The topic of pest control is a mysterious one. Most people associate pest control with having a dirty home, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Maryland homeowners can easily become the unknown harbinger of pests like bed bugs, spiders, and termites without ever having a crumb on their countertops.
Furthermore, the subtropical climate of Maryland formed by the Atlantic Coast and Chasepeake Bay make much of the eastern half of the state susceptible to a whole host of pests, including cockroaches, carpenter ants, and mosquitoes in search of water.
There are a lot of common misconceptions about pest control and how certain pests infest a home in the first place. To clear up any confusion, here are eleven of the most common pest control myths most Maryland homeowners get wrong.
Myth #1: Clean Homes Don’t Get Pests
This is arguably the most common pest control misconception out there. While clean homes have less of a chance of developing a pest infestation, pests can still make their way into even the cleanest of homes.
Pests like cockroaches and bedbugs are notorious travelers and will often hide in luggage and packages that are being brought into the home, unbeknownst to the homeowner. Once they are inside, they will quickly multiply, leading to an infestation that will almost always require professional pest control.
Myth #2: DIY Pest Control Works Just as Well as Professional Services
While many homeowners opt for DIY pest control solutions, especially those on a tight budget, it is important to know that DIY methods are not as effective as professional services.
A professional exterminator has access to the most effective pest control treatments, as well as extensive knowledge of how to get rid of the specific pest you’re dealing with.
Another thing to keep in mind is safety. DIY and over-the-counter products require precise handling to ensure safe application. On the flip side, failing to eradicate an infestation can put your health at risk.
While DIY methods may be more cost-effective in the short-term, hiring a pest control professional will ensure the job gets done right and you have greater peace of mind.
Myth #3: Pests Only Invade During Certain Seasons
While certain pests like ants and mosquitoes may be more active during the warmer seasons of the year, the truth is that pests can infest a home year-round.
There are plenty of fall and winter pests that you need to shield your home against. Rodents, for example, are more likely to infest during the cold fall and winter months when they are seeking shelter indoors, but they can still enter a home in the spring and summer.
Ants may also lie dormant in your home but quickly return in the spring once the weather warms if you don’t take care of them. Because of this, you must implement pest prevention measures year-round to avoid a possible infestation.
Myth #4: Cats Are Enough to Control Mice Problems
Having a cat in the house can be slightly beneficial when it comes to warding off pests. However, you should not fully rely on your furry friend to be your in-home exterminator.
Your cat might kill a mouse here or there, but for severe infestations, you should always consult with a pest control professional to have the problem taken care of more effectively.
Myth #5: Ultrasonic Pest Repellents Are Highly Effective
Ultrasonic pest repellers are the newest inventions in the pest control world, and they work by emitting a sound at a frequency that only pests can hear. These sounds are thought to irritate pests to the point that they leave the area for good.
However, ultrasonic devices have been shown not to be the most effective for getting rid of pests. In fact, in the 1980s, the FTC required many manufacturers of these devices to give consumers back their money after claiming that these devices falsely advertised their benefits.
Myth #6: Natural Remedies Always Work Better Than Chemicals
Like DIY methods, natural remedies are often the pest control method of choice for homeowners on a budget and who are concerned for their health.
While certain natural methods, like using essential oils to deter certain pests, may slightly improve a pest problem, these solutions are 100% not strong enough to eliminate an entire pest population in a home.
Myth #7: Bed Bugs Are Only Found in Dirty Homes
As mentioned earlier, a pest infestation is not always indicative of a dirty home. This can also be applied to bed bug infestations, as these tiny terrors are known to be experts at sneaking into homes, often on luggage, used furniture, or clothing.
One of the most common ways bed bugs infest a home is by hitching a ride on suitcases, so be sure to carefully inspect your luggage after returning from a trip, especially if you’ve stayed in a hotel or Airbnb.
Myth #8: You Only Need Pest Control When You See Pests
While most people don’t contact an exterminator until they see a pest in their home, it is wise to establish a relationship with a trusted exterminator and have routine pest control maintenance done in your home.
It is always better to get ahead of the problem and avoid any potential infestations, especially if you live in a populated area or your neighbors have been dealing with pests recently.
Myth #9: Termites Aren’t a Threat in Brick Homes
Many people believe that termites can’t damage homes made of brick, but that is definitely not the case. While homes made of wood have a higher chance of termite damage, brick homes can still be targeted by these pests.
Termites can enter a brick home through tiny cracks and crevices and chew away at the wood framing of the home, causing a ton of money in repairs and a lot of mental anguish for homeowners.
Myth #10: Ants Won’t Enter Homes in Cold Weather
While ants are more likely to infest homes during the warm summer months, they can still make their way inside when the temperatures drop in Maryland. Ants may enter your home during the winter for a variety of reasons, whether it be to seek shelter from the elements or find food to munch on.
Myth #11: Pest Control Chemicals Are Always Harmful to Pets and People
While many pest control chemicals can be harmful to humans and pets, especially storebought ones being administered by the homeowner themselves, pest control does not have to be dangerous for you and your loved ones.
Talk to your exterminator about your concerns and they will be able to guide you on how to treat the pest problem in your home while keeping you and your children and pets safe.
The Importance of Routine Pest Control
Behind all these myths lies the sobering reality that no matter how much you pest-proof your home, there is always a chance that you could find yourself in the midst of a pest infestation.
The only true defense against pests throughout the year is to partner with a local exterminator, like Pest Czar, that offers monthly preventative pest control plans.
Our plans fend off over a dozen common species of pests and even feature add-ons for pesky Maryland pests, such as mosquitoes and termites. Contact us to learn more about how we can keep your home pest-free!