10 Incorrect Pest Facts you Never Knew About

Who doesn’t want a pest free home? The lesser the pests in it the more comfortable you feel and the homelier it feels. But, this dream also brings along with it the pursuit for the same. From over the counter control and removal solutions, to DIY techniques, to voraciously reading all the tips, symptoms, signs and information on the same you really don’t leave any stone unturned, do you?

But are you aware of these myths that dictate so many property owners’ pest control measures? Filtering this information can help you understand how to carry out a thorough inspection, call for the right professional control and removal measures and protect your home in a better way.

Myth 1 - The Big Fat Myth Surrounding Termites

Everybody knows termites to be wood destroyers. Also known as ‘white ants’, they consume wood and if left unchecked by removal & control treatments, will quickly result in a full fledged infestation. However, most people think that a concrete floor equals no termite problems.

Here’s a real fact, 1 out of every 3 homes is susceptible to a termite attack. This is because they can quickly detect cracks, crevices, and entry points to get into a home, and from there on there’s no turning back. You’re better off with a watchful eye for termites at all times.

Myth 2 - Cleanliness is All That it Takes to Keep Pests Away

Nearly all control and removal best practices will talk about how you need to keep your property clean and clutter free. And while this has truth attached to it of preventing pests like termites and rodents from creating nesting places, it is no guarantee to keep pests out. Regular cleaning and tidying need to be followed by removal and control methods.

Myth 3 - Insecticide Usage

Again, an insecticide is almost every home owner’s go to solution, once they spot a bug, mosquito, or ant. But it cannot be the only thing you rely on. You either tend to spray so much that it makes the pests immune to its effect.

In other cases, it may even be toxic to your and your family’s health. More importantly, since pests are varied the kinds of insecticides that work on them too are varied. So you land up stocking several types insecticides. Plus, it only helps to get rid of them on a temporary basis.

Myth 4 - Ultrasonic Repellents/ Bug Zappers

We’re all familiar with ultrasonic sounds and how they work. However, there is no actual proof that ultrasonic repellents or even bug zappers for that matter, actually work.

Although backed by theory, you may want to spend your money on a solution that yields visible results. Insects like ants, bugs, mosquitoes are constantly in search of food and so move in that direction instead of the repellent’s or zapper’s as you might think so.

Myth 5 - Rodents are Dirty Creatures

The very thought of rodents in our homes and office automatically yield images of them transferring their filth all over the property. While it is true that they scavenge in search of foods in trash cans, gutters, dirty pipes, etc, they are known to be clean by nature.

In fact, they even have a separate place, which they use for urinating and pooping.Therefore, you need to understand they aren’t attracted to dirt but anything they can eat.

If you’re carrying out a pest inspection to locate their nest it might help to start tracing the steps to and from edible things in your home rather than any unclean areas.

Myth 6 - Call a Pest Professional Only if Need be

The age old proverb of precaution being better than a cure could not be a better way to phrase the clarification of this myth. Although you may think you’re saving on expenses by not calling for regular professional inspection until you actually spot a pest, this approach could land up burning a bigger hole in your pocket in the long run.

In fact, if you’re seeing signs or symptoms of their presence or infestation, you’re already too late! Rodents, bugs, and other pests can easily take control of your home. The only thing that’s going to keep them out, is professional inspection and routine pest control and removal treatments.

Myth 7 - Mosquitoes are Only Active at Dawn and Dusk

Most home owners tend to shut doors and windows hurriedly as soon as it’s dark. And all because of the fear of mosquitoes entering the house. But have you ever bothered to question that myth? Like every other insect and pest, they too are in constant search of food. This means they’re active throughout the day. In fact, some of the deadliest diseases are spread through species that bite during the day.

Myth 8 - Rodents Consume Poison Indoors but Die Outdoors

This myth can be attributed to being popularised by advertisements, etc. However, apart from a casual coincidence, there is no way to prove this myth. The poison takes between 4-10 days to act on the rodent.

During this period, the pest will tend to wait out this uneasy period in a safe place, which may be a dark hole or crevice in your home. Basically, a place that’s not frequently visited by you or other members of your family.

Myth 9 - A Domestic Cat Keeps Rodents Away

Popularised by cartoons, the theory of mice being ideal meals for cats is hardly true today. Since cats feed on packaged food we put out for them, they do not feel the need to hunt, thereby posing no threat to rodents.

If you do decide to get a pet cat, the maximum it may do, is merely chase these pests and harm them for fun. But in no way, does it act as guarantee to keep your property rodent free.

Myth 10 - Pest Control Solves the Problem Once and For all

Even the most acclaimed professional pest control specialists will vouch for the fact that keeping your home pest free is a continuous process that does not get fixed in one shot. This does not mean that solutions were ineffective.

Rather, trusted pest removal technicians will advise you to opt for a pest control plan that eradicates the current problem and safeguards your home from it returning in the future. When signing a pest control company on to treat your property, do ensure you select a plan accordingly.

Tackling pests like rodents, termites, mosquitoes, bugs, etc. can be a huge task. So, these pest control myths are better busted and clarified than a part of your home care routines. And finally, your home is better off being serviced at the hands of trained and experienced pest control experts.

About the Author:

Muzi Tsolakis heads Protech Pest Control, the finest professional pest control service for termite inspection. With over 3 decades of experience in treating infestations, these technicians have been successfully earning the trust of property owners across Melbourne, Australia.