Nothing disrupts a calm home ambiance faster than unwanted ants marching through your bedroom, rats scratching in the walls, or roaches running amok in your kitchen. When panic sets in, so does the Googling. You find yourself scrolling through do-it-yourself bug hacks ranging from kind of logical to downright ridiculous. Cinnamon in corners? Dryer sheets in your shoes? But not everything whizzing around online really works—and some of it can even exacerbate the issue. Let’s lift the veil of bug-busting common pest control myths people believe in 2025 and discuss what gets those pesky intruders to back down.

Pest Control Myths Debunked: What Works (and What Doesn’t)

Myth #1—Mice Run for the Hills at the Scent of Peppermint

You’ve seen the DIY pest control hacks on Pinterest.—Just get some cotton balls, soak them in peppermint oil, and there you go—no more mice. Now, your living room smells like a holistic healing day spa. But that won’t scare a mouse happy with their food, water, and shelter.

Mice aren’t sniffing out essential oils before deciding whether to book an Airbnb for the weekend. It’ll bug them for an instant, sure, but it wears off and won’t dissuade them from making themselves at home in your ceiling or wall insulation.

If you’re experiencing scurrying sounds, break out the mouse traps. Or, get someone familiar with doing exterminator work, not aromatherapy, to fix your pest problems.

Myth #2—Ultrasonic Plug-ins Are the Future

The commercials make them sound so appealing. Plug in a device and a miraculous frequency—audible only to pests—chases them out of your house like they’re running away from a non-stop EDM festival.

In theory, they sound like they’re worth a shot—in reality, no chance this is an effective pest control method.

Most research indicates they don’t do much of anything. Some insects become accustomed to the noise, ignoring it like background white noise. Others will steer clear initially but return when they find peanut butter in the pantry.

If you already have an infestation, some high-pitched whine isn’t driving out a colony that’s already moved in. Pests are attracted to food, and your DIY methods can’t deter them.

Myth #3—Clean Homes Never Get Pests

You clean, vacuum, and wipe down surfaces—and still, those pesky little critters keep marching in the door. We all grew up imagining pests only set up shop in dirty homes, but that’s not the truth.

Pests are opportunists—They don’t pay any notice to your color-coded pantry and your spotless floors. If they can get access and an incentive to linger, they will.

Myth #4—Homemade Vinegar Sprays Work for Anything

Vinegar is the internet’s solution to virtually every household problem—stains, odors, windows, and yes, preventing pests. If you’re spraying vinegar and anticipating an exodus of roaches, we hate to inform you that it won’t happen.

  • Vinegar might mask a scent trail or remove evidence of food or spills, but vinegar isn’t an insecticide.
  • Ants might temporarily leave, but they’re not ghosting your kitchen permanently because your vinegar spritz.

If you see repeat callers, you’ll need bait stations or an expert removal service.

Myth #5—A Single Insect Indicates Something’s Afoot

Cue the scary music—you spot a spider. Suddenly, you’re sure you have an infestation in your basement with the queen pumping out mini-spiders every minute. Deep breath. One spider doesn’t always signal an invasion.

Occasionally, a bug rode in on one of those grocery bags. Or came in because the outside weather went completely nuts. Of course, if you encounter repeat troublemakers or unusual patterns (such as wasps nesting in your eaves), you might want to take action.

Pest Control Myths And What Works?

A professional pest technician can tell you where to hit, what to hit, and how to address your situation. That said, sealing cracks and potential entry points, drying out wet spots, and clearing out stuff does wonders for prevention.

Store-bought ticky traps (the retro glue boards) are low-tech, but incredibly handy. They help identify who’s creeping about when you’re not paying attention.

Pest control shouldn’t be an exercise in guesswork based upon half-truths and home remedies garnered from Facebook posts. Understanding myths about pests, less peppermint oil, and some actual strategies can make your home pest-free.

Hire a Professional – ABC Termite & Pest Control Company – Omaha & Lincoln

If you’re concerned about pest infestations or want a professional to evaluate your home’s pest prevention strategies, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local Nebraska pest control expert.

Find a reputable pest control company in Omaha or Lincoln that you TRUST. Ask about their termite inspection and pest management services. You may think you are saving money however, a single misapplication could have significant and adverse or deadly consequences for you or your loved ones. Contact ABC Termite & Pest Control in Omaha & Lincoln, NE to talk with an exterminator today!