Pest Control and Prevention: Myths vs Facts
We’ve been writing weekly posts (like this one you’re reading) for our pest blog for many years to provide accurate and educational information about insects, rodents, and other pests found here in Alabama for our customers and anyone else online who wants to learn with us.
Over the years, we’ve learned that there are almost always as many misconceptions and sources of misinformation about each pest and its methods of prevention as there are facts about them.
Today, we’re going to go over some major myths about pests, pest control, and prevention, and clarify the truth with the real facts!
5 Pest and Pest Control Myths vs. Facts
Myth: All bugs are bad to have in your home.
Fact: Many types of spiders are harmless to you and help keep other pests in your home at bay.
Although spiders are arachnids and therefore aren’t part of the “true bugs” classification of insects, they are a good example of creepy crawlers that can be beneficial to keep around; it’s like nature providing you with free pest control for other bugs!
Myth: Pests only invade dirty homes.
Fact: Pests enter whatever homes they can.
Having crumbs all over your kitchen floor and an unclean bathroom will certainly sustain the life of pests in your home and, therein, lead to an infestation, but that’s not what brings them inside in the first place.
Your home is enticing to small rodents, insects, and other pests because it provides a climate-controlled, covered refuge from the outdoors. That’s why all homes, no matter how clean, need physical and chemical pest prevention barriers ready at all times to prevent and deter pests from coming indoors.
Myth: All bugs die off in the winter.
Fact: Many bugs are still alive in the winter; they’re just hiding out and staying warm.
For a deep dive on what bugs are up to in the colder months, check out our recent blog: Where Do Bugs Go in the Winter? 5 Common Winter Bugs to Look Out For.
Myth: Natural Remedies and Pesticides Are Equally Effective
Fact: Many “natural” remedies do little to kill insects and prevent infestations.
It is essential to exercise caution when using pest control chemicals. The best way to ensure safety and receive the most effective treatment is to have a trained professional handle the application.
DIY “natural remedies” can seem like an appealing alternative. Still, they often lack a scientific basis and end up being ineffective, making them a waste of time, money, energy, and ingredients. If they all worked as well as some naturopathic bloggers want you to believe, we’d be using them!
Moreover, some natural remedies can be more hazardous to pets than properly handled pesticides. For example, several years ago, a widely held myth led many people to believe that garlic is an effective natural flea killer; this ended up being a huge hazard, as studies show that garlic 1) won’t kill fleas and 2) can be poisonous for dogs and cats.
Myth: Pest Control Is Bad for the Environment
Fact: Integrative pest management helps native animal species thrive by thwarting invasive species
Invasive species of insects, rodents, and other animals are incredibly harmful to the environment because their presence disrupts the balance of ecosystems. A high volume of the pests we remove and prevent from our customers’ properties are invasive species, or they are present in excess because an invasive species has pushed them out of their natural habitat.
We strive to use methods of pest control and prevention that support native species, even if that means relocating a pest on your property instead of exterminating it.
The Honest Pest Control Pros That Birmingham Trusts
Pest control shouldn’t be mystifying. When you have a pest problem, we’ll provide a solution that’s fair, straightforward, and prioritizes the safety of you and the natural environment in your area.
For over 40 years, Vulcan Termite & Pest Control, Inc. has been the trusted pest control provider for families in the Birmingham metro area. We offer highly effective solutions for household insect control, yard pest control, termite control, and other services at affordable rates. We integrate traditional and eco-conscious approaches, prioritizing the safety and well-being of your entire family.
Call us today at 205-663-4200 or complete the “Send Us a Message” form on our contact page to ask questions or hire us for all your pest control needs. We look forward to hearing from you!