Debunking the Top 5 Pest Control Myths

Myths are part of our integral society, originating from our childhood tales, cartoons, and other forms of media. Most of the times, myths are exaggerated or even fabricated lies.
When dealing with pests, it is essential to learn how to effectively control the situation by understanding what is true from what is false; failure of which will only leave you in a stickier situation.Here, we debunk five of the most widespread pest control myths to help you understand fact from fiction.

​Myth#1: Pests Mean That Your House is Unclean

While pests are generally attracted to dirty surroundings where they can scavenge food, their presence isn't restricted to dirty places. They can be found in clean homes for a stable food source. Once a pest or rodent has determined that they can find food within your dwelling, be sure that they'll find a way to infiltrate your home. They can make your pantry into a nesting ground or breed near your kitchen for easy food access.
Bed bugs are a great example of a pest that debunks this myth. Whether your home meets sanitary measures or not, if you contract a bed bug via your clothing, shoes, or bag, you will most likely introduce a pest infection within your home.

Myth #2: Cheese in Mice Traps Works Effectively Well

The idea that rodents such as mice and rats are attracted to cheese and dairy foods is an imaginary illusion created by cartoons we grew up watching. Majority of times when a cheese trap results in success is if the rodent has been forced to act desperate or let curiosity get the better of it.
Instead, you may have a much higher rate of success if you use fruit slices, honey, peanut butter, and sugary treats to tantalize their taste buds. On the other hand, meats such as bacon, sausage, or chunks have the same effect on rats. Therefore, when opting to trap a rodent, ensure to use these foods as they work well as bait and draws them out better than cheese.

Myth #3: Rodents That Consume Poison Will Eventually Find Their Way Outside and Die

Setting up a bait trap in your home can work against you, especially if laced with poison. Once a rat is drugged, it will take time for it to die; common rat poison can take up to 4 to 10 days to kill a rat. During this time, as the poison gets in effect, the rat will continue to rummage through your household until finally succumbing to it.
It will often die within warm spots in your home or near its nesting ground, such as the attic, behind kitchen appliances, or in burrows within the wall. By the time you come to realize its dead, you will be welcomed with a foul odor emanating from its decaying carcass.

Myth #4: Bug Zappers Diminish Mosquito Numbers

While bug zappers are effective in leading flies and other bugs to their demise, mosquitoes, on the other hand, are not as susceptible to its effects. This is because bug zappers utilize ultraviolet light to attract bugs before being zapped. Mosquitoes are attracted to heat signatures and carbon dioxide emitted by living organisms. Therefore, in drawing and killing mosquitoes with a bug zapper, the ultraviolet light would prove useless.
Furthermore, your common zapper may not have the juice to kill any bug which flies into the device. Instead, it may only draw in more insects, causing more harm than good. If you're seeking an effective way to control your local mosquito population, contact J.P.'s Termite & Pest Control, Inc. for adequate pest relief.

Myth #5: Not Sighting Any Pest Means You Don't Have Them

While most problematic pests can be easily spotted on the surface, bugs such as termites, silverfish, and roaches work in hidden spaces. These pests prefer burrowing into holes and walls while keeping a low profile as they breed. Furthermore, pests such as bed bugs are nocturnal and only come out to feed when you're probably asleep.
Therefore, just because you don't spot any pest around doesn't mean that you don't have a pest problem. If you were to scan through every nook and cranny, there's a high probability that you will spot some common pests, such as carpenter ants or roaches lingering around. Thus, to prevent a pest infestation, seek the services of J.P.'s Termite & Pest Control, Inc. for professional assistance.

ConclusionOne of the biggest challenges of dealing with bugs and rodents is adhering to the myths associated with pest control. If you find yourself with a pest problem, contact J.P.'s Termite & Pest Control, Inc. for all your fumigation needs.