7 Common Pest Control Myths Exposed — What Queens County Homeowners Need to Know

Stop Believing These Pest Control Myths

Every homeowner in Queens County has heard some version of these pest control myths — at a neighborhood barbecue in [Garden City](/garden-city), from a well-meaning relative, or maybe on social media. The problem is that believing the wrong thing about pests can lead to wasted money, ineffective treatment, and infestations that spiral out of control.

At Queens County Pest Control, we talk to families across Queens, NYC every single day who have been misled by common misconceptions. Let's set the record straight on seven of the biggest pest control myths so you can protect your home with facts, not folklore.

Myth 1: Cheese Is the Best Bait for Mice

This might be the most persistent pest myth of all time, thanks to cartoons and old wives' tales. In reality, mice are not particularly attracted to cheese. They prefer foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates — peanut butter, chocolate, seeds, and crackers are all far more effective at luring mice into traps.

If you have been setting cheese-baited traps in your basement and wondering why they sit untouched, now you know. For persistent [rodent problems](/services/rodent-control), bait selection matters, but so does trap placement, exclusion work, and understanding how mice move through your home.

Myth 2: Ultrasonic Devices Keep Pests Away

Walk through any hardware store on Long Island and you will find shelves of plug-in ultrasonic pest repellers. They promise to drive away everything from mice to spiders using high-frequency sound waves. Sounds amazing, right?

Unfortunately, the science does not back it up. Multiple independent studies — including research from the Federal Trade Commission — have found little to no evidence that ultrasonic devices effectively repel pests long-term. Rodents and insects quickly adapt to the sound, and within days, most pests ignore the devices entirely. If these gadgets actually worked, professional pest control companies would use them too.

Myth 3: A Clean Home Won't Get Pests

This is one of the most harmful myths because it makes homeowners feel ashamed when they discover an infestation. The truth is that even the most spotless homes in Massapequa or Great Neck can get pests. Insects and rodents seek three things: food, water, and shelter. A clean home reduces available food sources, but pests can still enter looking for warmth, moisture, or nesting sites.

Termites eat the wood framing of your house — they do not care how often you mop. Bed bugs hitchhike in on luggage and clothing. Mice can squeeze through a gap the size of a dime in your foundation. Cleanliness helps, but it is not a guarantee.

Myth 4: Bed Bugs Only Live in Beds

Despite their name, [bed bugs](/services/bed-bug-removal) are not limited to mattresses. These sneaky insects are expert hiders and can be found in:

- Cracks and seams of upholstered furniture

- Behind wallpaper and picture frames

- Inside electrical outlets and switch plates

- Along baseboards and carpet edges

- In luggage, backpacks, and clothing

Bed bugs go where people go. They are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide, which is why they tend to congregate near sleeping areas — but they will happily set up camp anywhere in your home. Homeowners who only inspect their mattress may miss a much larger infestation hiding in other rooms.

Myth 5: Cats Are the Ultimate Rodent Solution

Cats can certainly deter some mice, and some felines are excellent hunters. However, relying on your cat as a pest control strategy has some serious limitations. Many house cats simply are not interested in hunting. Mice and rats can be surprisingly fast, and they often nest in walls, attics, and crawl spaces where your cat cannot reach.

Additionally, rodent-borne diseases can be transmitted to cats through contact with infected mice. For a thorough approach to [rodent control](/services/rodent-control), professional exclusion and trapping is far more reliable than hoping Mr. Whiskers is feeling motivated.

Myth 6: DIY Pest Control Is Always Cheaper

A can of bug spray costs a few dollars. A professional pest treatment costs more upfront. So DIY is the budget-friendly choice, right? Not necessarily. Many homeowners across Queens County end up spending far more on repeated DIY attempts — buying different products, trying different methods, dealing with recurring infestations — than they would have spent on a single professional treatment that actually solves the problem.

Professional pest control technicians identify the root cause of the infestation, treat it comprehensively, and provide follow-up to make sure pests do not return. That long-term approach often saves families money compared to the DIY cycle of spray, wait, and spray again.

Myth 7: All Bugs Are Bad

Not every insect you encounter is a pest. Many bugs play important roles in the ecosystem right in your own backyard. Ladybugs eat aphids that damage garden plants. Spiders control populations of mosquitoes and flies. Bees and butterflies pollinate the flowers and gardens that make Queens County neighborhoods so beautiful.

The key is knowing which insects pose a genuine threat to your home or family and which ones are actually helping. A knowledgeable pest control professional can help you tell the difference and focus treatment where it is truly needed.

How to Protect Your Home the Right Way

Instead of relying on myths and old remedies, here is what actually works for pest prevention in Queens County:

• Seal entry points — caulk cracks around foundations, windows, and doors

• Eliminate moisture — fix leaky pipes and ensure proper drainage

• Store food properly — keep pantry items in sealed containers

• Reduce clutter — pests love hiding spots, especially in basements and garages

• Schedule regular inspections — catching problems early prevents major infestations

For a free estimate on protecting your home, [contact the Queens County Pest Control team today](/contact). We serve families throughout Queens County, from Levittown to Floral Park and everywhere in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do ultrasonic pest repellers work at all?

Independent research consistently shows that ultrasonic devices have little to no long-term effectiveness against common household pests. While they may briefly startle some insects or rodents, pests quickly adapt to the sound frequencies. Professional pest management using proven methods like exclusion, baiting, and targeted treatments is far more reliable.

Can I get bed bugs even if my house is clean?

Absolutely. Bed bugs are not attracted to dirt or filth — they are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide from human bodies. They spread by hitchhiking on luggage, clothing, and furniture. Even the cleanest homes in Queens County can experience a bed bug infestation after travel or contact with infested items.

What is the most effective bait for mouse traps?

Peanut butter is widely considered the most effective mouse bait because of its strong smell and sticky texture, which forces mice to engage with the trap mechanism. Chocolate, seeds, and small pieces of cracker also work well. Cheese, despite its reputation, is one of the less effective options.

When should I call a professional instead of handling pests myself?

If you have tried DIY methods without success, if you are seeing pests repeatedly, or if you are dealing with wood-destroying insects like termites or carpenter ants, it is time to call a professional. Some infestations — particularly [bed bugs](/services/bed-bug-removal) and [rodents](/services/rodent-control) living in walls — require specialized equipment and expertise to fully resolve.

Are there any beneficial bugs I should avoid killing?

Yes! Ladybugs, spiders, ground beetles, and praying mantises are all beneficial insects that help control pest populations naturally. If you find these in your garden, consider leaving them alone. If they are inside your home and you would rather they were not, a pest professional can advise on gentle relocation rather than extermination.