Whether you are aware of it or not, we have all heard some pest control myths that may or may not be true. From the best bait to use for certain creatures to what attracts them in the first place, here are several things that are pest control myths.
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Keeping a clean house will prevent bed bug infestations.
Keeping your house clean is a noble pursuit and one that will certainly make your home more comfortable for you and your family. But bed bugs are not more attracted to a dirty home than a clean one. They are opportunists who will gladly hitch a ride on any backpack, shoe, suitcase, or any other surface they can find. And because they are so tiny, they are very difficult to see. This gives them a better chance to set up a colony before being noticed. Indeed, your first signs of an infestation may only come after they have taken up residence. If you notice tiny, itchy spots on your skin or any small brown or black marks on your bed linens or curtains, you should give us at Consolidated Pest Control a call.
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Well-maintained neighborhoods do not have rats.
While many nice neighborhoods have more manicured lawns and cleaner sidewalks, there is still plenty of room for pests like rats, racoons and opossums to live in these communities as well. In fact, these animals are highly skilled at finding what they need to survive in these areas. They can get water from rain gutters, ponds, pools, or even puddles. They can find food in any garbage can that does not have the lid securely in place. And they can find shelter in shrubs, storage sheds, garages, or sometimes even in attics.
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Cheese is the best bait for mousetraps.
No matter what old cartoons may have led you to believe, cheese is not the best way to attract a mouse to a trap. In fact, mice are more attracted to anything with a high sugar content. Some good options would be cereal, cookies, or even peanut butter. However, mice are scavengers, so if the sugary stuff is in short supply, they will take whatever they can get. This means that they will grab whatever you leave out for them, whether intentionally or not.
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Mosquitoes are only a problem at dusk.
It is true that mosquitoes are especially active at dawn and dusk. These low light hours are ideal for their hunting and mating purposes. But mosquitoes are active all day long. So, if you plan to be outdoors for any reason, it is a good idea to wear some kind of mosquito repellant whether that is chemical or physical.
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Bees, wasps, etc. only sting when they are bothered.
The only surefire way to avoid being stung is to stay away from stinging insects altogether. However, this is not something most people are able to do 100% of the time. And it is possible that you may not be actively bothering them, but if a stinging insect feels that it or its hive is being threatened, prepare to get stung. Your best bet is to prevent the nests from forming in the first place. That is where Consolidated Pest Control comes in. We are here to help you with all your pest control needs.
