Plug in pest control

Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

I have been asked so many times over the years about ‘plug in pest control devices’. Do they really work? Usually the question comes from a new customer who is standing in her kitchen with roaches scurrying about while her 8 pest control plug ins hum quietly along.

Obviously not is what the smug dark side of me wants to say; but almost always the polite little bug guy comes out in me and explains to her that they are ineffective and actually cost her more by taking up valuable electricity. Invariably the devices are still in place with the next service and there they’ll stay for the duration. I’m sure she just can’t give up hope that somehow this scientifically proven method can’t be wrong.

Actually tests have proven the devices are bogus and I was right. Hopefully for the rest of this post, my ‘good little bug guy’ side will stay intact but I so want to pat myself on the back and do the ” I told you so” dance.

There are literally hundreds of new inventions and devices for pest control put out every year. Some sound good and make it to the trucks of the pest control companies or shelves of the do it yourself stores around America. Many others never get past the first hurdle. No matter where they end up a good percentage still just do not work.

Here’s some off the top of my head and a brief description of problems they have.

Plug ins–most insects can’t hear ultra sonic sound waves nor does the pulse they create disturb them. It does make a nice warm home for the roaches though.

In ground pop up termite detector–orange pop up button goes up regardless if its ants, moisture or a weed whacker that damages the trigger.

Plastic ‘trap ease’ live mouse trap–plastic doesn’t seem strong enough and the mouse chews his way out.

Plastic round live mouse trap–to small and the mouse’s tail is usually caught in door, mouse turns around and works the door back open.

Foggers— unable to reach all the pests unless you use to many= bad things happen

Clear fly tape–made to be put on windows and usually only catches the draw strings of the blinds.

Aerosol dusts–use to work quite well but due to environmental concerns the formula has changed, now all it does is clog the tips or the always popular “won’t stop spraying” making a huge mess in someone’s kitchen.

Well that’s just a few but back to the plug ins. On my site you’ll notice a Books and more store. I set that up mainly for the books but also put some products. There must have been 3 pages of this plug in device to choose from. I could not in all good conscience allow any of them in because I know they are a waste of money as far as I’m concerned. (If I missed any or the gods at Amazon sneak one in, let me know)

As a professional I want you to be bug free and if these little beauties would do it I’d have my trucks stocked to the brim with them. Believe me, my chemical bill would go way down and I could probably let a few of my technicians go home early for a change.