Ineffective DIY Pest Control Remedies

Ineffective DIY Pest Control Remedies

Chalk Lines

There is a myth that ants do not like to walk over chalk lines, and therefore drawing chalk lines by doors etc. will prevent ants from entering your home. However, there is actually nothing special about chalk that deters ants. The simple truth behind the overall myth is that many substances like chalk can disrupt the scent trail of ants. However, such practices are largely ineffective as the scent trail still exists on the other side of the line and if an ant simply crosses over the chalk, or finds another way around, they can easily pick up on the scent trail once more and continue their pillaging of your home’s pantry.

Dry Ice

Thankfully, there haven’t been many cases in which people have tried using dry ice as DIY pest control as it can be a bit dangerous. But, due to the influence of the internet, dry ice has been touted as a home remedy for stinging pests such as yellow jackets as they often make their nests in holes in the ground. In one such case, a homeowner placed dry ice at the hole of the ground nest, his aim was to attempt to kill the yellow jackets by suffocating them with the CO2. Unfortunately, this direct intervention DIY method led to the man getting stung several times just within the first few minutes. Also, after waiting a significant amount of time, the colony was still rather alive. While some members lay dead on the ground, many of the yellowjackets had escaped and were extremely aggressive, stinging anyone nearby. So, in the end, the homeowner got injured, the nest remained, and he had gone through the headache of buying and dealing with dry ice all for this pest-control failure.

Moth Balls

Moth balls are the most unique entry on this list because it’s actually effective, but, while effective, it is not a recommended treatment. In the past, moth balls were used as DIY pest control for a variety of pests, but since the 2000’s they have quickly been found to be rather detrimental. In fact, the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) has even issued a warning about the careful use of moth balls as they are toxic to humans, pets, and the environment. So, they may repel some pests, the health risks they pose are typically not worth the benefits of their use.

Oatmeal

There is a popular myth that oatmeal will explode in the stomach of ants. The theory behind this myth involves the narrow digestive tracts of ants. Supposedly, if an ant ingests oats, then drinks water, the oatmeal will expand, placing intense pressure on their small digestive tract until it eventually ruptures. This, however, is not true. When ants eat, their food is held in a pouch within their mouths called the infrabuccal pocket, which strains the food in order to prevent particles that are too large from passing into their digestive systems. Due to this, any expansion of the already chewed oat would take place in the infrabuccal pocket after which, it would also be so broken down that it is no threat whatsoever to an ant’s digestive tract. This myth is surprisingly thought to originate from an old pest control technique used by professionals in which insecticides would be placed on the oats that, when brought back to the colony, would slowly kill the ant population.

Fake Wasp Nests

These fake nests resemble the nests of bald-faced hornets. They are notably large, often the size of a basketball, and are shaped like oblong paper lanterns. The theory behind the use of these products stems from the fact that most stinging pests are territorial by nature. So, the intention of the fake nests is to trick stinging pests into believing that the area is already occupied by another colony. Some users of these products report that they have not had any stinging pest problems after hanging these fake nests. But was it actually due to the fake nests, or was it was coincidental? Unfortunately, both a lot of user reviews and other evidence suggest that those incidences were, indeed, coincidences. So while the use of fake nests most likely does not directly result in wasp deterrent, there’s the possibility that it’s presence could contribute to the decision of a colony to build elsewhere if other deterring factors are also present in the area.

Safe Reliable Pest Control

Keeping pests at bay can be a matter of your safety and security. Some DIY practices can be dangerous or toxic, and others, while relatively harmless, are rarely as effective as professional intervention. If pests are bugging you, we’ve got your back. At Pointe Pest Control, we offer safe, effective, and rapid results so that you can live a pest-free life. Don’t put yourself or your family at risk – call professional help today!