Don’t Believe Everything You Hear — Debunking 10 Pest Control Myths

Everyone thinks they know something about household pests. Some piece of wisdom that can either help when they strike – or better still, stop them from striking at all. But how much of this knowledge is genuine and true, and how much is simply fiction? Read on as we explore and debunk 10 of the most common myths about household pests.

1. Clean homes don’t get pests.

This is probably the biggest pest misconception out there. Because pests don’t care about your housekeeping. They don’t know how often you change your sheets or when you last shampooed the carpet. They want shelter and somewhere to nest. And any human home can offer that.

While it’s true that pests can infest any home, cleanliness does play a role in attracting or repelling them. Pests, such as rodents and cockroaches, are often drawn to areas where there are food scraps lying around. Unwashed dishes, unsealed food containers, and overflowing garbage cans are like invitations for these pests. Plus, cluttered spaces can be their favorite hiding and nesting spots. But remember, cleanliness alone can’t guarantee a pest-free environment.

2. Fleas will die without a host.

They won’t. They can lie dormant in an entirely empty house if need be. And they can do so for a very long time. Fleas in the pupal stage can remain dormant for several months when conditions aren’t optimal for growth. They are known to “awaken” and become active when they sense vibrations, heat, and carbon dioxide, indicating that a potential host is nearby. This is why sometimes you can return to a seemingly flea-free home after a holiday only to find a sudden flea infestation.

As for their health impact, fleas are more than just a nuisance. They are carriers of a variety of diseases, such as murine typhus, tularemia, and even the bubonic plague. Moreover, their bites can cause severe allergic reactions in both humans and pets, leading to uncomfortable itching and, at times, infections. This is why flea control is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy home environment.

3. Bed bugs only infest homes with poor hygiene or cheap motels.

Because bed bugs can easily hitch a lift in people’s luggage or clothing, they can be found ANYWHERE. You can pick them up in a backpacker’s hostel. You can pick them up in the most expensive 5-star resort. You can pick them up in your ultra-house-proud BFF’s luxury condo. They don’t discriminate. They are notorious hitchhikers, attaching themselves to clothes, luggage, and other personal items, which allows them to travel effortlessly from one place to another.

After infesting a new environment, they can hide in the smallest crevices, waiting for a favorable condition to emerge. This ability to hibernate even in adverse circumstances makes them exceptionally resilient. They can survive without a blood meal for up to a year, lying dormant and waiting to reemerge when conditions improve. This survival strategy makes them a challenging pest to eradicate.

4. You only get household pests in warm weather.

Sure, you’re unlikely to be troubled by mosquitoes in mid-winter. But cockroaches, mice, rats, spiders, bed bugs and any number of other unwanted invaders are quite happy in your home all year round. Even termites. They slow down in winter, but they don’t leave or die.

Some pests actually prefer the colder months for invasions, such as rats and mice. They absolutely love seeking shelter in homes to escape the chilly outdoor conditions. These little critters can squeeze through the tiniest openings to get into your cozy, food-filled home.

And it’s not just rodents. Insects, such as cockroaches and spiders, are also drawn to the warmth and food supply inside homes during winter. They can sneak in through cracks and crevices in walls, doors, and windows.

Certain species of termites, known as subterranean termites, may remain active during winter if their nests are near a home’s heat source. These little troublemakers can cause serious structural damage all year round if not taken care of promptly.

So, it’s super important to stay vigilant and take measures to keep these pests out of your home, no matter what season it is!

5. Professional pest control is harmful and ineffective.

There are two points to remember here. You NEVER want to use strong chemicals around children or pets and you always need to use protective equipment if using pest control of any kind. Pesticides and insecticides aren’t pleasant, but they’re the quickest, easiest and only proven way to resolve a pest problem. If applied by professionals, they’re also safe.

At Noosa Pest Management, we’re all about ensuring that pesticides are applied safely and effectively. We take pride in being a member of the EPA’s Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, which means we follow strict safety protocols and environmental standards. Our highly skilled technicians know their stuff when it comes to pest control. They use their expertise to apply treatments that target specific pest problems, avoiding unnecessary broad-spectrum treatments. We are committed to resolving pest issues in a way that keeps you, your family, and the environment safe.

6. I won’t have trouble with rodents if I have a cat or dog.

Your pets may help with catching some rodents, but cats are frequently responsible for causing a rodent problem by releasing their prey in the house. And once they’re in, no cat or dog will be able to get them out.

While it’s true that cats and dogs have been known to hunt and catch rodents, they’re not really the go-to option for rodent control. First, not all pets are into hunting. Some cats just prefer the cozy indoors and couldn’t care less about chasing mice or rats. And not all dog breeds are experts at catching rodents, either. Lastly, rodents can carry some nasty diseases and parasites that could seriously harm your pets. So, it’s always a better decision to call in the pros for proper pest control in Charlotte, when dealing with rodents.

7. Ants only like sweet foods.

Ants will eat anything available. While ants are often associated with a sweet tooth, their food preferences can vary widely depending on the species. Common black ants are indeed attracted to sugar and sweet foods, but protein-loving species such as carpenter ants prefer meat and pet food. Similarly, certain types of ants, such as pharaoh ants, are attracted to fatty or greasy foods. Ants are opportunistic eaters: They will consume a wide range of food based on what is available to them. Keeping all food sealed and out of reach is the best strategy to prevent an ant infestation.

8. Mice can be caught with cheese.

Actually, mice have a sweet tooth. They much prefer things like dried fruit and peanut butter. While cheese is often portrayed as the perfect bait for mice in cartoons and movies, it’s not their top choice. Mice are primarily seed and grain eaters, and their diet varies based on what’s available. If you’re trying to catch a mouse, consider using peanut butter or chocolate instead, as these foods have a strong aroma that can effectively lure mice. However, remember that trapping and removing mice does not solve the root of the problem. It’s important to identify and seal entrance points to prevent further infestation.

9. If you can’t see the bugs, you don’t have a problem.

Ever seen an actual termite? You know, just walking down your hallway? If you can actually see the termites, it probably means that part of your house has just fallen off. Bugs are good at hiding. You don’t need to see them to know that they’re there.

Take bedbugs, for instance. These sneaky critters are masters of hiding in hard-to-reach spots like mattress seams and behind baseboards. And fleas? They’re tiny and lightning-fast, making it impossible to spot them as they lay eggs in our carpets.

But it doesn’t stop there. Termites, despite their size, can go unnoticed as they silently wreak havoc inside wooden structures. And mites? These microscopic pests can live in our beds, furniture, and even on our pets, causing all sorts of allergic reactions and skin irritation.

And let’s not forget about silverfish and carpet beetles. These guys are pros at hiding and only coming out at night. They can hang around in our homes for ages before we even realize they’re there.

The thing is, these hidden pests can cause major problems, from health issues to property damage. Spotting them takes more than just a casual look. That’s where professional pest exterminators come to the rescue. They’ve got the expertise to tackle these sneaky pests head-on!

10. It’s easy to handle my own pest control.

Well, you can try. You’ll probably even think that it’s worked… for a few days. But almost without fail, you’ll see signs of the offenders creeping back. Pest control needs systematic, meticulous application. You need to know your enemy inside and out. And you need to be prepared to act more than once. That’s why it’s best to rely on the pest control experts.

Any household can experience problems with pests. The trick is not to ignore it because your house is clean, and you can’t see any evidence, but call in some help before it gets out of hand… And ignore anyone who tries to tell you stories.

Contact the Professionals at Noosa Pest Management

Don’t ignore the signs of a creeping pest problem. No matter how clean your house is or how invisible the evidence might seem, pests have a way of making their presence known over time. Don’t let the problem escalate and cause you unnecessary stress. Contact the experienced pest professionals at Noosa Pest Management today. Our expert team is ready to tackle your pest issues, ensuring your home remains a safe and healthy environment for you and your family. Don’t wait for a serious problem to strike — act now!