1281 Reviews
It’s never been easier than it is today to access information about any topic. It’s also never been easier than it is today to access incorrect information. When it comes to pest control, myths abound. With summer approaching and pest infestations on the rise, it would be nice to be able to tell fact from fiction. That’s why we're busting five common summer pest myths and giving you practical pest prevention tips that really work for homes in Murfreesboro.
Why Pest Myths are Common During Summer
Summer is a time of heightened pest activity in Murfreesboro. With more pests outside, the chances of pest infestations in homes increase. As pest infestations increase, so do people’s desperation for quick and easy solutions. When you have ants, spiders, mice, or other pests taking over your home, you’ll do anything to get rid of them as fast as possible.
Often, when we want quick answers, we turn to what we’ve heard in the past. Many pest myths are the same “solutions” that have been passed down. They persist in part because they’re easy, and in part because they may hold a kernel of truth.
The internet also helps pest myths persist. The internet is a valuable resource. There is a ton of great information available. But for as much great info out there, you can also find an equal or greater amount of misinformation. This makes it difficult to know what’s true and what’s false.
Top 5 Summer Pest Myths Debunked
Myth 1: Citronella Candles Completely Repel Mosquitoes
It would be nice if all you had to do was light a candle to get rid of mosquitoes. However, if you’ve ever used citronella candles before, you know that their efficacy can vary.
It’s true that mosquitoes aren’t fans of citronella, so the area right around a lit citronella candle might stay mosquito-free. The downside is that the effect usually doesn’t reach far enough to protect anyone who isn’t sitting close by.
Furthermore, as soon as the candle goes out, the mosquitoes will return.
Myth 2: Cheese is the Best Mouse Bait
The mice and cheese myth is in all the old cartoons, so it must be true, right? Not quite. Although a mouse probably wouldn’t turn down a cheese snack if it came across one, mice are not particularly attracted to cheese.
Other foods are more likely to attract mice. When trying to lure mice, think peanut butter, nuts, seeds and meet. They like foods that are high in protein, fat, and sugar.
Myth 3: Ultrasonic Pest Repellents Solve All Pest Problems
Ultrasonic pest repellents are devices that emit a high-frequency sound when plugged into an electrical outlet. Humans can’t hear it, but it is thought to be irritating to mice and other pests, thus keeping them away.
In reality, studies have shown that these devices have little to no effect on deterring pests. Mice can adapt to the sound over time, and walls, furniture, and other things can block or limit the sound, making the devices ineffective.
Myth 4: Keeping Clean Homes Guarantees No Pests
Keeping your house clean is a vital part of an effective pest prevention strategy, but it’s just one part. Even the cleanest homes can end up with pests in them if pests are able to find a way inside.
Along with keeping your house clean, you need to take other steps, such as making your yard inhospitable to pests and sealing entry points into your house.
Myth 5: DIY Pest Control is Always Cheaper and Effective
A lot of people try to avoid contacting professional pest control companies for fear of getting a large bill in the mail. Although professional pest control does come with a cost, you might be surprised by how affordable it is compared to DIY pest control.
The trouble with do-it-yourself pest control methods is that they’re often ineffective. They may temporarily relieve a problem, only for it to return several weeks later. If applied wrong, DIY products can also be dangerous for your family. In the long run, DIY pest control can end up costing you more money and time than if you’d started out by calling the professionals.
Proven Methods to Effectively Keep Bugs Away in Murfreesboro
Keeping pests away this summer will require you to do some work. Although most pest prevention strategies aren’t too labor-intensive, they aren’t always the quick and easy solutions we’d like. However, by putting in a bit of work now, you can prevent many pest problems later. Try these pest prevention tips to help keep pests away:
-
Eliminate standing water sources around your property
-
Address other moisture issues, both outside and inside your house
-
Maintain your lawn and landscaping with routine mowing, weeding, and pruning
-
Remove lawn debris and leaf litter
-
Eliminate food sources around your yard
-
Seal entry points around your house
-
Take out the trash regularly
-
Get regular professional pest inspections
-
Implement routine professional pest control treatments
Pest Risks Specific to Murfreesboro Summers
There are a lot of pests that are active in the summer, but some are more of an issue than others. Keep an eye out for these pests this summer, they have a knack for causing extra trouble:
-
Mosquitoes- Besides to being annoying, mosquitoes can also spread diseases through their bites.
-
Ticks- Like mosquitoes, ticks are known for spreading diseases.
-
Ants- Some ants are just nuisances, but others will damage your home and some sting.
-
Wasps- Wasps deliver painful stings that are especially dangerous for people with allergies.
Why Professional Pest Control is the Best Long-term Solution
Alongside your own prevention efforts, having a professional pest control plan in place is the most effective way to keep your Murfreesboro home pest-free all summer, and year-round. For instance, our MosquitoMAX pest control plan covers over 47 different pests that call Middle TN home and includes 7 misting services for mosquitoes each year. If you're looking for even more coverage, ask about our Complete Care pest control. This plan includes our pest control for your home, as well as termite control with the Sentricon® System and yard treatments for fleas, ticks, chiggers and fire ants. Together, this approach helps make your yard less appealing to pests and your home much harder for them to get into.
With professional pest control, you’ll receive expert inspections, accurate pest identification, and customized treatments designed to tackle the specific pests you’re dealing with. You’ll also get long-term solutions to help keep pests from coming back.
Contact All-American Pest Control for Home Pest Control in Murfreesboro
For over 60 years, All-American Pest Control has been helping Murfreesboro homeowners protect their homes with reliable, effective pest control. As a local company, we understand the pest challenges you face—our team lives and works here too. When you reach out to us, we’ll carefully inspect your property, listen to your concerns, and create a customized plan that gets rid of pests and keeps them from coming back. Give us a call today to schedule your free home evaluation and get pest control you can count on.
Schedule A Free Home Evaluation!
Comprehensive Pest Control Solutions in Nashville, TN & Nearby Neighborhoods
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: Arrington, Christiana, Lascassas, LaVergne, Nolensville, Readyville, Rockvale, Smyrna, Barfield, Murfreesboro, Blansett Meadows, Deerfield, Fairfield Estates, Scottland Acres, Steeplechase Meadows, Stones River, Walterhill, Eagleville, Milton, as well as the entire Rutherford County and Greater Murfreesboro 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 home inspection online.