Debunking the Most Common Pest Control Myths

Most likely everyone, more commonly homeowners, will come up against pest control problems in their life. Most of the time, it happens when you least expect it, and there are a ton of misconceptions about why infestations happen and how pests get into your home. Here are some of the most common pest control myths.

Myth: Pests only show up in dirty places.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. With pests like mice and insects, all it takes is one opportunity to get into your home or a few crumbs on a windowsill for a pest control problem to begin. 

Fact: Pests can infest clean places.

Many people assume that keeping a squeaky-clean house will keep pests away, but they can infest clean spaces too. Mice are attracted to more than mess and food – they also commonly look for warmer places to sneak into especially in the winter. Some insects, like bedbugs, are not attracted to dirty places, rather they look for areas where they can have access to a blood supply. 

While keeping a clean house is important to limit the possibility of a pest problem, it’s not the only thing to think about. It’s important to understand how certain pests can get in and what they are specifically attracted to.

Myth: If you can’t see them, they aren’t there.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Just because you don’t physically see pests or notice the damage they can do daily does not mean they are not there. In fact, the most problematic pests are the ones that are really hard to see. 

Fact: Some pests are silent and stay out of sight.

With some pests, like termites, you most likely won’t notice them until they have caused a big enough problem. Keeping an eye out for pests like these is not enough to keep your home free from infestation. 

Regular inspection is the only way to monitor pests. It’s important to have pest control professionals come to inspect and take precautions to stay ahead of any infestations that can occur. They can also let you know if you have openings in your home or other issues that could invite specific kinds of pests into your house.

Myth: Pets are a sure-fire way to keep pests away. 

Introducing cats and dogs into your home does help to deter mice, roaches, and other pests from the living areas of your home, but that doesn’t mean they will stay away from your house entirely. 

Fact: Pets will only help pests know where to hide.

The relationship between pets and pests is not like the Hollywood portrayal of cats and mice. Cats will really only catch mice when they are feeling playful, and mice will normally live where cats won’t even be able to catch them. 

Rodents, especially, will still try to stay in the walls, pantries, attics, basements, and other unused areas of your home despite pets. 

Myth: A one-time or singular pest control method is enough. 

This is one of the most common pest control myths. Unfortunately, this is usually not the case. Most of the time, pest control problems are not a quick fix and don’t normally have one reason they happen. Rodents, insects, and other pests usually pick a place to call home based on multiple routes of entry or a good supply of what they need to survive. 

Fact: You need to use more than one method to get rid of pests. 

Mousetraps are not a cure-all. For all pests, understand how they got in and what in your home they are attracted to. This means checking your house for cracks in the foundation or improperly sealed doors and windows, as well as making sure all areas in and around your home are not inviting to pests. 

This will usually mean multiple visits from professionals who will check the house and administer pest-control treatments. 

Myth: Pest control methods used by professionals is harmful. 

People will not consider calling in professional pest control teams because of the misconception that their methods are harmful to their family or pets. While it is important to use these chemicals safely, professionals know what they are doing and their priority is keeping your household safe. 

Fact: When professionally used, pest control chemicals are safe

Chemicals commonly used in pest control, even by professionals, can be harmful to humans and pets, but this only becomes an issue when improperly administered in your home. 

You should not use these chemicals yourself, as professional pest control teams are trained to know where and how to use these chemicals so that they will only harm the pests they are trying to get under control. When done by a professional, pest control services are completely safe. 

If you’ve been guilty of believing any of these pest control myths, give our experts a call. We can answer any of your questions, whether it’s about any of these pest control myths or other concerns.

Keep your house free of pests year-round with Van Den Berge Pest Control 

Van Den Berge Pest Control has been voted the best of West Michigan Pest Control companies for eight consecutive years. We offer a 100% no-risk guarantee for pests of all kinds, whether it’s termites, mice, rats, roaches, or other animals and bugs. Contact us today at 616-392-7367 if you need help to eliminate termites or any pests from your home.