Pest Control Myths Busted: What Actually Works to Keep Bugs Away?

TLDR:

• Lemons & Vinegar for Ants: Partially true, but only a short-term fix. The best solution is to find entry points, seal them, and use bait traps.

• Mothballs for Mice: False. Mice are not deterred by mothballs. Instead, seal entry points, remove food sources, and use traps or professional pest control.

• Essential Oils for Mosquitoes & Roaches: Partially true, but not reliable. To keep pests away, remove standing water for mosquitoes and use bait stations for roaches.

• No Pests Visible Means No Problem: False. Pests like termites, bed bugs, and rodents can stay hidden for months. Regular inspections and preventative treatments are key.

• DIY Pest Control Works as Well as Professionals: Sometimes true for minor problems, but not for serious infestations. Professional pest control is the most effective long-term solution.

What Actually Works?

• Keep your home clean and seal all entry points.

• Use targeted, science-backed pest treatments.

• Get regular professional pest control to prevent infestations.

Need expert pest control? Forterra Pest Control provides proven solutions for long-term pest prevention.

Let’s be real—when you see a cockroach dart across your kitchen or hear mice scratching in the walls, you’ll try just about anything to get rid of them. And thanks to the internet (and that one “helpful” friend), there’s no shortage of pest control hacks floating around.

But do these so-called "home remedies" actually work, or are they just wishful thinking? As someone who’s dealt with my fair share of bug battles, I’ve tried a lot of these tricks—some worked, some were total flops.

So, let’s bust some common pest control myths and talk about what really works to keep those creepy crawlies out of your home.

Myth #1: Lemons & Vinegar Keep Ants Away 

The Reality: Partially True (But Not Enough)

You’ve probably heard that ants hate the smell of citrus and vinegar. While it’s true that strong scents can disrupt their scent trails, this is more of a short-term fix than a real solution.

 I once wiped down my countertops with vinegar after spotting ants in my kitchen. They disappeared for a few hours but came right back the next day. Why? Because vinegar doesn’t kill them—it simply repels them. Since ants are social insects, where you see a few, there are usually many more nearby. If you only repel them, they don’t just disappear—they often relocate to another part of your home, potentially making the problem even worse. For real ant control, you need to target the colony, not just mask their trails.

What Actually Works?

• Find the source. If you see a trail of ants, follow it to find their entry point.
• Seal up cracks and crevices. Ants can squeeze in through the tiniest gaps.
• Use bait traps. These work better than sprays because ants bring the poison back to their colony.

Pro Tip: Forterra Pest Control offers professional ant control solutions that actually work—without making your kitchen smell like a salad dressing. 

Myth #2: Mothballs Keep Mice Away 

The Reality: False

I don’t know who started this myth, but mothballs won’t do much against mice. Sure, they have a strong smell, but rodents are smart and adaptable. They’ll just find a different route into your home.

I once put mothballs under my sink to keep mice away. The only thing I achieved? A house that smelled like a thrift store. The mice didn’t care one bit.

What Actually Works?

• Seal all entry points. Mice can fit through holes the size of a dime! If you’re not opting for professional exclusion, stuffing small gaps with steel wool is an effective DIY method since rodents can’t chew through it.
• Use traps and professional pest control. Forterra Pest Control provides safe, effective rodent solutions—no weird smells required.

Myth #3: Essential Oils Will Keep Mosquitoes & Roaches Away 

The Reality: Partially True (But Not Reliable)

Essential oils, like peppermint and citronella, are often marketed as natural pest repellents. While some do have insect-repelling properties, their effectiveness varies. For example, citronella-based products—like candles—can help reduce mosquito presence in small areas, but their protection is limited to the immediate area around and as long as they are being used.

When it comes to roaches, strong-smelling oils like peppermint or lavender may make them avoid certain spots, but they don’t eliminate an infestation. However, there are professional botanical-based pesticides—such as Essentria IC Pro, which contains clove oil and cornmint oil—that can effectively kill mosquitoes and roaches. This product is an example of a botanical formula that targets both pests and is a reliable alternative to synthetic chemicals in areas where they might not be allowed.

The key takeaway? While essential oils can provide temporary relief, they aren’t a reliable long-term solution for keeping pests away. Formulated botanical pesticides, like Essentria IC Pro, can offer more effective results for both mosquitoes and roaches. 

What Actually Works?

• For mosquitoes: Remove standing water (where they lay eggs) and use professional mosquito treatments.
• For roaches: Keep your home clean, seal cracks, and use bait stations or professional extermination.

Forterra Pest Control offers expert mosquito and roach treatments—so you don’t have to rely on wishful thinking.

Myth #4: If You Don’t See Pests, You Don’t Have Them 

The Reality: False

Just because you don’t see bugs doesn’t mean they’re not lurking in your walls, attic, or basement. Some pests—like termites, bed bugs, and even rodents—stay hidden until the infestation is serious.

A friend of mine thought she had a pest-free home—until she noticed tiny piles of sawdust near her furniture. Surprise! Termites had been feasting on her wood for months.

What Actually Works?

• Regular inspections. Don’t wait for obvious signs—schedule a pest inspection at least once a year.
• Preventative pest control. Forterra Pest Control offers quarterly pest treatments to keep your home pest-free before problems start.

Myth #5: DIY Pest Control Works Just as Well as Professionals 

The Reality: Sometimes True—But Usually Not Enough

I won’t lie—some DIY methods can work for minor pest problems. But for serious infestations, DIY sprays and traps won’t cut it.

 I once tried dealing with a wasp nest on my own. Armed with a can of bug spray, I ran outside, sprayed like crazy, and then sprinted away in fear. Spoiler alert: The wasps came back the next day.

What Actually Works?

• For minor pests: You can try DIY methods, but make sure you’re using the right products.
• For serious infestations: Call a pro. Forterra Pest Control offers safe, long-lasting pest solutions that actually work.

Final Thoughts: What Actually Works to Keep Bugs Away?

So, what’s the best way to keep pests out of your home? Forget the myths and focus on proven strategies:

 Keep your home clean and seal entry points
Use targeted, science-backed pest treatments
Get regular professional pest control (Forterra Pest Control can help!)

Don’t waste time with old wives’ tales—when it comes to keeping your home pest-free, a little professional help goes a long way.

Need expert pest control in Dallas, Southlake, or surrounding areas?  Contact Forterra Pest Control today and say goodbye to pests for good!