We all know Nature's Eighth Law: "Any sheltering harbor beneath the ground is OK to crawl into." So if you see ants, beetles, spiders, centipedes, mice, possums, feral cats, or raccoons in your roots-level apartment, do not be alarmed. They are most interested in fresh air and a warm place to sleep, and so are probably just passing through on their way upstairs.
Just because I believe there's a best way to do everything, here's a handy how-to to keep handy:
| Life form | Quick and dirty way | Proper method |
| Ants | Spread cinnamon liberally around wherever you see them. | Trap and release. |
| Beetles | Trap and release. | Invite to lunch with the spiders and centipedes. |
| Spiders, centipedes | Ignore them, they are your friends! |
Create a welcoming environment |
| Mice or feral cats |
See one? Add the other. Better than Saturday morning TV. |
Trap and send to Hollywood. |
| Raccoons. | Just don't make eye contact. | *Bait and switch. |
*Bait and switch: Leave garbage and food in a place where the raccoon can find it, retreat to a far corner, and don't move. While he busies himself with a snack, grab your sleeping bag and hammock, leave quietly, lock the door, and go live in his former house in the neighbor's oak tree - you'll get more fresh air and he'll be stuck with that noisy dehumidifier.
Speaking of which, it's time to gear-up on gadgets.