Insects have been around for nearly 350 million years, while humans have been around for only 300,000 years.
While we may not have been around for as long as bugs have, we certainly don’t want them in our homes. Nothing brings a shiver down your spine quicker than realizing you have a pest infestation problem in your home.
If you live in Utah, you should be aware of common household pests in your area. Keep reading to learn about common pests and how you can prevent them.
Ants
If you’ve already seen a few ants inside your home, chances are you may already have a pest infestation. When ants come into your home looking for food, they leave behind a trail of pheromones. This trail alerts other ants in the colony to where the food source is.
There are many different types of ants found in Utah including carpenter ants, argentine ants, pavement ants, and odorous house ants.
If you have an ant infestation, you want to get it taken care of right away. Carpenter ants can damage wood because they remove wood to make tunnels. Odorous house ants are attracted to sweet foods and can contaminate your foods.
Prevention
When it comes to ant prevention, you have to get rid of any potential food sources that will attract ants. This means keeping your house, especially your kitchen, clean.
In the kitchen, sweep the floors, wipe down countertops, and wipe away spills especially at night. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight because the leftover food particles and grease can attract ants.
Seal food in air-tight containers. Keep your house clutter-free which makes it easier for you to keep the house clean and clean up and food crumbs or spills.
You can also put ant baits around the house which can help get rid of the colony. Another tip is to seal off any openings around your home or windows to prevent ants from entering.
Cockroaches
Another common pest is the cockroach. One species that seek shelter indoors during the hot summer months is the American cockroach. It has a reddish-brown color and is about two inches long.
You may find these types of cockroaches in the basement or other areas that are moist and warm like under the sink.
Another common species is the German cockroach. These types of cockroaches may exacerbate asthma symptoms or cause allergic reactions.
Other common species you may find in Utah are the Oriental cockroach or the brown banded cockroach.
Prevention
To help prevent a cockroach infestation, you should invest in good-quality food containers to store food in since cockroaches can chew through thin plastic or cardboard.
Another tip is to fix any leaky pipes or faucets since the moisture can attract roaches.
You should also declutter your home, basement, garage, and other spaces.
Inside the home, keep the kitchen clean by wiping down countertops, sweeping the floor, and wiping away any messes or spills. Take the trash out regularly and don’t leave dirty dishes overnight.
All of these are potential food sources that can attract cockroaches to your home.
Bed Bugs
If you suspect you have bed bugs, you should call a pest control company right away to treat this skin-crawling infestation. Although bed bugs do not spread disease, their bites are itchy and can create sores when scratched.
These small bugs are only a quarter of an inch long and feed on blood at night.
It can be difficult to know if you have a bed bug infestation. Here are common signs to look out for:
- Red, itchy bumps all over your body
- Stains on your bed or pillowcase
- You may find the bed bugs in the seams of your mattress or along the bed
It’s very difficult to get rid of a bed bug infestation by yourself, and it’s recommended to call a pest control company for help.
Prevention
Bedbugs can travel through luggage, clothing, or furniture. One way to prevent an infestation is to check any used furniture that you buy before you bring it inside your home.
You should also make sure to vacuum regularly and keep your home clutter-free so there are fewer hiding places for bed bugs.
Another tip is to use a protective cover for your mattress and box springs. This also means fewer hiding spots for bed bugs.
Spiders
Some of the most common spiders found in Utah are hobo spiders, grass spiders, orb weavers, jumping spiders, and black widow spiders.
Black widow spiders are a cause of medical concern in Utah because of their poisonous bite.
Prevention
There are things you can do to manage and prevent spiders from invading your home. Look for and seal any entry points in your home. You can also install window screens that fit tightly and repair any openings or holes in your screens.
Another tip is to change exterior light bulbs to sodium vapor bulbs. These types of light bulbs attract fewer of the insects that black widows prey upon.
If you see any cobwebs in your home, you should vacuum them up.
Call a Pest Control Company for Help With Common Household Pests
Are you experiencing a household infestation? Whether it’s ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, or any other pests, you want them gone.
Call a professional pest control company to help you get rid of common household pests at once.
Elevate Pest Control is a premier pest control provider in Utah and Colorado. We can help identify the type of pest infestation you have, and come up with a pest control plan.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
