Once, I showed up at a client’s house for mice. During inspection, I began to notice how this poor lady had a Riddex plugged into nearly every outlet around her home. The mice seemed to be dancing to its tune. Obviously, it was a colossal waste of money. I even told her to go ahead and unplug them since the little lights were just sucking up energy (one begins to wonder if both companies are even working in cahoots). It is true that nearly all of us have been guilty of buying that miracle cure off television. I, myself, had a showdown with Mighty Putty and let’s not even talk about the Uglue fiasco.
Yes, I believe even our ancestors were made victim of unscrupulous tactics back in the days when the snake oil man rode into town. Still, as a pest control professional, the “miracle” pest products are particularly unnerving. I felt sorry for my client because she had not only spent her money on something that did not work. She had also exacerbated her pest problem by not eliminating it sooner. Of course, she is happy now. We, at Bartholomew County Exterminating, offer our clients the most affordable and effective treatment with all our scruples intact.
“Various devices on the market claim to repel bugs and/or rodents with ultrasonic or electronic (electro-magnetic) energy. These devices have, however, not been thoroughly tested and in fact have failed to do what they claim to do in the few scientific trials that have been done.” Jack DeAngelis, PhD OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)
Published in 2006, KSU researchers tested the ultrasonic devices for repellency against german cockroaches. In short, the devices failed to show any repellency and they concluded that the devices would not be useful for pest management of cockroaches.
When it comes to bed bug false advertising, most claim to work faster, cheaper, and safer. Even the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed deceptive advertising in September 2012 against two companies: RMB Group, who markets products with cinnamon, lemongrass, peppermint, and clove oils under the “Rest Easy” brand and Cedarcide Industries, which manufactures a line of cedar-based products under the name “Best Yet!”. Therefore, sending a strong message that false and unsupported claims will not be tolerated. These products may be natural and cheap but they just don’t work and meanwhile, bed bugs lay more eggs. Still, over-the-counter sprays and foggers are flying off the shelves (these have been proven to actually spread the problem).
The FTC has finally taken some enforcement actions but it’s up to the consumers to say enough is enough. Our pest program is safe, effective, and designed to be just as easy and that is why clients in your community put their trust in us. We figure, you’ll have to call us eventually…might as well call us first.
The Musts of Mosquitoes