It almost seems like there are more myths about pests making the rounds on the internet than there are pests. Whether you’re talking about the best bait for mouse traps or which spiders are actually venomous, everyone seems to have an opinion.
Below you’ll find a breakdown of the most commonly held myths about pests like spiders, ants, and bedbugs and learn the best time to call in pest management professionals.
Myth: Daddy Longlegs Are Venomous
Daddy longlegs are also called cellar spiders, and there’s a myth going around that they’re highly venomous. Although they might look intimidating based on their size, the fact is that daddy longlegs aren’t venomous at all.
What’s more surprising is that daddy longlegs could actually refer to two different kinds of spiders—opiliones (a.k.a., harvesters) and pholcidae (a.k.a., cellar spiders)—and they don’t even possess fangs, let alone venom.
These two kinds of spiders are technically still spiders but they’re pretty unusual among spiders in that they only have one pair of eyes and they have extremely long legs, hence the name, daddy longlegs.
Myth: Bed bugs Only Inhabit Dirty Motels
The Environmental Protection Agency put together a whole set of myths about bed bugs. The first myth is that bed bugs are attracted to grime and unkempt rooms; in reality, bed bugs are attracted to warmth and blood.
There’s something about bed bugs that provokes myths and dark imaginings—maybe it’s the way that they feed and the fact that bed bugs are active at night.
While bed bugs are considered a public health threat, they’re not known to transmit diseases like mice and other pests. That said, bed bug bites can require medical attention and a bed bug infestation should be dealt with immediately by a pest control professional.
Myth: Mice Are Invertebrates
Some people think that mice are invertebrates and don’t have a backbone. Why would they think this? Because mice can seemingly fit through any little crevice—even one as small as a dime.
The fact is mice do have bones, it’s just that they can fit through any area that’s the same size or smaller than their heads, which means that your home or business could be vulnerable if it contains small gaps.
Myth: Cockroaches Are Afraid of Light
This is one of those myths that’s really hard to eradicate because people have grown up believing it for so long. The fact is that cockroaches have an appendage called cerci that act as wind-sensitive hairs.
When cockroaches scatter as a person enters a room, it’s because the person has changed the air movement and cockroaches can pick up on these subtle changes, though certain species of cockroaches definitely prefer the dark.
That said, other species of cockroaches actually prefer the light! Among the trove of cockroach myths out there, you’ll hear that cockroaches can’t stand light; but there are cockroach species who actually go near windows and television screens at night. Surprising, but true.
Boric acid powder can be applied by a pest control specialist to deal with minor cockroach issues. For cockroach infestations, though, you’ll want to hire a pest control specialist at Bain Pest Control.
Myth: Cats Are Effective Rodent Control
Because rats and mice can squeeze through crevices as small as a dime, a cat definitely isn’t enough to keep rodents at bay. Bain Pest Control offers rodent control so be sure to ask about what our professionals can do for you to get rid of your pest problem or prevent one in the future!
For more information about how you can combat the pests in your home or business, request a quote from a pest management professional at Bain Pest Control.