesting spots. When mice invade your stove, they can not only damage your appliances but also contaminate your food, posing serious health risks. If you suspect a…

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Gopher Behavior: What Plants Do Gophers Eat?

Gopher Behavior: What Plants Do Gophers Eat?

Preparing for Gopher Season: Essential Insights As winter fades and spring approaches, it’s crucial to prepare for the resurgence of pesky creatures like gophers. With the warming weather, you may begin to notice increased gopher activity in your yard. Not only do these animals create unsightly holes, but they also pose a threat to your beloved plants. A common question…

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What to do If You’re Sprayed by a Skunk

What to do If You’re Sprayed by a Skunk

Why skunks spray: Skunks release a sulfur-based liquid as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened, producing a powerful, long-lasting odor. Tip: Knowing the warning signs a skunk displays before spraying can help you avoid an encounter; these include stamping their feet, hissing, and raising their tail. Health effects: Skunk spray isn’t poisonous but can irritate your eyes and lungs…

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What Types of Bugs Live in Basements?

What Types of Bugs Live in Basements?

Basements can be a haven for various pests, providing insects like spiders and termites with an ideal environment to thrive. The combination of dampness and darkness in basements creates the perfect hideaway for these unwanted guests. Understanding what attracts these pests to your underground space is the first step in removing them from your home. Here, we delve into the…

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What Does a Honey Bee Nest in Your Home Look Like?

What Does a Honey Bee Nest in Your Home Look Like?

Finding a bee nest near your home can be concerning, especially when there are many different types of stinging insects to consider. However, you can often determine whether it’s a honey bee nest from a safe distance! By observing their behavior, the type of nest they’ve built, and its location, you can gain valuable insights. Knowing these subtle clues can…

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Are Mice Really Blind? | What Can Mice See?

Are Mice Really Blind? | What Can Mice See?

Are Mice Actually Blind? You’ve likely heard since childhood—perhaps even learned a nursery rhyme about it—that mice are blind. But are mice truly blind? The Truth About Mouse Vision The truth is that mice are only completely blind for a short time after birth. Within about 13 to 14 days, their eyes begin to open, and by three weeks, they…

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How Often Do Bugs Crawl Into Sleeping People’s Ears?

How Often Do Bugs Crawl Into Sleeping People’s Ears?

The notion of bugs or spiders crawling into people’s ears while they sleep often circulates in the form of horror stories. These tales typically lack scientific backing and are usually dismissed as urban legends or old wives’ tales. However, emergency room doctors might hold a different perspective, having seen firsthand the consequences of such nocturnal invasions. In reality, the phenomenon…

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