Many of us have pulled out holiday decorations or old photo albums from our garages only to be met with evidence of pests. Spiders, rodents, and silverfish are some of the most common pests that infest garages, but why? Your garage is in fact a haven for pests with its dark corners and endless food supplies. In order to keep pests away from your garage, it’s important to learn how to make it less inhabitable in the first place. The team at Rentokil is here with their top tips for achieving a pest-free garage year-round.
How to Get a Pest-Free Garage
Keeping pests out of your garage requires many of the same procedures you’d take to prevent them inside your home. This includes:
Installing weather stripping and using silicone-based caulk to seal cracks and crevices.
Promptly fixing moisture issues by repairing leaky pipes and using a dehumidifier.
Storing all food, decorations, and other goods in plastic bins with tight-fitting lids instead of cardboard boxes.
Keeping your garage clean and tidy by blowing it out once a month and sweeping when necessary.
Storing all items up off of the ground when possible, and staying as organized as possible.
What Pests Are Common in the Garage?
From cardboard boxes to dusty corners, garages can provide ample shelter for many types of pests. Especially in the winter months, rodents are known to inhabit garages. They will nest in boxes or even make their way into your car for warmth. Spiders are other common garage pests that like to make their webs in boxes and corners. Silverfish are tiny insects that will feed on paper, glue, clothing, and more in your garage. Lastly, flies can be a major garage pest problem in the summer if you leave your garage door open on hot days.
Prevent Pests Throughout Your Property
Dealing with pests anywhere inside or outside your property can be frustrating and even downright dangerous. If you are having trouble keeping pests out of your garage, the expert technicians at Rentokil can help!
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When it comes to cockroaches, no one wants to find them in their house…ever! The answer to whether roaches are worse in summer or winter is a trick question, as it depends on the species. No matter whether we’re experiencing hot or cold weather, roaches are going to look for ways to take shelter inside your home. And if they find plentiful food and water sources, why go anywhere else? Sometimes, it is common for people to let their guard down in the winter months. But if anything, it’s important to take extra precautions in the wintertime to keep pests from hunkering down with you. Keep reading to learn Rentokil’s best tips to keep roaches out of your home this winter and year-round.
Seasonal Cockroach Prevention
Seeing even one cockroach is indicative of a possible infestation indoors. If you want to avoid the discovery of roaches in your home, it’s important to learn how to prevent them in the first place. Our best tips include:
1. Keep Your House Clean & Uncluttered to Keep Roaches Away
Cockroaches can adapt to any environment but are especially attracted to filth.
Keep all of your food stored in airtight containers and don’t leave any dirty dishes out overnight. They don’t care if the food is fresh or rotten, they will eat it.
Along the same lines, you should take your trash out regularly to avoid attracting these pests.
Get rid of any clutter in your house that gives them the perfect place to hide out during the day. These nocturnal pests are looking for cover when the sun comes out, so make sure you aren’t supplying them with that.
2. Remove Water Sources to Prevent Cockroaches
These pests are looking for three basic elements: food, warmth, and water.
If you have any leaking pipes or standing water anywhere, you want to have them repaired for more reasons than structural damage. This standing water gives cockroaches the moisture they need to survive and will attract them just as fast as food sources.
Wipe up spills quickly from the floor, especially around your pets’ food and water bowls.
3. Seal Your Home Off From Roaches
Make sure you aren’t allowing cockroaches an easy way into your home.
Seal any cracks or holes that are present in your foundation or around your windows and doors. They can get through even the smallest cracks so fill them all in.
If there are any gaps around the plumbing leading into your home, make sure you seal them off with some caulking. The plumbing is one of the main areas that cockroaches will go to since they are looking for water.
4. Don’t Bother with Ineffective Store-Bought Insect Spray
Using insect sprays in your house will likely not solve a cockroach problem.
Cockroach sprays are designed to be contact killers. This means that they may get rid of the cockroaches that you see, but where you see one, there are many more you can’t see.
Additionally, some of these store-bought insecticides are dangerous and can be harmful to your children or pets when mishandled.
How to Prevent Cockroaches Year-Round
The best way to keep cockroaches out of your home is with an integrated pest control program. The professionals at Rentokil have the training and resources needed to keep cockroaches from entering your home with regularly scheduled pest management services. We can monitor your home to ensure you don’t have cockroaches or any other insects and spiders infesting your home no matter what time of the year it is. Contact our roach exterminators today to learn more!
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Entomologists from Rentokil’s parent company, Rentokil Provide their Pest Predictions for 2021
READING, Penn. (Jan. 4, 2021) — As if 2020 didn’t present enough challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 could be a banner year for pests around the country.
To help residents prepare for 2021, entomologists from Rentokil used field knowledge and data to provide their predictions for pests in the upcoming year.
1. Rodents, Rodents Everywhere:
With shutdowns across the country, it’s no surprise that rodents are on the rise nationwide. Empty buildings, the scarcity of food and warmer winters have combined to create a rodent apocalypse.
“We’re seeing more rats in urban, suburban, and rural settings because of the shutdowns,” said Marc Potzler, Board Certified Entomologist. “Food sources are cut off, and rats are having to travel to scavenge for food. We’ve seen rats out in public during the day, which is highly unusual.”
Warmer winters have also allowed for mice populations to boom in residential areas as it allows for a longer breeding season and there is a lower population loss due to hard freezes.
“Right now is the perfect time to rodent-proof your home,” said Potzler. “Make sure to repair any gaps on the exterior of your home, such as around garage doors, windows, or pipes.”
2. Mosquitoes on the Move:
Mosquitoes populations have been increasing over the last few years. Aedes species, which are disease-carrying mosquitoes, are also moving to new areas. These mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and Zika virus, among other diseases.
“There is an increase of mosquitoes across the country, but notably on the West Coast, and they are adapting each year,” said Eric Sebring, Associate Certified Entomologist. “We have seen evidence of behavior adaptation, where mosquitoes lay their eggs strategically to hatch throughout the season.”
Protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes by removing any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of water. Also, wear EPA-approved insect repellent while spending time outside.
3. Bed Bugs:
The chatter about bed bugs was quiet in 2020, but that’s not because they have gone away.
“As people begin to travel again, we will start to hear about bed bug infestations,” said Sebring. “Bed bugs can be dormant for several months at a time, so they can emerge when a food source, humans, become available.”
Bed bugs are considered hitchhikers, traveling from place to place on people, luggage, clothing, and other personal belongings. Homeowners and businesses such as hotels, colleges, hospitals, senior living facilities, retail stores, and libraries have experienced problems with bed bugs.
If traveling, inspect the bed by pulling back the sheets to examine the mattress. Check your luggage before packing and unpacking, and look for signs of living or dead bugs the size of an apple seed or black fecal smears.
4. More Time Outdoors = More Pests.
From hiking to gardening to dining al fresco, there is no doubt that the pandemic has forced people to spend more time outdoors.
In 2021, we will see the outdoor pest pressures continue:
Ticks: Ticks are responsible for transmitting several diseases, including Lyme disease, to humans and animals. These small insects are found in grassy areas and in the woods, so it is important to inspect yourself and your pets after spending time outdoors. Cover as much skin as possible while outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeves, closed-toed shoes, and tuck pant legs into socks. Light-colored clothing will also help any ticks you pick up stand out.
Ants: “As soon as the weather starts to warm up, we will see an increase in ant populations,” said Tom Dobrinska, Board Certified Entomologist. “Most of the ants we are dealing with are odorous house ants. When spending time outside, make sure to clean up any food, water, or sugary substances and ensure that your home is free of any holes or cracks for them to enter.”
Stinging Insects: Stinging insects, such as wasps and yellow jackets, emerge at the first sign of warm weather, and as warm weather seasons are getting longer, stinging insects have more time to create issues. Make sure you check for nests early in the spring as they are smaller and get early nest treatment. Make sure to keep windows and doors shut, and secure outside bins so stinging insects are not attracted to the contents.
5. Termites Aren’t Going Anywhere
Termites are a pesky problem, and unfortunately, are not going anywhere. Termites can cause extensive damage to structures, especially homes. As people are moving out of cities during the pandemic to more suburban areas, education about termite protection is key.
“We received more calls for termites this past year than we have in many years,” said Potzler. “It’s important to raise awareness for homeowners now to have proactive protection to keep from costly repairs in the future.”
6. Pests in the News:
There are a few pests that will continue to steal the limelight in 2021.
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an invasive pest that has been making its way across the country since it was first introduced from Asia in 2001. Besides its pungent odor, this stink bug has become a nuisance for homeowners as it gathers in large numbers on the sides of houses and buildings and enters through small cracks in the home. “The brown marmorated stink bug is here to stay,” said Dobrinska. “We will continue to see this species emerge in late spring in large numbers.”
The Spotted Lanternfly will continue to wreak havoc across the Northeast and beyond. The invasive pest, first found in Pennsylvania in 2014, is spreading across the Northeast, with New York reporting its first sighting this year. The pest can significantly damage trees and plants.
“The Spotted Lanternfly is becoming a big problem in the Northeast, and it will continue to spread,” said Potzler. “It can be devastating for agriculture and is a nuisance for homeowners.”
The egg masses look like a smear of mud on trees and outside of homes. It’s important to scrape the egg mass off, put it in a bag with rubbing alcohol and throw it away, and then call the state department of agriculture.
The infamous “Murder Hornet,” also known as the Asian giant hornet, grabbed many headlines, causing homeowners to panic trying to decipher the difference between stinging insects in their yards and this aggressive species. The Asian giant hornet is the largest hornet species in the world, growing up to 3 inches in length. Currently, the Asian giant hornet has only been found in the Pacific Northwest.
“We know that there was one colony found and eliminated in Washington State,” said Sebring. “Unfortunately, if there is one, there will be more.”
While your chances of being stung by an Asian giant hornet are fairly low, the sting can be dangerous as the venom volume is higher, causing more pain. The hives are primarily built underground or in hollows in trees. If you suspect it is an Asian giant hornet or any stinging pests, call your pest management provider to assess the situation as soon as you spot activity.
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We experience very cold winter weather here in Utah. Just as we start to spend more time inside this time of year, pests are also looking to find shelter indoors. Unfortunately, this often means right inside your home. These pests are called overwintering pests and include squirrels, bats, rodents, raccoons, and more. Many of these pets will make their way into your attic to hunker down until the spring months return. Needless to say, no homeowner wants pests in their property, making it important to learn how to prevent overwintering pests in the first place. The team at Rentokil is here to share their top tips.
What Are the Most Common Overwintering Pests?
As temperatures drop in the fall and winter, pests, insects, and wild animals will begin to look for food, warmth, and shelter. The most common overwintering pests in our area are rodents (house mice and roof rats), squirrels, raccoons, and even bats! Once inside, these pests will nest, roost, and make a big mess. All of these pests or wild animals will gladly get cozy in your attic, which is why it’s crucial to learn how to seal your home off to them.
How to Prevent Overwintering Pest Problems
Every fall, prepare your home for the coming months by sealing off your home to pests. Here’s what to do:
Secure your chimney with a chimney cap, and install wire mesh over any vents or roof openings.
Make sure your trash cans are securely stored in your hard with tight-fitting lids to keep pests out
Trim overhanging tree branches, overgrown bushes, and vines away from your home to limit roof access to pests.
Organize all items and eliminate any clutter in the attic. Use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes for storage
Thoroughly inspect your attic inside and out, and seal any cracks or crevices with caulk or steel wool.
How to Get Pests Out of Your Attic
Wild animals or pests in your attic aren’t just a nuisance, they can be defensive and potentially dangerous as well. For this reason, it’s crucial to always enlist the help of a professional pest control expert such as Rentokil. Contact us today to see how we can help!
Rats and mice are two dreaded pest problems for homeowners here in Northern Utah. If you’ve had a rodent infestation, you know how frustrating it can be. Both rats and mice share many similarities, but they differ in many ways as well. From deer mice to Norway rats, it’s important to know what type of rodent you are dealing with. The rodent control pros here at Rentokil are sharing their expert information on differentiating between rats and mice. Keep reading to learn whether those are rats or mice infesting your home.
Rats or Mice: Which One is Infesting Your Property?
As rodents, both rats and mice share one common identifying trait: their ever-growing incisor teeth. They also both can carry and spread a number of dangerous diseases, making it more important than ever to know how to identify a rodent problem. Here’s how to differentiate the two:
Rats
While they differ between species, rats typically have larger bodies that are about 6–9 inches in size.
Rats have small, hairy ears and larger feet.
Their droppings are much bigger than those of mice at 10–20 mm long.
Rats produce 3–6 litters a year with up to 10 pups in each litter.
Rats are opportunistic feeders that will eat meats, grains, seeds, and much more.
Mice
Most mice are only 2–4 inches long.
Mice typically have larger ears and tails compared to their body size.
The droppings mice leave behind have pointed ends and are just 1–2 mm long.
Mice are omnivores but mostly feed on seeds, grains, and fruits.
They are more prolific than rats: Mice produce 5–10 litters a year with up to 14 mice in each litter.
What Are The Signs of Rats or Mice in My Home?
Rats and mice exhibit similar behaviors, meaning they both leave the same signs of their activity! Some of the most common signs you have rats or mice in your home include foul odors, odd noises, gnaw marks, chewed up nests, burrows or tunnels, and droppings or urine spots. Besides being a nuisance to get rid of, rats and mice alike are dangerous due to their ability to transmit some of the world’s worst diseases. For this reason alone, it’s always best to enlist the help of a professional rodent control company when dealing with these pests.
What to Do When You Find Mice or Rats
If you think you are dealing with rats or mice, it’s best to call your local rodent control team at Rentokil. We are committed to keeping you and your family safe from the dangers both of these pests can bring into your home year-round. Call us today to learn more!
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Rodent problems are always an issue for property owners in the fall months here in Northern Utah. However, they are worse than ever this year due to the pandemic. This is because many restaurants and cafes had to limit operations, leaving rodents with fewer food resources. Unfortunately, this only encourages rodents to look to another source, which is often your home! With rodents competing for limited resources, the CDC has warned that they could be more aggressive than usual. For this reason and because rodent infestations are dangerous, it’s crucial to learn how to prevent rats and mice in your home. The team at Rentokil is here to help.
How to Prevent Rats and Mice During the Pandemic
With everything else going on this year, you definitely don’t want to add a rodent infestation to the pile. Here’s how to keep them out:
Securely store all food in metal or glass containers with tight-fitting lids.
Seal off cracks and crevices around openings. Mice can squeeze inside holes the size of a dime.
Clean up pet food and bird seed debris, and store pet food in robust containers with fitted lids, preferably above ground level.
Thoroughly clean inside the house and around the garden. Less clutter means fewer places to hide.
Put outdoor garbage bags in metal garbage cans with securely fitted lids to stop them from feeding on contents.
If you have a compost heap don’t include organic food waste, as this will attract them.
Inspect your garage, attic, crawlspaces, and vents for potential rodent hiding spots.
Are Rodents Dangerous Because of COVID-19?
Rodents are a dangerous pest to have on your property during a pandemic or not. There has been a lot of information falsely spread about a link between rodents and the coronavirus. Thankfully, there is no current evidence or research to show that rodents are transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to humans. When it comes to rodents during the pandemic, the main thing to worry about is that they are getting more aggressive in nature, can carry other diseases, and could cause damage to your property. Some of the diseases they have been linked to include salmonellosis and hantavirus.
Need Rodent Control This Fall?
With Rodent Awareness Week upon us, now is the ideal time to make strides to protecting your property from rodents. A fall rodent infestation can be frustrating and dangerous. If you need assistance with rodent exclusion, our rats and mice exterminators can help. The Rentokil team is committed to keeping you rodent-free all year long.
Here in Utah, we are accustomed to pest problems being less abundant in the fall and winter months. However, it’s important to never let your guard down about termites. Termite colonies are active all year long, even if you may not always see them. These wood-destroying pests most often swarm between March and November. During the colder months, they will sometimes burrow deep down into the soil to keep warm until springtime returns. That said, the queen termite is able to lay eggs all year long, meaning a colony can grow at a constant rate. Because of this, it’s crucial to stay vigilant about preventing termites throughout the entire year. Keep reading to learn more from the termite exterminators at Rentokil!
Are Termites Infesting Homes in the Fall?
The short answer is: yes! Just because you may not see termites swarming doesn’t mean they’re still hard at work. A termite colony can infest your property at any time and continue to grow before you even notice the damage they’ve caused. Maturity is the number one determinant in a colony’s ability to damage your home. A two to four-year-old colony can cause damage to your property at any time of the year.
Termites need to stay warm in colder temperatures, which is why they will nest 25 to 30 feet down in the soil during the winter. This may make them slightly less noticeable this time of year, but it is nonetheless crucial to stay vigilant about looking for the signs of termites and the damage they cause.
Signs of Termite Activity in Your Home
Out of all pest problems, termite infestations are most feared because the damage they cause often doesn’t show up until you have a serious problem. In the fall and all year long, it’s important to look for the following signs of termites in your property:
Mud tubes
Discarded swarmer wings
Termite frass (feces)
Drywall discoloration
Loose tiles or buckling floors
Bubbling or uneven paint on walls
Holes in drywall
Hollow-sounding or crumbling wood
How to Protect Your Home from Termites This Fall
If you want to avoid the distressing discovery of a termite infestation in your Northern Utah or Southern Idaho home this year, it’s important to get the help of a professional termite exterminator. At Rentokil, we offer a number of options designed to protect your property from these pests in the fall, winter, spring, and summer! Contact us today to learn more.
Here in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho, we deal with rodents at all times of the year. However, because we experience such a shift in weather when the seasons change, rodent problems rise in the fall. When temperatures start to drop, rats and mice will make their way inside homes and businesses to seek out food, warmth, and shelter. Because rodents can contaminate surfaces, spread germs, and cause structural damage, it’s extremely important to learn how to keep rats and mice away. The team at Specializes knows how important it is to keep your property and family safe from rodents. We’re here to share our top 5 ways to prevent a rodent infestation.
How Dangerous are Rodents Inside?
Rats and mice can be a lot more destructive than you think. If you’re hearing rustling in the walls or gnawing noises, chances are you may have a rodent problem. Rats and mice will take shelter in the attic, basement, and garage. They also will infest kitchens, laundry rooms, and are highly likely to invade your trash cans if given the chance.
A rat or mouse problem often begins when the rodents get in through your chimney, pipes, air vents, and more. With incisors that never stop growing, their chewing habits can be destructive. They also are known carriers of germs and bacteria that can cause disease. For these reasons, it’s crucial to invest time in rodent prevention.
Tips & Tricks to Prevent Rodents This Fall
Once inside, rats and mice can be difficult to get rid of. That makes it all the more important to know how to keep them out in the first place. Our top ways to prevent a rodent problem include:
Store food properly. Securely store food in tight-fitting containers with lids.
Seal holes around pipes. Use caulk or wire wool to cover up gaps and openings near pipes and other openings.
Cover vents. Install mesh screens on your vents. Also, consider installing screens on doors and windows.
Use tight lids on trash cans. Rodents love to rummage in the garbage! If possible, keep your trash cans sealed and stored.
Protect eaves. Fix any damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps in your eaves.
Need Rodent Control in Utah?
A rodent infestation is bad news. They are harmful to your health and the integrity of your property. If you’re noticing the beginnings of an infestation, or you want to prevent one, the rodent exterminators at Rentokil can help! Contact us today to learn more.
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Spiders are a common pest throughout the year here in Northern Utah, but they are certainly more common in the late summer and early fall months. Most spiders hatch in the springtime, begin to reproduce in the summer and are at full force by the time August and September roll around. Just like any other pest, spiders will crawl indoors to seek out food, water, and shelter. The good news is that most of these “house” spiders are completely harmless. That said, there are two spiders, in particular, to look out for this fall: the black widow and the brown recluse. The experts at Rentokil are here with expert info on spiders this fall.
Utah Spiders in the Fall
Like any other pest, spiders can get inside through the tiniest of cracks in your home. Broken screens or crevices in your doors and windows often let spiders in. An unkempt yard or lawn will invite spiders to your property. You may also notice more spiders when you have other bugs and insects on your property. Spiders will be more drawn to properties that provide them with shelter and food (other insects) inside the home. Keeping your home clean enough to prevent other bugs will work to prevent spiders, as well.
The Dangers of Black Widows and Brown Recluse Spiders
Most spiders are poisonous in the sense that they contain venom. But most spiders are not capable of biting humans and transmitting this venom. That said, there are two spiders in particular that are of more danger to you and your family:
Black widows
These spiders have a characteristic red hourglass shape on its body.
They build sticky, tangled cobwebs in garages, sheds, and near the ground.
They can bite when they feel threatened.
Brown recluse spiders
Brown recluses have a darker brown hourglass shape on their brown bodies.
They build loose, dome-shaped webs for shelter.
A brown recluse bite is known to be very painful.
Spider Infestations in Your Home
We all have to deal with seeing a spider here or there from time to time. But no one should have to deal with daily sightings or dangerous spiders inside their home. If you need help controlling spiders on your property this fall, the team at Rentokil can help!
This year, families are likely spending more time in their backyards than ever. Spending more time outside means more encounters with insects and pests. While most pests are just a fact of life outside, no one wants them invading their outdoor living space. At Rentokil, we know that pests in your backyard are less than ideal. For this reason, we’ve gathered our top tips and tricks to make your yard less attractive to pests in general. Keep reading to learn how to get bug-free outdoor living.
Common Pests in Your Yard or Lawn
Here in Northern Utah, we are used to dealing with all types of pests all year long. However, the summer and early fall is known for its influx of insects. This includes right in your backyard! The most typical pests that invade properties in the area this time of year include:
Just as you would to keep pests out of your home, it’s important to implement pest prevention in your yard. Some of the ways you can make your yard less attractive to these pests include:
Regularly clean up your outdoor space. Leftover crumbs or spills will attracts ants and other insects.
Remove standing water. Mosquitoes only need a half inch of standing water to breed.
Keep your lawn and shrubs trimmed. Overgrown grass provides mosquitoes and ticks with shelter.
Be on the lookout for ant hills or wasp nests. Even a tiny mound or nest can contain thousands of insects.
Thoroughly inspect wood structures. Your deck or porch may be vulnerable to termite or carpenter bees.
Apply an insect repellent. Store-bought repellent with DEET will help repel mosquitoes and ticks.
Burn a few citronella candles. While not a long-term solution, this will repel mosquitoes.
Consider replacing light bulbs. Yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lights will not attract as many insects.
Preventing Lawn and Yard Pests
We all know that pests and insects are a fact of life outdoors. But that doesn’t mean you have to let them ruin your outdoor barbecue or time spent playing with your kids! By preventing pests outdoors, you can help prevent them from getting inside. For more information, the team at Rentokil is here to help.
Specialized and Rentokil have joined forces and will be operating as Rentokil moving forward. Rest assured that you will still have a highly-skilled, local specialist, committed to keeping your property protected from pests.