Top Pest Control Myths Debunked

When it comes to keeping your home pest-free, there’s a lot of advice out there; unfortunately, not all of it is accurate. Over the years, myths about pest control have spread almost as fast as insect and rodent infestations. At Getem Services, we’ve been protecting Hampton Roads homes and businesses since 1922, and we’ve heard nearly every myth. In this article, we’ll set the record straight on some of the most common misconceptions.

Myth #1: A Clean Home Means No Pests

The truth: While keeping your home clean does help reduce crumbs, spills, and clutter that attract pests, it doesn’t guarantee you’ll never see them. Ants will come in looking for even the tiniest food source. Termites are after wood and moisture, not crumbs on the counter. And rodents often move inside during colder months, just looking for warmth and shelter.

In Hampton Roads, pests like ants, termites, and roaches don’t discriminate between a clean home and a messy one—they only care about access to food, water, and safe nesting spots. Even the most meticulously maintained house can become a target.

Myth #2: DIY Sprays Can Eliminate Any Infestation

DIY sprays may knock down the pests wandering across the kitchen floor, but they rarely get to the heart of the problem. Most pests don’t hang out in plain sight. They nest in wall voids, crawl spaces, basements, or attics. Spraying the bugs you see is like mopping up water without fixing the leak; it doesn’t stop the source.

Take cockroaches, for example. You might spray one or two, but dozens (or even hundreds) might be thriving out of sight. Without professional products and strategies that reach those hidden areas, the infestation comes right back.

Myth #3: Termites Only Invade Old Homes

Termites don’t care how old your home is. What they care about is access to wood and moisture. Even brand-new houses in Hampton Roads can develop leaks or moisture issues that attract these wood-destroying insects.

In fact, termites are so common in this area that real estate transactions often require inspections before closing. Whether your home is one year old or one hundred, it can still be at risk. Preventive termite protection is always a wise investment.

Myth #4: If You Don’t See Pests, You Don’t Have Them

Just because you don’t see pests doesn’t mean they’re not there. Many insects and rodents are excellent at hiding. Roaches are nocturnal and scatter when lights come on. Termites can silently eat away at wood for years before leaving visible damage. Mice can slip in and nest inside walls or insulation where you’ll never spot them.

In other words, by the time you notice obvious signs, the problem may already be advanced. Regular inspections and proactive home pest control are the best ways to catch issues early or, better yet, ensure they don’t happen.

Myth #5: Cats Keep Mice Away

Some cats might catch the occasional mouse, but they’re not a reliable solution for a rodent problem. Mice hide in walls, attics, and behind appliances, places your cat can’t reach. And if the population starts growing, even the best mouser can’t keep up.

Professional rodent control isn’t just about catching a few mice—it’s about sealing entry points, removing food and water sources, and tackling the problem where rodents actually live. That’s the kind of solution only an experienced pest control team can provide.

Myth #6: Throwing Out Your Mattress Will Eliminate Bed Bugs

Bed bugs don’t just hide in mattresses. They can live in box springs, furniture, baseboards, electrical outlets, and even under flooring. Tossing your mattress may seem like a fresh start, but it doesn’t address the real infestation.

Without proper treatment, bed bugs will move to another hiding spot and infest your brand-new mattress quickly. The only way to truly get rid of them is with thorough, professional bed bug control that targets every stage of the life cycle.

Myth #7: All Pest Control Is the Same

Not all pest control companies are alike. Big-box or national providers may take a one-size-fits-all approach, but pests in Hampton Roads are unique to our climate and environment. A locally owned company like Getem Services brings more than a century of experience with the exact pests homeowners here face.

We’ve built relationships in this community since 1922 and know that personalized service makes a difference. From the humidity that fuels termite activity to the seasonal rodent rush in fall, we understand what works here because we live here too.

Why Myths Stick Around

So why do these myths keep circulating? It’s partly because pests are such a common problem. Everyone has a story, a trick that worked once, or a tip they read online. The problem is, pests are adaptable. What worked once in one situation doesn’t necessarily work everywhere.

That’s why it's so important to rely on expert knowledge, not myths. Professional pest control specialists are trained to identify the pest, understand its habits, and apply proven solutions safely and effectively.

Trust the Pest Experts Who Know Hampton Roads

For more than 100 years, Getem Services has been helping Hampton Roads property owners protect their families, homes, and businesses from pests of all kinds. From ants and roaches to termites, bed bugs, and rodents, we’ve seen it all and know how to stop it.

Don’t let pest control myths lead you down the wrong path. When you need real answers and real results, turn to the experts your neighbors have trusted since 1922. Contact Getem Services today!