6 biggest myths

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Myth 1: I have a pest control company inspect and treat my home twice a year, so I'm confident there are no pests in my ductwork.

Truth: While Pest Control companies perform a great job around the perimeter of the home, the exposed and unprotected drain line openings are the perfect access to the homes ductwork systems. Even high-end homeowners have been utterly nauseated by pictures of what was living in their ductwork systems. Build-up in the ductwork can also cause serious side effects with those who suffer from allergies.

Myth 2: I may have some pests, but surely they can’t damage my HVAC system or ductwork!

Truth: A small field mouse or tiny snake can throw a fan motor and blade out of balance resulting in motor replacement. A dead mouse or snake in the ductwork system may cause a duct replacement. Just one pregnant mouse (and they are all pregnant) can completely ruin the entire duct system. NOTE: Most home warranty companies will NOT cover damages from the pests in the home. (Ref.www.AHS.com/pests). Damages caused by pests range from clogged drains all the way up to complete destruction of the entire ductwork system. One customer had to have her entire ductwork system replaced due to a mice colony. Her repair bill was $12,500 and her insurance company would not pay for it.

Myth 3: We use the “IN THE VENT” filters so no pests can get into the living areas.

Truth: While they may serve that purpose, those filters will not prevent the 35 potential viruses a typical mouse can carry, sending their dangerous microbes up and through the vent material. These “IN THE VENT” filters also put a significant strain on the HVAC system, as it doubles the air resistance on the fan and ac system causing it to run significantly longer in both summer and winter, typically costing the home owners as much as $400 or more annually.

Myth 4: I don’t see any pests in my house, so I must not have any.

Truth: Spiders are nocturnal. They are awake while occupants sleep, then return to the vents for the daytime hours.

Myth 5: We get our ductwork cleaned every 4-5 years, so we have clean ductwork.

Truth: Ductwork cleaning is both expensive and temporary. As soon as the technician is gone your cleaned ductwork is vulnerable once again to all types of unwanted pests.

Myth 6: I Don’t think big spiders, mice, snakes, frogs or scorpions can get in and through that little pipe.

Truth: Due to the flexible characteristics of their skeletal systems, the 3/4” diameter pipe is more than sufficient for pests to pass through into the home!

national statistics

The average US household spends nearly $4,000 annually on pest control and HVAC products to combat pests getting inside the home. Despite their best efforts, over 900,000 people are admitted to the emergency room at all hours of the day and night for “life-threatening” allergic reactions to pest bites or stings inside the home. The very old and very young are the most susceptible.

Pests such as roaches and mice leave droppings in the air distribution system and each time the HVAC system cycles, up to 35 viruses, parasites and pathogens are circulated through the entire home.

Using pesticides in and around the home to combat pests creates serious complications to the 50 million people with moderate to severe pre-existing COPD/pulmonary or serious breathing disorders.