When it comes to pest control there are a lot of myths about the most effective methods. We understand how confusing it can be when you have an infestation of pests and search the net for the best solution to remove pests. Our team of professional pest control technicians have heard it all! But if you really need an effective solution for pests, call the team at Endeavour Property Services, they offer pest control in Auckland. Below read their take on the most common pest control myths:
1. Fleas Die Without a Host
Although eventually fleas do die without a host, adult fleas can live for up to 100 days without a host. They could live in carpets, pet bedding and in this time, can lay eggs. These eggs hatch into larvae and feed of pet and human skin cells in carpets and fabrics throughout your home. So much of the lifecycle of fleas can occur without living on a host itself. Also, fleas use vibrations to sense a new host, so at any time could transfer onto a new host.
2. Ultrasonic Repellents Work
There are many companies selling ultrasonic pest repellents, these electronic devices send out high frequency sounds that are supposed to repel, injure or kill household pests. Sounds simple, right? But unfortunately, these devices have limited effects they have shown to repel crickets, but they have no effects on other pests. For example, rodents quickly become accustomed to the noises these devices make. This quick fix is unfortunately too good to be true!
3. Best Bait for Rodent Traps is Cheese
Its commonly understood that the best bait for rodent traps is cheese, but in reality, they prefer foods with more carbohydrates in them. Much more effect bait options for rodent traps are peanut butter, raw bacon, fruits, vegetables, cereals or meats.
4. Ants Only Like Sugary Food
This myth does stem from some truth as ants do depend on sugar as a source of energy. But they don’t only go for sugary foods ants are attracted to all types of foods. As ants themselves are opportunistic feeders, they will eat almost all sorts of food if given the chance.
5. Natural Home Remedies Work Just as Well as Pesticides
There are many natural DIY pest control methods that are claimed to work just as well as insecticides. These include boiling water killing ants, using coffee grounds for repelling ants and beer for repelling cockroaches. Although they may have some effect such as boiling water which kill the ants which you can see. It does not solve the actual infestation, as in order to kill ant infestations you need to treat them at the source.
6. Bed Bugs Only Live in Beds
As the name suggests bed bugs do not only live in beds, they live in luggage, clothing and other soft furnishings. They are how they are transferred easily between hotels and homes, as they hitch a ride either on their hosts or in their luggage.
7. Cats Keep Rodents at Bay
Although cats do kill mice and rats, they are not a solution for a mouse or rat infestations. As they only kill the ones that can be seen, and with rodent infestations the problem is often much bigger than it seems. As rodents can ride in small cracks and crevices in walls and structures, they are often out of reach from cats. Although cats may catch a few rodents, they are not a full solution to an infestation. There’s another alternative of baits feed to kill mice and rats. It is better to find the source of the infestation and solve that, otherwise the rodents will keep coming back.
Overall there are so many myths when it comes to pests and how to best control them. This is why it is often much more effective to call in a professional pest control company. As they are knowledgeable about the ins and outs of pest control, including the life cycle of pests. Although there are a vast array of DIY tools and pesticides, they will not be effective in the long term and are very costly.
