Debunking 6 pest control TikTok trends

Nick Pulsonetti, director of business and pest expert at Excel Pest Services, has delved into eight of the biggest TikTok pest control trends, separating fact from fiction and highlighting if these hacks even hold any merit.

TikTok has become a platform for sharing innovative ideas and lifestyle hacks, even pest control. These pest control tips often promise swift, budget-friendly remedies to tackle common home pest infestations.

Check out if some of these hacks are just myths or can be used to help customers prevent pests:

1. Coffee grounds can repel mosquitos

In theory: In July 2023, a viral trend suggested burning coffee grounds to repel mosquitoes. The concept behind this hack is intriguing, as coffee grounds are known for their potent aroma.

Pulsonetti said coffee ground could help prevent mosquitoes.

“Mosquitoes have a heightened sensitivity to smell, which they rely on for finding areas to breed and eat,” Pulsonetti said. “Coffee grounds, known for their concentrated and potent aroma, can disrupt mosquitoes’ sensory receptors, overwhelming their ability to locate humans by smell. While it won’t completely get rid of them, we would still recommend trying it.”

Mr. Mister Mosquito controlled agreed and shared tips for using coffee grounds as mosquito control. According to the website, coffee grounds are a natural mosquito repellent that can help fight off mosquitoes from your home. They work by masking the scents that attract mosquitoes, making it harder for them to find targets.

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2. Use a gasoline filled cup to destroy wasp nests

In theory: Place a gasoline-filled cup over a wasp nest, causing them to perish from the fumes.

Pulsonetti debunked this theory, noting, “Besides being unethical, eliminating stinging insect nests in this way can put you in a dangerous situation – especially if you are allergic. Although this method seems to be all the ‘buzz’ online, what people do not realize is that the ‘worker’ bees/wasps/hornets are constantly going to and from their hive. Even if a person were to cover this nest with a cup, you won’t be able to target all of the insects and the workers returning to the nest/hive will see that their colony is under attack and retaliate. Calling the professionals is always the preferred choice when dealing with these insects.”

Pete Duncanson, senior director of training and development at ServiceMaster Restore, told Country Living that this method could be dangerous.

“The vapor gas that’s given off from liquid gasoline would asphyxiate bees or wasps, so it would work from that standpoint. However, what they’re doing is very dangerous—to hold a cup of gasoline in your hand.” Duncanson told Country Living. “What if one of those wasps got loose or wasn’t on the nest but flew in and you got stung and gas goes everywhere. Now you have a gas spill. Now you’re in a very flammable situation.”

@kyliejordan998 Excuse my husbands foul mouth 🤣 will never get rid of wasp nest another way again! #tiktokhacks #gasolina #wasp #fyp ♬ Back In Black – AC/DC

3. Sink plugging can prevent cockroaches

In theory: In July 2023, a New York City resident, @hellloo111, shared her experience of plugging up sink drains to prevent cockroaches during a weekend away in a viral TikTok video. The rationale behind this approach is that cockroaches thrive in moist environments.

Pulsonetti recommended plugging your sink when its not in use.

“Cockroaches have a remarkable ability to survive with minimal food but require moisture to thrive,” Pulsonetti said. “Sink drains become attractive habitats for them, especially when faucets leak, increasing moisture levels. Sinks also have a tendency to collect food scraps in kitchens and organic materials in bathroom drains, offering a readily available food source for these pests. When residents depart for the weekend, reduced water usage and less food going down their drains may prompt cockroaches to venture out of their drain dwellings and search for sustenance within the apartments.”

In an article from Apartment Therapy, Damian Marcelo, certified entomologist at Fox Pest Control, said covering the drain with a vase “is a myth to a certain point.” It won’t keep bugs away, but Marcelo noted, “Obstructing any drain or opening will deter pests from entering a structure.”

@hellloo111 iykyk #nyc #apartmenthacks #roachgirl #coverup #brooklyn #pov ♬ Miracles Happen – user20360429181

4. Place suitcases on soft surfaces to prevent bed bugs, and wash its contents after traveling

In theory: Separating fresh and worn clothes, placing suitcases on soft surfaces and washing everything upon returning home will help travelers prevent a bed bug infestation.

Pulsonetti agreed that this is a helpful tip to prevent bed bugs while traveling.

“I’d also suggest that travelers should put their suitcase in the hotel bathroom, or even in the bathtub, as it is generally the farthest point of the room from bedding or clothes,” Pulsonetti added. “I also recommend washing your clothes prior to putting them back into your suitcase as the washing and drying cycle will eliminate any live bed bugs or eggs that may be on your clothing.”

In the summer 2023, travelers were worried of bed bug outbreaks in Paris, France. See some more tips to prevent bringing bed bugs home when traveling.

@alykima The most important video you will watch today. Send this to your travel buddy and follow these 3 steps to keep yourself safe from bringing home bed bugs. This advice is straight from the pest control professfional. Stay safe❤️ #travelingtheworld #traveltiktok #travel2023 #travelsafety #travelhacks #traveltips #bedbugs ♬ original sound – Aly Kima

5. Use a glass and a piece of fruit to get rid of fruit flies

In theory: Using a glass and a piece of fruit, you are able to attract, trap and eliminate fruit flies effectively.

Pulsonetti said this is only a short-term solution.

“This is because fruit flies are social creatures, often travel in groups, and reproduce at high rates,” he said. “This means that while this method may catch some fruit flies, it will not effectively eliminate the group. Having regular drain treatments, window treatments, and keeping spoiled fruits and vegetables out of your home will get rid of these pests much more efficiently.”

Good Housekeeping shared some preventive measures to avoid a future fruit fly infestation:

• Throw out overripe produce
• Store fruits and veggies in the fridge
• Wash produce as soon as you get home to remove any potential eggs or larvae
• Take out the garbage regularly
• Clean up spills ASAP, especially fruit juice or alcohol

@andrelifehack A great way to get rid of flies😎 #andrelifehack #andreiemelianov #lifehack #lifehacks ♬ оригинальный звук – This is hack

6. Cayenne pepper can deter spiders

In theory: Cayenne pepper mixed with water creates a spray that deters spiders. Apply it on window sills and door frames to keep spiders out of your home.

Burns Pest Elimination shared that hot sauces can work to deter spiders as well as essential oils and sticky traps.

Pulsonetti said cayenne pepper is a popular DIY method in deterring spiders as they are highly reliant on their senses and can be deterred by strong, spicy smells.

“However, be cautious using this method if you have young kids or pets – cayenne pepper can irritate their eyes and is bad on their stomachs,” Pulsonetti said. “While this may work as a temporary barrier, spiders are renowned for being able to adapt to their environment and can quickly become used to the smell or they will simply find alternative routes into your home.”

@ceithgriffith♬ original sound – Ceith Griffith