[Survey] Household Pest Myths and Misconceptions: What Americans Really Believe
Pests are an unavoidable part of homeownership, but how prepared do Americans actually feel to deal with them? To understand how homeowners think about pest control and which myths still shape behavior, Modern Pest Services surveyed 1,006 U.S. adults about their experiences, beliefs, and misconceptions when it comes to pests in the home.
The results reveal a population that’s trying hard to stay ahead of pest problems, but often relies on DIY fixes, mixed information sources, and long-held myths that don’t always hold up.
Most Americans Feel Somewhat Prepared—But Not Fully Confident
Most Americans feel they have some handle on pest control, but few feel fully confident. Just 22% say they’re confident in their ability to outsmart pests in their home, while the majority (60%) describe themselves as only somewhat confident. Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) admit they’re not confident at all.
That uncertainty hasn’t stopped people from taking action, nearly everyone surveyed (97%) have tried at least one home remedy to deter pests. Store-bought pesticides are the most common solution by far, used by 72% of respondents. Half have relied on traps, and 44% have tried scent-based deterrents like peppermint oil, lavender, or cinnamon.
Many homeowners also experiment beyond traditional products. Sticky pads and bait stations have each been used by 41%, while vinegar (38%) remains a popular household fix. About 1 in 5 have poured bleach down drains or used borax. Less Americans report trying mothballs (14%), dryer sheets (14%), coffee grounds (12%), steel wool (12%), ultrasonic devices (14%), light-based devices (11%), or even cheese as mouse bait (13%). Only 3% say they haven’t tried any of these methods.
Kitchens are Ground Zero for Pest Anxiety
When asked where pests are most likely to invade, Americans overwhelmingly point to the kitchen. Six in ten (60%) believe it’s the most vulnerable area of the home. Far fewer cite basements (13%), garages (10%), or outdoor spaces and yards (11%) as the most vulnerable area.
That focus on kitchens makes sense given what people believe attracts pests most. Nearly three-quarters (73%) say food left out is the biggest draw. Standing water trails far behind at 11%, followed by clutter (9%) and dirt or dust (5%). Bright lights rank last, with just 2% believing they attract pests the most.
“Homeowners often assume pests originate in the kitchen because that’s where they’re easiest to see. In reality, many issues start in hidden or rarely visited areas. Pests are driven by moisture, warmth, and shelter, which often develop long before any activity reaches the kitchen.”
Dan S. – SMART/Field Specialist
Cleaning, in particular, is seen as a powerful line of defense. An overwhelming 95% believe that keeping a clean home is a form of pest control, and more than two-thirds (68%) think monthly deep cleans would help prevent infestations. Still, nearly a third (32%) aren’t convinced that even regular deep cleaning is enough to keep pests away.
Professional Pest Control is Trusted for Good Reason
More than half of Americans (54%) understand that professional pest control is the most effective option, and only 8% say DIY methods work best.
Among those who favor professional services, 77% point to better material applications, and nearly 3 in 4 (73%) believe professionals deliver longer-lasting results. Better pest identification (65%) and more innovative methods (59%) are also reasons why Americans turn to the pros.
Still, many homeowners don’t realize the limits of DIY solutions until after the fact. More than half of Americans (55%) say they’ve discovered that something they once believed about pest control was incorrect. The most common realizations involve the effectiveness of DIY or store-bought products (28%) and how quickly pest problems can actually be resolved (24%). Others learned they were mistaken about how safe treatments are (15%), the causes of infestations (14%), how often pest control is needed (13%), and which pests are active in their area (12%).
Myths and Misconceptions About Pest Risks
Health concerns play a major role in how Americans think about pests. More than half (53%) believe health risks from rodents are very serious, while another 43% consider them somewhat serious and 4% dismiss the risks altogether.
However, when asked which household pests are most dangerous for disease transmission, six in ten Americans (61%) said rats pose the greatest disease risk. Mosquitoes come in second at 17%, followed by roaches (10%). Bed bugs (7%), fleas (3%), and houseflies (2%) trail far behind. Only the 17% of homeowners who cited mosquitoes as the most dangerous in terms of disease were correct in their assumption, making mosquito control services especially beneficial — as the CDC identifies mosquitoes as the world’s deadliest animal due to the diseases they transmit.
Perceptions of danger don’t always align with reality, especially when it comes to venom. The pest most often believed to have the most poisonous bite or sting is the brown recluse (or “lacrosse”) spider at 42%, closely followed by the black widow at 40%. Scorpions account for 10%, while wasps (4%), fire ants (3%), and bees (1%) receive minimal concern. The black widow is the pest that actually proves to be most poisonous in North America according to Smithsonian.
Longstanding pest myths continue to influence homeowner behavior. Nearly 6 in 10 Americans (59%) believe cats are usually a good mouse deterrent. Around 29% think essential oils repel pests, and 27% still believe mice love cheese. One in five believe ultrasonic devices work, and 16% think pests only enter through cracks and holes. Just 21% reject all of these statements.
Ecofriendly pest control options also generate mixed opinions. While 79% believe ecofriendly options are safe for the environment, only 48% think they work as well as chemical treatments. When asked which ecofriendly methods are most effective, traps (24%) and diatomaceous earth (23%) lead the list, followed by plant-based oils (17%), baking soda (9%), and predator insects (7%). One in five remain unsure.
“Ecofriendly pest control doesn’t mean weaker products — it means smarter solutions. By targeting pests precisely and avoiding unnecessary treatments, we protect your home effectively while reducing environmental impact.”
Dan S. – SMART/Field Specialist
Where Americans Got it Right: Termite Damage
When it comes to threats to the home itself, Americans are far more unified. More than three-quarters (76%) identify termites as the most detrimental pest to a home’s structure, and they are correct— according to the University of Kentucky’s Entomology Department, termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year in America. Rodents rank a distant second at 15%, while carpenter ants (5%), wood-boring beetles (3%), and squirrels (1%) barely register.
While Americans seem confident about the damage termites can cause, there’s far more uncertainty when it comes to other pest concerns, which is where professional expertise could be most necessary. Solutions like termite treatments can help homeowners protect their home from pests that cause the most damage.
“Termites are one of the few pests capable of causing significant structural damage long before any visible signs appear. That’s why proactive prevention and routine inspections are essential. By the time you notice damage, the colony has typically been active for quite some time.”
Dan S. – SMART/Field Specialist
DIY Knowledge Comes From Mixed Sources
Americans are eager to manage pests on their own; but, unfortunately, many aren’t turning to professionals for information. Only 10% say pest control companies are their primary source of guidance.
Instead, many rely on more informal sources. About 22% turn to YouTube or DIY videos, and an equal share (22%) consult online forums. Family and friends influence 15% of homeowners, while 1 in 10 turn to home improvement websites. Social media plays a smaller role at 9%, and 12% admit they don’t research pest control at all.
These mixed and sometimes unreliable sources of information may help explain why misconceptions remain common. It can also point to why many homeowners later realize they were incorrect about proper pest control methods.
Outsmarting Pests the Right Way
Americans are clearly motivated when it comes to pest control. Most understand the risks pests pose and are willing to try a wide range of solutions to protect their homes. But the data shows that effort doesn’t always translate into effectiveness. Limited confidence, persistent myths, and an overreliance on DIY approaches often leave homeowners dealing with recurring issues or problems that never fully get resolved.
The most effective path forward combines prevention, education, and professional insight. Understanding which pests are common in your area, how they behave, and what early warning signs to watch for can make a meaningful difference. Professional pest control helps close the gap by pairing that knowledge with accurate identification, proven treatment methods, and longer-lasting results.
“Many DIY pest control methods offer quick, temporary relief but rarely address the root cause. Effective long‑term control requires an Integrated Pest Management approach — proper identification, understanding pest behavior, and choosing targeted solutions that prevent the problem from returning.”
Dan S. – SMART/Field Specialist
For homeowners, this means fewer surprises and more peace of mind. And for experienced providers like Modern Pest Services, it’s an opportunity to replace uncertainty with clarity and help homeowners move beyond temporary fixes toward smarter, more effective pest control protection.
Methodology
This survey was conducted among 1,006 U.S. adults. Respondents included 50% men, 49% women, and 1% non-binary. Data reflects self-reported attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs related to household pest control.
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Fair Use
When using this data and research, please attribute by linking to this study and citing Modern Pest Services.
