Pest Control Myths vs. Facts: Central Ohio Homeowner Guide 

Don’t let "old wives' tales" lead to an expensive infestation. Shaffer Pest Control separates the truth from the myths for homeowners in Blacklick, Reynoldsburg, and across the Greater Columbus area.

Common Pest Myths Debunked

• Myth #1: I only need pest control in the summer.

  • The Fact: Pests don't disappear in the winter; they just change their tactics. In Central Ohio, as temperatures drop, rodents like mice and rats seek the warmth of your crawlspace or attic. Spiders also move indoors during the fall. Year-round prevention ensures you aren't just reacting to an infestation, but stopping one before it starts.

• Myth #2: Cheese is the best bait for a mouse trap.

  • The Fact: Mice are actually more attracted to high-calorie, sticky foods. Peanut butter or a small piece of chocolate is far more effective. More importantly, trap placement along walls and entry points in your Blacklick or Columbus home matters more than the bait itself.

• Myth #3: If I don't see any bugs, I don't have a problem.

  • The Fact: Many of Ohio’s most destructive pests are "silent" invaders. Termites and Carpenter Ants can damage a home's structure for years before you see a single winged insect. Our quarterly inspections look for the signs of activity—like frass or mud tubes—that homeowners in Pataskala often miss.

• Myth #4: Bed bugs only live in dirty homes.

  • The Fact: Bed bugs are world-class hitchhikers; they don't care about dust or clutter—they care about a blood meal. You can pick them up in a 5-star hotel or a movie theater in Columbus just as easily as anywhere else. Cleanliness helps with early detection, but it won't prevent them from being brought inside.

• Myth #5: Ultrasonic repellers are a permanent fix for rodents.

  • The Fact: While these devices might cause temporary confusion, mice and rats quickly habituate to the sound. The only permanent fix is Structural Exclusion. At Shaffer Pest Control, we focus on sealing the actual entry points in your foundation or roofline to keep them out of your home for good.

• Myth #6: Mothballs will keep raccoons and skunks away.

  • The Fact: Mothballs are not an effective wildlife repellent and can be toxic to the environment and your pets. For humane and effective wildlife removal in Reynoldsburg, trapping and structural proofing are the only ways to ensure animals don't return to your attic or porch.

• Myth #7: I can get rid of an ant infestation with store-bought spray.

  • The Fact: Spraying the ants you see only kills about 10% of the problem. Most ant colonies in Etna and Columbus have multiple queens hidden behind walls. Store-bought sprays often cause "budding," where the colony senses danger and splits into multiple new colonies. We use professional-grade baits that the workers carry back to the heart of the nest to eliminate the source.

• Myth #8: Bees and Wasps won't bother you if you leave them alone.

  • The Fact: While some species are docile, Yellowjackets and Hornets are extremely territorial and will attack if they feel their nest is threatened—even if you're just mowing your lawn. For safe Bee and Wasp removal in Columbus, it’s always best to let a professional handle the height and the heat.

• Myth #9: Professional pest control is too expensive.

  • The Fact: DIY "solutions" often cost more in the long run. A single rodent chewing through a wire or termites damaging a joist can cost thousands. Our Quarterly Preventative Plans start as low as $24 a month, providing a shield for your home and saving you from massive repair bills down the road.

Don't Let Pests Move In For Good

Whether you are dealing with a current infestation or want to prevent the next one, Shaffer Pest Control is here to help. Our professional exclusion and preventative plans ensure your home stays protected year-round.

Call or Text us today: 614-671-5516

Serving Blacklick, Reynoldsburg, Pataskala, Pickerington, and the Greater Columbus Area.