DIY Summer Pest Control Myths Debunked

Everyone wants an easy fix to keep pests away from summer barbecues and other outdoor events. I’m sure you’ve heard of ultrasonic devices, fans, even hanging bags of water to repel bugs. You may have heard of dryer sheets to keep mosquitoes away too. But do any these of tips actually work, or are they just myths?

I decided to test out the common summer DIY pest control tricks to see if any work, might work or don’t work at all! So before you go and purchase a fake bald-faced hornet’s nest or carry boiling water to the nearest ant hill, check below to see if the pest control tip is really just a myth.

DIY Pest Control Myths:

Do ultrasonic devices keep bugs away? Myth Debunked! Ultrasonic devices that use high frequency sound waves are not effective in repelling pests.

Can dryer sheets be used to repel mosquitoes? Myth Debunked! Dryer sheets may give protection for a few minutes, but the best protection from mosquitoes is bug spray with DEET.

Will setting up a fan in your backyard keep bugs away? Myth Confirmed! Most summer pests such as mosquitoes aren’t strong fliers so gusts of winds easily push them away from any backyard barbecues.

Can you really catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, like the old saying goes? Myth Debunked! Fruit flies are more attracted to vinegar because of its acidic smell. The best way to catch flies is using a fruit fly trap. The flies will be able to fly in, but will have a difficult time getting out.

Will hanging a fake bald faced hornet’s nest in your tree keep wasps away? Myth Confirmed! A decoy hornet’s nest does keep yellow jackets and umbrella wasps away.

Should you bait mouse traps with cheese? Myth Debunked! Although cartoons illustrate a mouse’s love for cheese, peanut butter is a much better bait. Peanut butter has a sweet, pungent smell that attracts mice easier than cheese.

Will hanging bags of water repel flies? Myth Debunked! Many believe flies are afraid of the bags of water because they perceive the bags as large bodies of water or are afraid to see their reflection, however, flies are not afraid of either.

Does boiling water eliminate ant hills? Myth Might Work! Boiling water may eliminate an ant hill, however, the boiling water will need to get down to the queen in order to effectively eliminate the ant hill. It is also dangerous to carry boiling water across the lawn!

Have you heard of any other pest control “tricks”? Comment below with myths you’ve heard.

For more information, please visit our website at http://www.wil-kil.com/.

About Shane McCoy:
Shane McCoy is the Technical Training Director for Wil-Kil Pest Control, a regional pest management company providing quality pest management for residential and commercial properties throughout the Upper Midwest. As an Associate Certified Entomologist with over 18 years of experience in pest management, Shane’s blog provides expert tips and tricks, timely information and solutions for coexisting with the insect life and critters around us. To learn more about Wil-Kil Pest Control, please visit www.wil-kil.com. You can also follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@WilKilPest).