Common Pests found in and
around homes in Utah
Wasps / Hornets / Yellowjackets
These pests are from the Vespidae family. They are social insects, meaning they work together. They become a problem when they build their nests on or near our homes. Paper Wasps often build their "paper" combs in the eaves, under a roof. Hornet nests are found in trees, while Yellowjackets can nest inside holes in the ground. All of these pests are territorial, and will fight when threatened. They have a painful sting. For some, who are allergic, these stings can be fatal. Because of their aggressive nature, it's important to work with a professional to remove these pests. As Utah's wasp experts, Jitterbug Pest Control is prepared with multiple treatment methods to help keep your home and family safe.
Spiders
Spiders are found in every home in Utah. There are over 600 species of spiders found in Utah, but there are only a few that may pose life-threatening problems to humans. However, many provide painful bites. All spiders can cause problems with their webs. Knocking webs down will, not only make one's home look cleaner, but will help control the holistic spider population. Because spiders are predators, they are present wherever their prey (other bugs) is nesting. When it's cold, some spiders will undertake a process known as cold-hardening in order to survive the winter. The ones that don't, however, can seek shelter in your home. As Utah's spider experts, we know exactly what, how, and where to treat in order to keep spiders out of your home.
Black Widow
(1/2 inch, shiny black, with red hour-glass on abdomen) Black Widows are found throughout Utah. They are usually found in the garage or crawlspace, but sometimes in basements. They are often found hanging upside down in their thick, sticky webs. Their bite feels like a needle prick. Symptoms of a Black Widow bite include pain, nausea, swelling, sweating, and goosebumps. In worse occasions, some victims may start having convulsions and may even die.
Hobo Spider
Hobo Spiders are part of the Brown Recluse family and can leave a bite that deteriorates the flesh. They are brown and their abdomens have several chevron shaped markings. Males have two large palps that look like boxing gloves, while females' palps are not 'swollen' as they are on the males. Females tend to have a larger abdomen when compared to males. Brown Recluse spiders are rarely seen. They prefer to be hidden indoors, hence the "recluse" title. They are found in closets, garages, and bedrooms. They will not normally bite unless pressed up against the skin. At first, the bite of the Brown Recluse does not hurt. After about 8 hours, the pain will increase. If not treated, the venom from the bite will start to eat away at the skin until a nasty scar is left. The skin can also ooze and blister. Painful headaches have also been associated with Hobo Spider bites.
Other Spiders
Yellow Sac, Daddy Long Leg, Wolf, House, and Garden Spiders all help make the spider population in Utah. Many times these are the culprits to the spider bites that we encounter. Although these bites are not as serious as those of the Black Widow and Hobo Spider, they do often disturb the skin, are painful and cause itching.
The best thing to do for your home and family is have a licensed professional apply pro-grade products in/around your home and yard, creating a protective barrier against these unwanted visitors.
Ants
Ants are common throughout Utah. They are present year-round. Although most species do not bite, they can all carry disease. Many people are appalled simply by the sight of these insects. Ants, in search of food, water, or shelter invade our homes and yards. Often, they are found in the kitchen contaminating food. Carpenter Ants burrow into wood and can destroy the structure of homes and other buildings. Ant infestations can be extremely frustrating for home owners, and unfortunately, ants are one of the most common household pests in Utah. DIY methods of ant control can lengthen or worsen the problem - without the help of a licensed professional, these DIY methods can actually split the ant colony into two, making it harder to get rid of them. This is a process called budding. The best way to address the issue is to have a professional apply either baits or an invisible product in order to take care of the issue at the source. Our team is committed to helping you year round!
Rodents
Rodents compete for the same food, water, and shelter that are used by humans. They adapt extremely well to almost any environment. They can multiply at astounding speed, and will breed throughout the year. Annoyance is not the biggest problem rodents bring to humans - but their ability to bring sickness and disease. Murine typhus, Rickettsial Pox, Salmonellosis, Rat-bite Fever, and the Hantavirus are only some of the sickness that can be passed from rodents to humans (via feces, urine, fleas, or actual bites). At Jitterbug Pest Control, our experts are trained to look for entry points into the home, and can address the areas of rodent activity, protecting your home.
Mice
(Body 3-4 inches, tail 3-4 inches, large ears, small eyes) House Mice are found in every neighborhood. They are nocturnal animals (doing most of their work at night). So if you are seeing them during the daytime, you have a problem! Because of their size, mice can enter into a home through a hole as small as a quarter inch. Mice are very curious, and get into almost everything, and are known for spreading filth.
Norway Rat
(Body 7-10 inches, tail 6-8 inches, small ears, small eyes) Norway Rats are also called "House Rats" or "Sewer Rats". They are the largest rodent that commonly infest homes. They are more cautious than House Mice. Outside, they will burrow in the ground to make their nest. Inside, they often build their nest in garages or other protected areas. Fires have been caused by rats gnawing on electrical wires. Norway Rats can jump up to 3 feet and as far as a yard. They sometimes attack when threatened or trapped. Norway Rats can eat 20-40 lbs of food per year while contaminating much more.
Voles
(Body 3.5-5 inches, tail 1 inch, stocky build and small eyes, and shorter tail distinguish them from true mice) Voles are also called "Meadow Mice". They breed year round and do not hibernate. If conditions are right there can be up to 500 voles living on 1 acre. Their population size can vary each year. The greatest damage often happens during the winter when snowfall is heaviest. Spring/Summer damage can go unnoticed because food sources are readily available. They can have many surface runways or underground tunnels with many burrow entrances. These outdoor pests can ruin your yard.
Box Elder Bugs
Adult size is about 1/2", all black with red lines on their back. They love feeding on Box Elder and Maple trees. Box Elder bugs are not dangerous but can be a major nuisance. In the fall, they can try to enter homes in swarms looking for places to hibernate. Best control includes sealing cracks and crevices along windows, doors, and rooflines and treating with a residual insecticide on the flat surfaces/entry points of the home, especially the sunny sides (they will cluster on southern and western facing sides of trees and buildings). There are not really any DIY methods of control, a licensed technician using pro-grade products will be the best way to control these nuisance pests.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a dreaded pest in Utah because of their super ability to reproduce quickly. They can survive in almost any environment, feeding off of literally almost anything. Seeing one cockroach is always indicative of more being present. They can carry diseases, and can infest your living areas appliances quickly. They are nearly impossible to get rid of using DIY methods. Jitterbug Pest Control are Utah's roach experts and are prepared to treat them using a variety of methods that we can customize to your specific infestation.
Fleas, Ticks
Fleas and Ticks are known as Ectoparasites -meaning they live off of a host animal. Fleas have narrow bodies and spines that make them ideal for attaching to a carrier. Dogs and Cats itch profusely when infested. Fleas, often, will bite humans. Some people have become infected with Dog Tapeworm by ingesting these pests. They can build their population at a rapid rate. Ticks dig their head deep into the body of the host animal. They then feed off of the blood. While in the bloodstream, they may pass organisms of disease (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme Disease, etc...). Even if you do not have a dog or a cat, Fleas and Ticks can be present in your home.
Pillbugs/ Sowbugs, Earwigs, Millipedes, Centipedes, Snails/ Slugs, Crickets
For the most part, these pests are found outside. They do not bite (except the Centipede, which has a painful sting). Yet, they can carry disease. They prefer moist living conditions. After rain, they often enter homes. If conditions are right, they can build their populations inside the home. We have different treatment options for each of these & can help rid your yard of these unwanted visitors!
Silverfish, Firebrats, Beatles, Clothes Moths
These pests can build large infestations inside homes. Silverfish and Firebrats are responsible for damaging books and other paper goods. Some beetles (carpet beetle) and moths will destroy a variety of fabrics and animal skins, including your carpets and clothes. We are trained and prepared to help manage these types of insects for you.
Stored Product Pests
10 percent of the World's grain is destroyed by Moths, Weevils, and Beatles. The same pests that invade grain fields and processing plants, also, populate the pantries and kitchens of our homes. Not only do these pests eat our food, but they contaminate it, too. A licensed professional will be best equipped to handle issues presented by these types of pests.
Wood-Destroying
Termites and Carpenter Ants can be a major problem if present on a property. If you think that you have Termite or Carpenter Ant activity, Jitterbug can do an inspection for you.
Bed Bugs
Bedbugs are an increasing problem in Utah. Not only do they bite, but they can spread disease. They hide in cracks and crevices throughout the house and feed on people and pets during the night. Because of their small stature and mobility they become difficult to control. They can reproduce at an alarming rate and are excellent hitchhikers, making them one of the most feared pests in Utah. They are nearly impossible to get rid of without the help of a licensed professional. At Jitterbug Pest Control, we offer both heat treatments and traditional chemical treatments. If you have had bed bug activity, it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible. As Utah's bed bug experts, Jitterbug Pest Control is prepared to help in any way possible. It is important that we work together to get rid of these pests and allow your family to sleep without letting the bedbugs bite!
Flies
Flies can be a very annoying pest, especially during the summertimes, here in Utah. But not only can they be a great nuisance, they can also carry diseases including E. Coli, Salmonella, Cholera, and Typhoid Fever. They have very quick life cycles, which also means that they reproduce quickly. A small infestation can turn to a larger one within days or weeks. Jitterbug Pest Control is prepared to treat for them using multiple methods, including baits, liquid sprays, and traps. We want you to be able to enjoy your home again!
Mosquitos
These little vampires will feed on the blood of both your family and pets. Their bites are extremely itchy and they can carry disease. They also are one of the hardest pests to control without the help of a professional. Jitterbug Pest Control can help knock down that population for you and make it so spending time outside can be fun again!
Other Pests
There are many other pests that can invade your property. If you are having trouble with any other pest not listed, Jitterbug Pest Control can help! Call or text today to have us help you identify your unwanted visitor and get a free quote today!
