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When you find pests in your house, where do you immediately go for advice? If you’re like most people, you hop on Google to see what the internet has to say about how to get rid of whatever’s bugging you.
Although the World Wide Web has plenty to offer us, not everything floating around in cyberspace is entirely accurate. In fact, a lot of it is downright false. Many of the most commonly held beliefs about pests and pest control are wrong, and this can be a problem if people are using the incorrect advice they find online to try to solve their pest problems. Not only can this advice fail to solve their pest infestations, but in some cases it can lead to bigger problems down the road.
Do you want to know what’s true and what isn’t when it comes to pests and pest control? All-American Pest Control’s expert technicians are here to help with information you can trust. This guide to pest control myths versus reality can help you avoid costly pest-related mistakes.
Myth #1: Squishing a Cockroach Releases Eggs Everywhere
There are a lot of myths out there about cockroaches, but this is one of the more disturbing ones. Thinking about a bunch of cockroach eggs being released all over the place after you squish the adult will probably make you think twice before you step on that cockroach you found in your kitchen. Are we sure the cockroaches themselves didn’t start this rumor for self-preservation?
However this myth came to be, you can rest assured that it is just a myth. You will not spread cockroach eggs throughout your house if you step on a roach. In reality, if you avoid killing cockroaches because you’re worried about their eggs spreading, it’s more likely that you’ll end up with a widespread cockroach infestation. Seeing cockroaches in your house is an indication that there is already a large, hidden population of these pests inside. Ignoring them will only lead to a larger roach population as they continue to breed.
Myth #2: Bug Bombs Eliminate an Entire Infestation
Wouldn’t it be nice to spend a few dollars on an over-the-counter bug bomb, set it off in your house, and be done with pests for good? Unfortunately, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Bug bombs, like foggers and total-release aerosols, sound good in theory, but rarely work in reality. Typically, when these products are used, some pests will be killed, but most will not. The product will only reach a small area, but it won’t penetrate wall voids, cracks, nesting sites, and other hidden harborage areas. Oftentimes, it can seem like your pest problem is solved immediately following the use of a bug bomb because you stop seeing pests for a while. Unfortunately, though, what has actually happened is that the pests have scattered deeper into your house to avoid the treatment. Instead of getting rid of your pest problem, you’ve actually spread it farther into your home.
Filling a room with a mist may eliminate a few pests, but it doesn’t address the root of the problem, and it can make the infestation worse. The better way to treat an active pest problem is to target the source of the activity.
Myth #3: If You Don’t See Pests, That Means They Aren’t There
Have you ever played hide and seek with a young child who thinks that simply covering their face with their hands is enough to hide them from view? If they can’t see you, you must not be able to see them either. Many adults hold a similar belief about pests. If you can’t see them, they must not exist. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Most pests are shy. They prefer the safety of seclusion, so they spend most of their time hidden from view. Rodents, cockroaches, and spiders are a few examples of pests that prefer to stay out of sight.
Some pests have to remain hidden for their own survival. Termites can’t be out in the open air, so they stay underground or within the confines of walls and wood to stay alive.
Instead of assuming that there are no pests in your house because you don’t see any, it’s better to be aware of the secondary warning signs of an infestation. If you just wait until you see a bunch of pests in your house, you’ll already have a large infestation to deal with. By looking for signs of pests, you’ll be able to identify an infestation even if you haven’t seen any pests in your house. Signs of a pest infestation can include:
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Droppings
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Gnaw marks
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Shed skins
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Unusual odors
Myth #4: Clean Homes Stay Completely Pest-Free
Everyone has their own level of comfort with how clean they keep their home. Some people don’t mind a mess, while others can’t rest until everything is put away. No matter how messy or clean your house is, part of you probably believes that if you could just keep it spotless all the time, you’d never have to deal with pests. Rest assured, messy people, this isn’t entirely true. But to all the neat freaks who are reading this, all of your hard work isn’t without its benefits when it comes to pest prevention either.
The thing is, pests get inside for a variety of reasons. They may be looking for food, water, or shelter. They may find an entry point in their travels and accidentally get indoors. No matter the state of your house, messy or clean, pests can show up inside.
However, that’s not to say that there aren’t benefits to keeping your house clean. When pests get inside, they’re going to look for the things they need to survive. If you’re always careful to put food away and keep your kitchen clean, if you address moisture issues in your house, and if you remove clutter to reduce pest hiding spots, you’ll make it a lot harder for pests to survive in your house.
Myth #5: Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Really Solve Pest Problems
If you’re unfamiliar with ultrasonic pest repellers, they are plug-in devices that emit high-frequency sound waves. Humans can’t hear these sounds, but rodents and other pests can. The thought behind these devices is that they’ll drive pests away, but research has shown that they are largely ineffective.
Most pests are either unbothered by the noise or simply adapt to it over time. Additionally, the sound waves don’t travel through solid objects, so they’re completely ineffective at deterring pests in your walls or in any room in your house that doesn’t have the device.
Relying on ultrasonic pest repellers as your main source of pest control can end up backfiring if you end up with pests in your house. They’ll give you a false sense of security, leading you to delay treatment, which can cause your small pest problem to grow and spread before being addressed.
Myth #6: Spraying Store-Bought Products Everywhere is a Good Strategy
Maybe you don’t want to spend money on professional pest control. You’d rather grab a can of bug spray at the store because you’ve heard that it’s just as effective as a professional treatment. Unfortunately, there is a lot that can go wrong when using over-the-counter sprays.
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Killing visible pests doesn't address colonies or nests that are hidden out of sight
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Some sprays can cause ants to split their colonies and create new, more widespread infestations
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Improper applications can drive pests into harder-to-reach areas
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There are potential safety concerns from excessive or incorrectly applied pesticide use
More chemicals do not automatically mean better results. With professional pest control, you get targeted treatments with products and methods that are professional-grade and thoroughly tested for maximum effectiveness and safety.
Why Do Pest Myths Spread So Easily?
If we’ve learned anything with the rise of the internet, it’s that misinformation can spread quickly. But why are pest myths so easy to believe? There are a few reasons why many pest myths have refused to die.
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Quick-fix solutions are appealing. Who wants to spend a bunch of time (and maybe money) when you could spend a few dollars to get the job done in a few minutes?
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Friends, neighbors, and social media often share unverified advice. We’ve all fallen for “fake news” at one time or another, especially if people we trust share it first.
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Many myths start with partial truths. For instance, it’s less likely that pests will stay in a very clean house, which may be why the myth started about clean homes never ending up with pest infestations.
Pests are more complicated than most people realize, and eliminating them can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. Relying on DIY treatments or unproven methods will not work, and in certain circumstances, can even make the problem worse.
What Should Homeowners Do Instead?
Instead of trusting unreliable sources for pest control advice, take a better approach. If you don’t currently have a pest problem, it’s the perfect time to implement some preventative strategies to help you reduce the likelihood of an infestation.
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Eliminate food, water, and shelter sources in and around your house
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Seal entry points
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Monitor your home for early warning signs
If you see any pests or signs of pest activity in your home, it’s important that you address the issue before the pest populations can grow. Seek professional guidance for the most effective solutions. In addition to eliminating active pests, professional pest management serves as a long-term strategy to keep your house pest-free. Rather than reactionary, emergency services, you can set up ongoing pest protection for your home.
When Is It Time to Call a Professional?
Sometimes it’s hard to know when a situation warrants a call to the professionals at All-American Pest Control. We recommend giving us a call if:
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You’re having recurring pest activity
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You’ve attempted DIY pest control and it didn’t work
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You’ve discovered structural damage due to pest activity
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There is evidence of rodent activity
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You have multiple sightings per day
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There are large numbers of insects appearing indoors
When you contact All-American, we’ll provide you with a free home evaluation. Our professional inspections often uncover issues homeowners cannot easily see, allowing you to address small issues before they become major problems.
Cut Through the Myths By Contacting All-American Pest Control
The next time you see a pest in your house, don’t waste your time hunting for solutions on the internet. You can easily separate fact from fiction by giving All-American Pest Control a call. Our team of experts will provide you with accurate information to help you quickly and thoroughly solve your pest problems.
The most effective pest control starts with accurate information and a proactive plan. All-American offers customized treatments, addresses pest problems at the source, and prevents small issues from growing into big problems. Contact us today.
Your Trusted Nashville, TN Pest Control Experts
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: Adams, Ashburn, Barren Plains, Bethpage, Bransford, Castalian Springs, Cedar Hill, Coopertown, Cottontown, Cross Plains, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Greenbrier, Hartsville, Hendersonville, Madison, Millersville, Orlinda, Pleasentville, Portland, Ridgetop, Springfield, Westmoreland, White House, and the entire Robertson County, Sumner Country and Greater Nashville areas.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All-American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or Schedule a Free Consultation online.