pests are the worst!
Common pests found in and around Utah homes
Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, we have the right pest control solutions for you!
Stinging Insects – Wasps / Hornets / Yellowjackets
Common stinging insects in Utah include wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets. These stinging pests most commonly build their nests in the eaves of homes, deck and wooden areas, trees, and at times in holes in the ground. These pests can provide a sting when provoked that can be painful and dangerous to those who may be allergic.
Spiders
Spiders are one of the most common pests plaguing homes in Utah. Webs leave homes looking messy and out of sorts. Orb-weavers, jumping spiders, wolf spiders, black widows, and hobo spiders are a few of the many common species of spiders in Utah. Black Widows and Hobo Spiders have venomous bites that can have dangerous side effects.
Black Widow
Black Widows are black spiders with a red hourglass-like shape on the bottom side of the body. Black Widow bites can be dangerous, causing painful swelling, nausea, cramps, and in some cases muscle spasms.
Hobo Spider
Hobo Spiders are brown spiders with long legs and a chevron pattern on their bodies. A bite from a Hobo Spider can cause lesions and deterioration of the skin. Side effects may also include headaches.
Other Spiders
Yellow Sac, Daddy Long Leg, Wolf, House, and Garden Spiders contribute to Utah’s spider population. Frequently, these spiders are responsible for the spider bites we experience. While these bites are typically less severe compared to those inflicted by the Black Widow and Hobo Spider, they often provoke skin irritation and itching.
Ants
Ants are a quite common household pest in Utah. They are social insects that live together in large colonies. They can be found anywhere where food and shelter may be available, commonly kitchens, near trash cans, and pantries. Carpenter ants can cause structural damage to wood.
Rodents
Rodents can occupy the same spaces that we call home. Rodents can cause significant property damage by chewing through wood, wires, and more. Another concern with rodents is that they can carry illness and disease. They can become an issue on properties, inside homes, garages, sheds, and more. They can reproduce quickly, which can lead to more issues. Rodents are active year-round.
House Mice
Mice are small and slender rodents with long tails. Quite common in Utah, house mice can be found in every area of the state. They can squeeze into homes through small gaps and holes. They can attempt to invade any part of a home.
Norway Rat
Norway Rats are the main type of rat found in Utah. They can be up to18 inches long when you include their 6–8-inch tail. They are typically brown or grey in color. They are found in areas where humans will be (such as homes). They dig underground to make their nests.
Voles
Voles, or meadow mice, are small stout rodents that look similar to your everyday mouse. Voles burrow underground, eating the roots of grass and plants. This can cause major damage, leaving holes, and runways in lawns, and causing damage to plants and trees as well. Voles continue to be active throughout the winter months.
Box Elder Bugs
Adults reach a size of approximately 1/2 inch, featuring an all-black body adorned with red stripes on their backs. They are particularly fond of feeding on Box Elder and Maple trees. While Box Elder bugs pose no threat, they can become a significant annoyance. In the autumn, they may swarm and attempt to invade homes seeking hibernation spots. Effective management involves sealing gaps around windows, doors, and rooflines, and applying a residual insecticide for long-lasting protection.
Fleas, Ticks
Fleas and ticks are types of ectoparasites, which means they survive by feeding off a host animal. Fleas are equipped with narrow bodies and spines, enabling them to attach easily to a host. Infestations cause dogs and cats to scratch excessively. Humans can also be bitten by fleas, and some have contracted Dog Tapeworm from accidentally swallowing these pests. Fleas can rapidly increase their numbers. Ticks embed their heads deeply into the host’s body to feed on its blood, and during this process, they can transmit disease-causing organisms, such as those responsible for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease. Fleas and ticks can be found in your home even if you don’t own pets.
Occasional Invaders
Occasional invaders are insects that occasionally invade homes and properties. They are typically the most common during seasonal changes when the conditions outside become unfavorable.
Occasional invaders include grasshoppers, crickets, earwigs, snails, pill bugs, slugs, carpet beetles, silverfish, box elder bugs, fleas, and ticks.
Some of these invaders, such as earwigs, snails/slugs, crickets, and pill bugs, for the most part, will remain outside where they can seek out moist living conditions.
Pantry Pests
Pantry pests are insects that invade and contaminate stored foods. These pests tend to gravitate towards cereal, flour, herbs, dried oats, and whole grains. Weevils, moths, and beetles are common pantry pests in Utah.
Wood-Destroying
Termites and Carpenter Ants pose significant issues when found on a property. If you suspect Termite or Carpenter Ant activity, Mpire can conduct an inspection for you and hopefully help you eradicate the problem before it becomes too serious.
Bedbugs
Bed bugs are small insects that feed on the blood of humans and pets, typically at night. They like to hide in hard-to-reach places like deep in the cracks and corners of furniture. A bed bug infestation can grow fast and become difficult to control because of how quickly they are able to reproduce.
Other Pests
There are numerous other pests that may infest your property. If you’re experiencing issues with any pest, Mpire Pest Control is here to assist you!
