Pest control, like many other things, can be the victim of misinformation that has spread just a little bit too far. Not everything you hear about pest control is true. In fact, some pest control techniques seem to have originated entirely from cartoons.

Some of the pest cures which have been passed down for generations can be quite amusing, others can end up being dangerous both to you and your home. Today we’re going to look at a few of the more common pest control myths and provide some alternative, more accurate advice. We’ll explain why ignoring any of the most common myths will save you from doing more harm than good.

Common Myths About DIY Pest Control

There are plenty of pests out there, and even more myths about how to get rid of them. Most of them, curiously, seem to focus on mice. Perhaps mice have been the most common pest over time. It would make sense, since rodents are only found where humans are, and depend on us for their survival.

Let’s tackle one of the most obvious myths: that mice love cheese. Mice are scavengers and will eat just about anything, but when they’re not desperate, they certainly have a preference. And we have news for you – cheese isn’t one of their favourite foods. Leave it on a trap and it’s likely to remain there. Instead, mice prefer to eat grains, fruits, and seeds.

Another one of our favourites is that getting a cat will solve your mouse problems. This particular myth makes it sound so simple. Spot a mouse? Not to worry – get a cat and all your pest control problems will be gone. Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite work like that. There’s absolutely no guarantee that your new feline friend will be interested in catching mice. And even if they were, it will never fully remove a mouse infestation.

You may have also heard that caching the mouse means you’ve gotten rid of the problem. Unfortunately, there are probably plenty more of them on your property, since mice reproduce so quickly. You might also believe that if your home is spotlessly clean, there’s zero chance of an infestation. Wrong again. Mice are incredibly clever and will do everything they can to get to a food source – whether it’s filthy or not.

Could They Make Things Worse..?

The one thing which isn’t up for debate is that some of the myths regarding pest control can make things infinitely worse. If you assume that pests won’t enter your home because it’s spotlessly clean, then you might be ignoring key signs of an infestation. By being more aware and prepared for potential pests, you’ll know how to deal with them quicker. Leave it too long and it’s likely to become a serious issue.

If you lay cheese-filled mouse traps assuming that there’s only an army of one mouse within your home, again you’re likely to be disappointed. Instead of identifying their location and removing the entire population swiftly, they could quickly strengthen their number and wreak havoc throughout your home. Mice, like rats, carry diseases and should be removed as soon as possible. If they cozy up in your attic for winter, they could even chew their way through electrical wires and create fire hazards, as well as causing damage to the structure of your home.

Contact the Professionals for Results

Luckily, it’s no myth that contacting pest control professionals like Truly Nolen is the best way to deal with any pest problem. Our experienced technicians have seen it all and we guarantee to remove any unwanted visitors from your home.