Myths About Pest Control

Household pests are an age-old problem and one of the most common problems for homeowners. Even so, misinformation still exists about pest attraction to certain areas and how to get rid of them.

Pests can spread disease and aggravate allergy symptoms, so you should know what is fact or fiction when it comes to pests. You can then decide how to combat your pest problems safely and effectively.

Read on to discover some of the most prevalent myths about pests and pest control.

Brick Homes Are Termite Proof

Termites love to feed on wood and anything cellulose-based. Unfortunately, many homeowners think a brick house ensures your safety against termites, but this isn’t true. Sure, brick homes are a little harder for termites to penetrate, but these homes are not entirely safe.

Termites do not feed on concrete or bricks but can easily crawl over them to reach their food source. Brick homes have wooden beams and frames that are susceptible to termite damage.

Whatever home you have, termite prevention should be a priority. A few ways to prevent a termite invasion include the following:

• Do not keep a firewood stack near your home.
• Clear shrubs and mulch away from your home’s foundation.
• Use treated wood for gazebos and exterior sheds.
• Have an annual termite inspection.

The simple tips above should cut the risk of a termite infestation in your home.

Bedbugs Only Live In Dirty Beds

When people think of bedbugs, what comes to mind is a dirty, filthy bed motel. However, bedbugs are attracted to carbon dioxide, blood, and warmth, not dirt and grime like most people expect. So no matter the cleanliness of your bed, you are still at risk of bedbugs.

Some high-risk areas for bedbug infestation include hotels, buses, nursing homes, and movie theatres. The myth stems from the fact that bedbugs are harder to spot in a dirty bed until it’s heavily infested.

Cats Keep Mice and Rats Away

A common misconception is that cats will hunt any mice or rats in your home, which isn’t always true. Before you adopt a cat, know that cats are not the ultimate home mice control solution.

A cat will deter mice from entering your home because of a chemical they emit that strikes terror in them. However, a mouse can stay away from the house’s main areas and hide in areas not accessible to the cat, such as the attic, basement, and inside the walls.

Generally, cats are not a reliable control solution because:

• Some cats don’t hunt: A domesticated cat that is fed regularly is not naturally inclined to hunt for survival like a wild cat. The house cat won’t hunt mice unless conditioned to search for food.
• Mice reproduce rapidly: Mice can reproduce very quickly, so a cat can’t keep up.
• Cats can’t perform preventive measures: Killing mice is not enough. Cats cannot seal wall gaps, keep a place clean, or store food in sealed containers.

Eventually, you will need professional rodent extermination to get rid of mice the right way.

Professional Pest Control Is Harmful

Unfortunately, not all pest control chemicals are safe for humans. Some are safer than others, and if you want to eliminate pests in your home effectively, consider professional pest control. An experienced technician won’t put your family in danger.

Many pest control methods are safe but can be harmful if misused. If you are eager for a DIY solution, you are better off with natural and alternative methods because of the guesswork involved.

However, no one understands human safety better than a professional exterminator does. A certified entomologist knows the USDA and EPA-approved pest control chemicals and how much is safe to use in a single application. If in doubt, you can always ask your pest control company about the chemicals in use and the EPA registration number.

With the above information, you know what things not to do or try when you have a pest infestation. Hiring trained technicians with the latest technologies and methods are always the best option to identify and eliminate pest problems.

Contact us at Highland Pest Control today for professional pest management if you suspect you have a pest control issue.