When it comes to battling household pests, traditional wisdom can sound like weird superstition. Although many home remedy methods are laughed off as old wives’ tales, surprisingly, some of these quirky approaches have been validated by science.
From using cucumber peels to repel ants to coffee grounds to deter mosquitoes, these alternatives to chemical commercial products can work wonders. This article discusses the strangest pest control myths that research indicates are front-page-worthy but you can use to combat unwelcomed visitors in a natural and effective way.
However, these methods can help you with temporary solutions or in case of small infestations. We always recommend to seek professional help to keep your home pest free in Beaverton.
What Are Some Of The Weirdest Pest Control Myths That Really Work?
Here are some of the weird pest control myths that are widely known as myths. In reality, these actually work and can help you.
Cucumber Peels Repel Ants
Myth: Cucumber peels placed at entry points will keep ants away.
Reality: This actually works! Cucumber peels contain chemicals that ants find disagreeable — especially a chemical known as trans-2-nominal.
Most view this as more folk wisdom handed down through the ages, but studies in the Journal of Pest Management Science back this up and show that cucumber peels contain bitter compounds that interrupt ant pheromone trails. Ants that come into contact with these compounds become disoriented and can no longer follow their normal trails into your house. Areas treated with cucumber peel extract had 87 percent less ant activity than untreated areas.
Coffee Grounds Make Mosquitoes Go Away.
Myth: Burning coffee grounds will repel mosquitoes.
Reality: Coffee grounds do indeed keep mosquitoes away when burned, creating a natural barrier.
The practice developed in the tropical regions where coffee is cultivated, as farmers noticed that fewer mosquitoes caused problems at the sites where they processed coffee. The science behind it is compelling — coffee grounds produce nitrogen that generates smoke that mosquitoes steer clear of. Burning coffee grounds drove down the presence of mosquitoes in outdoor environments by up to 62%. When soaked into standing water, the caffeine in used coffee grounds also functions as a natural insecticide and can prevent mosquito larvae from developing.
Peppermint Oil Scares Off Mice
Myth: Cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil will drive mice out of your home.
Reality: Mice hate the scent of peppermint and will flee areas where it is present.
The method became popular as an alternative to traditional traps and poisons. The science backs up the approach — mice have hyper-sensitized smell systems due to the nature of their olfactory systems, and the menthol in peppermint oil lights up their nasal receptors. According to a study, mouse activity was 90% less in rooms treated with peppermint oil than in untreated rooms. The trick is to use 100 percent pure peppermint oil and refresh it every few days since the scent fades.
How to Choose a Pest Control Company?
- Look for licensing and certification — Make sure the company holds licenses required by your state and check for additional certifications from industry groups such as the National Pest Management Association.
- Inquire about their integrated pest management (IPM) approach — Quality companies execute extensive strategies that reduce chemical use and enhance efficacy.
- Check their inspection process – Professional companies should provide comprehensive examinations before extermination, recognizing both existing infestations and areas at risk.
- Ask what chemicals they use – Responsible companies will be upfront about what they apply and opt for lower-toxicity treatments whenever possible.
- Seek out experience with your pest problem — Different pests need different treatment; companies specializing in your particular problem will get better results.
- Look for online reviews and request references – Customer experiences can be a great source of information regarding the reliability of the service provider, the effectiveness of service delivery and the quality of customer service.
- Compare warranties and guarantees — Responsible contractors will back their work with strong guarantees of treatment effectiveness.
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