TLDR:
What Actually Works?
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.
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.
Pro Tip: Forterra Pest Control offers professional ant control solutions that actually work—without making your kitchen smell like a salad dressing.
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.
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.
Forterra Pest Control offers expert mosquito and roach treatments—so you don’t have to rely on wishful thinking.
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.
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.
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!
