We've all heard a phrase like:
“Put coffee grounds in it, it keeps the ants away!”
Or again:
“A bay leaf in the pantry, and no more moths!”
These kinds of homemade tricks are part of our family folklore. But as pest control professionals, we thought it was time to sort out what really works... and what's just myth .
1. “Coffee grounds repel ants”
Answer : partially false
Coffee grounds may temporarily bother ants with their smell, but they do nothing to solve the problem at the source .
For a real infestation, you must treat the nests or use professional baits , such as those offered by L'Exterminateur en ligne , which target the entire colony.
2. “A bay leaf keeps food moths away.”
Answer : Complete myth
Food moths are attracted to loosely sealed dry goods , not the absence of aromatic leaves.
The laurel does not scare them away , even if it gives them a clear conscience.
The real solution: store food in airtight containers and use pheromone sticky traps , such as those from Storgard II . They are designed to capture males and interrupt the breeding cycle .
3. “Cucumbers keep cockroaches away.”
Answer : No. Simply no.
This myth stems from a long-held belief that the smell of cucumbers would deter cockroaches. However, no studies have proven a concrete repellent effect.
If you see more than one cockroach per week , it is often a sign of a well-established infestation . Professional gel bait or the use of appropriate powdered pesticides is recommended. Diatomaceous earth is also a very effective natural insecticide against cockroaches.
4. “Baking soda kills bed bugs”
Answer : False and dangerous
Some homemade recipes claim that baking soda is enough to eliminate bedbugs.
In reality, this method is often ineffective, poorly applied and above all risks delaying real intervention.
For bedbugs, you need to act quickly and correctly : heat treatment, approved products, or professional services .
Why do these myths persist?
Because these solutions seem simple, natural, and inexpensive . And sometimes, they seem to work... for a while. But just because a pest disappears for a day doesn't mean the infestation is under control .
An effective treatment:
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Target the source
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Is based on the insect life cycle
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Use products or traps adapted to each situation
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Allows for future prevention
Need a real solution?
At L'Exterminateur en ligne , we understand that you prefer to avoid unnecessary chemicals. That's why we offer you targeted, safe, and proven solutions that you can use yourself, accompanied by our explanatory content and expert advice.
Have you heard of another miracle cure for parasites? Let us know, we love debunking these kinds of myths!