Common DIY Myths That Just Don't Work

Invasive pests plague households around the country, with over 80 percent of American homeowners reporting a pest problem in the past year. Though a little over half believe that using a pest control service is essential; many people still choose to handle pest problems on their own. DIY pest control can seem appealing as a convenient solution for invasive critters, and such methods rarely work for small-scale infestations. However, many homeowners assume that DIY solutions automatically save time and money.

In reality, most pest control issues cannot be adequately addressed through the home or store-bought remedies and can cost you more in the long run as you try one ineffective solution after another. Most notably, pest problems often escalate over time. As such, the longer you avoid hiring a professional service, the more you spend on consequential repairs.

Popular DIY Remedies That Just Don’t Work

Though misguided, the impulse is understandable. After all, if you can handle it on your own, why would you pay someone else to do it? Well, more often than not, DIY pest control only solves problems in the short term or fails to be effective entirely. Many popular DIY methods spread across the internet and by retail workers are not nearly as practical as they seem to be, and purchasing futile products is an assured waste of money.

In some cases, DIY strategies may even pose a danger to you and your family. For example, gasoline and flamethrowers are popular tools for removing bee and wasp nests. This method is not just ineffective; it also kills beneficial plant life and contaminates groundwater, not to mention the obvious fire hazard.

Commonly used DIY techniques for dispersing pests include bug bombs, zappers, and salt guns. Unfortunately, despite their popularity, these tools prove ineffective. For starters, bug zappers are indiscriminate killers. While they may successfully eliminate an occasional mosquito, they also target friendly insects essential to the food chain. Moreover, bug zappers fail to address underlying environmental factors, such as the standing bodies of water where mosquitos breed.

Salt guns are useless for anything other than for-fun target practice, and bug bombs are particularly hazardous. They possess high toxicity ratings and propel a fog of dangerous chemicals throughout your home rather than targeting an affected area. Since bugs are more likely to hide in cracks and crevices rather than in plain sight, the toxic cloud ultimately fails to harm them.

Common DIY Pest Control Myths

Even potentially effective DIY pest control methods usually require some degree of professional knowledge. Seemingly simple techniques, such as placing mouse traps, can be easily blundered if you are unaware of essential details. For example, a common misconception perpetuated by tv and media is that rodents have an affinity for cheese. In reality, cheese holds no special place in their heart, and you are better off attracting them with sweet foods rich in carbohydrates. Additionally, traps often fail to catch anything if you are unaware of habitual behaviors like their traveling patterns.

Many homeowners try to avoid traps entirely by buying rodenticides. They assume that lethal methods are more straightforward and effective; however, the opposite tends to be true. Poisons take days to work, and removing the dead body can be challenging if the target dies inside the walls or in other inaccessible areas. Meanwhile, the odor becomes nauseating and attracts other pests. Moreover, while rodenticides can kill the odd rat or two, they fail to address the underlying problems. If one rat finds their way inside your home, others likely follow. As such, prevention is often a preferable way to deal with pesky rodents.

Safety is often a valid concern when it comes to DIY pest control. And just because a product is sold to the public does not mean exposure to it is okay. Studies show that most hardware and gardening stores carry highly toxic poisons that are unsafe for general use. Additionally, these retailers rarely provide adequate instruction for handling such dangerous chemicals. Many homeowners are taught to spray first and ask questions later, resulting in excessive exposure to toxic substances which can cause health complications.

Pest Control Professionals In Belford, NJ

Employing pest control services can help reduce costs by addressing underlying environmental conditions that lead to pervasive pest issues. Elite Pest Control’s trained professionals are committed to providing our community with long-term pest control solutions that are both responsible and effective. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help keep unwanted critters and wildlife from invading your home.