Tips For Bug-Free Outdoor Living

Tips to be pest-free outdoors in Northern Utah - RentokilThis 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:

What to do to Keep Bugs Away Outdoors

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.

Summertime Cockroach Infestations

Cockroaches are a common summertime problem in Northern Utah and Southern IdahoIf you’ve ever had a cockroach infestation, you know how frustrating they can be. Unfortunately, we’re in the midst of “cockroach season” here in Utah and Idaho. Cockroaches are out in full force due to their attraction to warm, humid weather. While they are a pest problem all year long, it’s important to stay wary of their activity in the summer months. Their populations can explode in numbers, which is why you need to learn how to prevent roaches from making their way indoors. The team at Rentokil is here with expert info on keeping summer cockroach infestations under control.

Why Are Roaches Common in the Summer Months?

Cockroaches are known for their ability to withstand various environments and conditions. Although they are around in the winter, they are most common and active in the summer months. The rising temperatures encourage roaches to resume activity and breed at a rapid rate. This can be dangerous when they get inside your home. Roaches are elusive and good hiders, meaning you likely have a lot more roaches than you assume if you are dealing with an infestation. Humid temperatures are a big attractant, which is why infestations are so often centralized in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and more.

6 Ways to Keep Summertime Cockroaches Out

A cockroach infestation is messy and even dangerous. Because they commonly try to make their way inside this time of year, it’s important to learn how to make your property less attractive to them. Our top cockroach prevention tips are as follows.

  1. Inspect the perimeter of your home and seal cracks and crevices. Seal windows and doors or install screens.
  2. Regularly clean your property, focusing on bathrooms and kitchens.Wipe or clean up any spills or crumbs ASAP.
  3. After feeding your pets, pick up pet bowls and avoid leaving food out overnight.
  4. Keep all food securely sealed in airtight containers, and refrigerate unsealed food.
  5. Seal all garbage cans with a tight-fitting lid, and routinely take it out when needed.
  6. Avoid leaving piles of clutter or junk both inside and outside of your property.
  7. Cockroaches love moisture, meaning it’s important to fix any leaky pipes or clogged rain gutters.

Cockroach Control Solutions

If you have a cockroach problem in your property, it’s important to act quickly. DIY cockroach control rarely works—if you want roaches out of your property quickly, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional cockroach exterminator. At Rentokil, our team is committed to keeping you and your family safe from the dangers of roaches all year long.

How to Prevent Summer Lawn Pests

Grubs are a common summer lawn pest in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho. Learn more from RentokilKeeping a lawn alive and healthy is hard enough. When you have a lawn pest problem, it can be even harder. Unfortunately, summertime in Utah is a haven for lawn pests, many of which hatch in the late summer and remain active through the fall months. Lawn insects can threaten the health of your roots, damaging existing turf and preventing new growth. A single insect can make a big impact, making it important to learn how to prevent summer lawn pests. The lawn experts at Rentokil are here to share their top tips for keeping lawn pests away for good.

Most Common Summer Lawn Pests

There are several pests that cause the biggest headaches for residents every summer. These include:

  1. Chinch bugs. These pesky insects cause iregula patches of brown in turf when they suck juice from your grass. They love the heat and attack areas in full-sun
  2. Caterpillars. Certain species feed on the actual blades of grass and can quickly eat away at large patched of grass entirely.
  3. Grubs. These immature beetles live under the soil and feed on grass roots. They typically hatch in the late summer.
  4. Fleas & ticks. Although these don’t damage your lawn, they will happily reside in areas in your yard during the summer, endangering your family and pets.

What Can You Do to Prevent Them?

Some of the signs that you have lawn pest damage is brown spots or dying patches. Even wilted blades and bite marks could be signs of a bigger lawn insect problem. To prevent full-blown infestations, it’s important to keep a close watch on your lawn during the summer. Damage can be done before you really notice it, making it essential to keep an eye out. As soon as you notice possible lawn pest activity, it’s best to contact a professional lawn care company. Trying to get rid of them on your own with pesticides can further damage your lawn.

Year-Round Lawn Insect Prevention

The team at Rentokil has a unique understanding of the summer lawn pests in our area. Because these insects can pose such a big threat to the health and longevity of your turf, it’s important to enlist our help to control any infestations as well as keep future pests away. Contact our lawn care experts today to learn more about how we can help prevent summer lawn pests.

How Do You Identify Wasp Nests?

Identifying wasp nests in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho - RentokilWasps are one of the most common summertime pests, especially here in the Northern Utah and Southern Idaho area. Normally a beneficial part of the environment, wasps can create a hazardous environment when they build their nests in residential areas. There are a few different types of wasps in our areas, and they all build different kinds of nests. Although it’s important to never approach a nest, it’s also important to learn how to identify them. The team at Rentokil is here to help you learn how to identify wasp nests.

Most Common Wasp Nests

In our region, we are used to seeing a variety of wasps. The main ones are mud daubers, paper wasps, bald-faced hornets, and, of course, yellowjackets! The main differences between these wasp nests are:

  • Mud daubers. Solitary female mud daubers build nests out of—you guessed it—mud! The nests are small and tubular in size, often looking like organ pipes. They are typically found in cracks or crevices.
  • Paper wasps. Their nests famously look like upside-down umbrellas. These nests are often open, and can get quite large in size. They are typically supported by a single stalk and consist of a paper-like material.
  • Bald-faced hornets. These nests are almost always at least three feet off the ground. They are made of chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva. They often grow to be the size of a football or basketball.
  • Yellowjackets. Nests are a papery material and have a single opening. The inside of a yellowjacket nest can have up to 100 tiers of cells. Yellowjackets can also build underground nests that can be enormous in size.

How to identify wasp nests in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho - Rentokil

Where to Look Out for Wasp Nests

A wasp nest can be in a wide variety of places. Yellowjackets favor areas near the ground, in hollow trees, under porches, and a number of other areas. Mud daubers tend to build their nests in sheltered areas, including under eaves, garages, attics, or on the sides of buildings.

Paper wasp nests are often located under and within the eaves of structures, in attics and wall voids, and in other enclosed areas. Bald-faced hornets, on the other hand, like to build nests high up off the ground. This can mean in trees, but also on structures. In general, wasps tend to favor sheltered spots for their nests.

How to Get Rid of Nests

Bottom line: it’s important to never attempt to knock down or get rid of a wasp nest on your own. Even if it’s small or appears abandoned, there could be more stinging insects inside than you realize. Many types of wasps will sting repeatedly—disturbing them will make them more likely to do so. It’s safe to simply call your local wasp control experts at Rentokil when you need help with wasps.

The Dangers of the Asian Giant Hornet

Asian giant hornets - RentokilThe Asian giant hornet, infamously known as the “murder hornet”, has certainly made the rounds in the media over the past couple of months. It’s easy to understand why this hornet has struck fear in the heart of so many nationwide, even though they’ve only been spotted in the Pacific Northwest (so far). Originally from Japan, China, and other Asian countries, this hornet made its first appearance in Vancouver and Washington state late last year. Their sting is known to be potentially fatal, but the true threat they pose is to the honeybee population. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about murder hornets from the team at Rentokil!

Just How Dangerous are Murder Hornets?

The main threat of these hornets is that they are a predator of the honeybee. They attack honey bee hives, killing adult bees and devouring bee larvae and pupae. A single murder hornet can kill dozens of honeybees in minutes, and a group of 30 hornets can devour a hive of nearly 30,0000 bees in hours. Needless to say, this can severely affect the honeybee population.

Besides their impact on honeybees, these hornets administer a nasty–and potentially fatal–sting. Like many stinging insects, the murder hornet will not attack humans unless they feel provoked or threatened. Their stings contain neurotoxins that, when stung multiple times, can lead to organ failure. Being stung by these hornets can lead to death. They’re responsible for the passing of up to 50 people in Japan each year.

6 Features of the Asian Giant Hornet

If you ever come across one of these infamous hornets, you’re going to be able to tell what they are by their size alone. Six traits that help identify the murder hornet include:

  1. Worker murder hornets are 1 ½ – 2” in length while queens can exceed 2”.
  2. They have a light orange head with an orange, black, and brown striped body.
  3. They have large, prominent eyes
  4. One of the more frightening features are their distinctly sharp mandibles
  5. These hornets possess 6 legs and a set of antennae
  6. Their stingers are ¼” (6 mm) in length

Have Murder Hornets Been Found in Utah or Idaho?

Thankfully, there have been no sightings of this hornet in our area as of yet. They do prefer a wet, mild climate, which is why they seem to be showing up in the Pacific Northwest. Currently, scientists are working hard to find, trap, and eradicate this pest before they spread. With any stinging insect, it’s important to always contact a licensed pest control company such as Rentokil for assistance.

Fact vs. Fiction: Bed Bug Myths

Myths about bed bugs in Northern Utah & Southern Idaho - RentokilIf you have had a bed bug problem before, you know how difficult they are. In addition to spreading throughout your home, these bloodsucking pests are notoriously difficult to get rid of without a professional pest control expert. With Bed Bug Awareness week upon us, now is the perfect time to learn more about the true threats of bed bugs. There are many bed bug myths out there, and the team at Rentokil wants to dispel them! Keep reading to learn more about bed bugs and their common habits.

Bed Bug Myths to Stop Believing

If you have bed bugs, it’s important to know what’s fact vs. fiction. Here are some of the most common questions we get about these pests:

  1. Do bed bug bites transmit disease?
    • Thankfully, no. Bed bug bites may be itchy and leave a red mark on your skin, but their bites do not transmit dangerous diseases as mosquitoes do.
  2. Are bed bugs capable of living for months without feeding?
    • Yes, but it’s unlikely for them to live for a year unless they are in the most optimal conditions. Young bed bugs need to feed more often than adults.
  3. Do bed bugs latch onto or burrow into your skin?
    • No, bed bugs do not latch onto humans or animals in the way that fleas and ticks do. After feeding, they will retreat back to their hiding places.
  4. Are bed bugs more likely to infest messy homes?
    • This is one of the biggest myths. Anyone is prone to a bed bug problem, regardless of whether or not your home is clean.
  5. Do bed bugs fly or jump?
    • No! Unlike fleas and ticks, bed bugs can only crawl from one place to another. This is mostly due to their underdeveloped wings.
  6. Do bed bugs only feed at night?
    • No! Bed bugs are active when their hosts are at rest. This has led many people to think they’re nocturnal, but they actually can feed at any time of the day.
  7. Can bed bugs infest areas of your home other than your bedroom?
    • Yes, they can! Although bedrooms are common targets, they can congregate in living areas near sofas, furniture, cracks in the wall, and more.
  8. Can you see adult bed bugs without a magnifying glass?
    • Nymphs are nearly impossible to see due to their size and translucent color. However, adult bed bugs are the size of an appleseed and can definitely be seen, especially since they group together!
  9. Should you throw away infested mattresses or furniture?
    • No! In fact, you shouldn’t move infested furniture in the midst of an infestation. Doing so can contribute to bed bugs spreading into other areas.
  10. Can you get rid of bed bugs with DIY methods?
    • Getting rid of bed bugs always requires the help of a professional pest control company. DIY or all-natural methods may just make the problem worse.

Treating a Bed Bug Problem

As mentioned previously, it’s never a good idea to attempt to get rid of bed bugs on your own. That’s where the team at Rentokil come in! Our bed bug treatment options are designed to ensure every single bug is removed from your property. To learn more, contact our team today!

Common Wasps in the Summertime

Common summertime wasps in Northern Utah & Southern Idaho - Rentokil

Summer is just around the corner in Northern Utah & Southern Idaho, and the weather is finally warming up! Unfortunately, wasps are fans of the summer just like you! Wasps notoriously ruin backyard barbecues, picnics, hikes, and more. There are more than 4,000 wasp species in the nation, but there are three common wasps in particular to keep an eye out for during the summer. It can be difficult to identify wasps on your own, making it best to always enlist the help of a professional pest control company. The team at Rentokil have gathered important info to know about common wasps in the summertime–keep reading to learn more.

Most Common Wasps in the Summer

Yellow Jackets

During the summertime, yellow jackets are infamous for being aggressive. Yellow jackets congregate in colonies of up to or more than 1,000 workers. Their nests are dangerous, especially when someone tries to knock one down without a professional pest control company. Yellow jackets will not bother you unless they feel threatened, in which case they may sting repeatedly*.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps build papery nests that can take the shape of an upside-down umbrella. These nests often hang from tree branches and twigs, as well as porch ceilings and door railings. Paper wasp nests typically contain anywhere from 20 to 30 wasps. Paper wasps aren’t as aggressive as yellow jackets, but they may sting to defend their nests. A paper wasp sting is known to be especially potent and dangerous*.

Mud Daubers

Just like their name suggests, mud daubers build their nests from mud. They are mostly black in appearance but may have light-colored markings. The most characteristic feature of the mud dauber is their thin, thread-like waist. Nests are usually located in covered areas such as porch ceilings, sheds, and attics. These wasps are less social than other types, often preferring to be solitary. Mud daubers aren’t as aggressive and will only sting* when directly handled.

* If you are stung by a wasp and are having a severe reaction, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

Preventing Summertime Wasps in Your Yard

Wasps may be attracted to your yard for several reasons. They tend to show up at outdoor events when food and drinks are left in the open, and can hover near unsealed trash cans. In your own property, regularly look under porches, decks, ceilings, and the sides of your home or business to look for nests in the summer. Take caution and always contact a professional if you do spot a nest. Never swat at wasps to avoid making them more aggressive and likely to sting.

Summertime Wasp Control

If you’ve done all you can to prevent yellow jackets, mud daubers, or paper wasps and still have spotted nests forming, it’s important to always contact a professional pest control company. At Rentokil, our wasp removal services are quick, safe, and effective.

Can Pests Trigger Springtime Allergies?

Pests may trigger your springtime allergies in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho - RentokilFew places are as beautiful as Northern Utah and Southern Idaho in the springtime. Unfortunately, springtime also means spring allergies! This time of year, many residents are suffering from runny noses and itchy eyes, among other seasonal allergy symptoms. But is it the weather causing your allergies, or something else? A little known fact is that pests like roaches, dust mites, rodents, and more could be behind the allergy symptoms so many people are experiencing this time of year.

Here at Rentokil, we are committed to helping our customers learn how to reduce pest-related allergens in the home.

Prevention Tips for Pest Allergens

To avoid exacerbating your seasonal allergies, it’s important to reduce pest allergens in your home as much as possible. Basic pest prevention goes a long way to eliminate these allergens:

  • Store food in sealed containers and clean kitchens on a daily basis.
  • Dispose of garbage regularly and use a tight-fitting lid.
  • Seal cracks and holes in homes, including entry points for utilities and pipes, screen doors, and windows.
  • Keep your basements and crawl spaces well-ventilated and dry!
  • Wash blankets, rugs, and bedding in hot water or get them dry-cleaned.
  • Vacuum and dust your property frequently.
  • Keep pet food sealed in a tight container and wash food bowls.

What Pests Cause Allergies and Asthma?

Pest infestations can be dangerous for many reasons, from structural damage to disease. But they can cause allergies, as well! The biggest culprit is cockroaches–roach skins, droppings, and more have all been proven to trigger allergic reactions and asthma. Children are especially vulnerable to these types of allergies. Other pests include stinging insects, from yellow jackets and wasps to fire ants. A sting from any of these can cause an allergic reaction in certain individuals.

**If you experience severe symptoms of an allergic reaction such as swelling, wheezing, dizziness, or trouble breathing, call 911 or get medical attention immediately!

Getting Rid of Pests and Allergens

To stay safe from pest allergens, you need to stay safe from pests! If you’ve done all you can to prevent pests but are still dealing with them, it’s time to call the experts at Rentokil. Our team will work with you to customize a pest control plan suited to your unique needs.

Top Tips for Ant-Proofing Your Home

Sweeping your floor is a top ant-proofing tip for your Northern Utah or Southern Idaho home. Rentokil.The weather is starting to warm up here in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho. With rising temperatures comes the return of ants in your home! Anyone who has had an ant problem knows how frustrating they are–not to mention how difficult they are to get rid of. To avoid dealing with an infestation, it’s crucial to learn about ant prevention. The team at Rentokil have compiled their best ant-proofing tips for homeowners. Keep reading to learn more!

Ant-Proofing Tricks and Tips for Your Home

To keep ants away, it’s important to learn what attracts them in the first place. By limiting their access indoors, and subsequently any food and water sources they may find, you can avoid an infestation. The following tips will lessen the chance of getting an ant problem:

  • Inspect your property and seal any cracks or crevices using a silicone-based caulk.
  • Keep all pet food bowls clean and always clean up after spills and messes. Pick pet bowls up off the floor after meal times.
  • Ensure downspouts and gutters are all functioning properly so that water is flowing away from the foundation.
  • Regularly check under sinks for excess moisture problems and repair leaky pipes promptly.
  • Trim trees and shrubbery in your yard to be at least 6 inches away from the foundation of the home.
  • Wipe down any countertops and sweep floors regularly to clean up spills and remove crumbs.
  • Store dried goods, food, and pet food in airtight containers and refrigerate ripe fruit.
  • Take out your garbage on a regular basis and use trash cans with a tight-fitting lid.

How to Get Rid of Your Ant Problem

If you’ve done all you can to prevent ants and still find yourself with a possible infestation, it’s important to always enlist the help of a professional ant exterminator. Ants are determined pests that are more resilient than you may think. Colonies can spread quickly and into satellite colonies, which is why controlling them can be a lengthy process. A pest control company has the tools and resources to get rid of your infestation quickly and effectively.

Professional Ant-Proofing Services

Learning how to prevent ants can be difficult. Our team of ant exterminators knows how frustrating ants can be, which is why we’ll work with you to determine the best way to keep ants out all year round. Call our team today to find out more!

Can a Mosquito Bite Transmit Coronavirus?

Mosquito bites do not transmit coronavirus. Rentokil in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho.

No, you are not going to get COVID-19 from a mosquito bite! There is a lot of information about this virus as the pandemic is underway, but we thankfully know that vector pests such as mosquitoes and ticks do not transmit coronavirus. Here at Rentokil, we know how distressing times are right now. As always, our focus is our commitment to the health and safety of our communities throughout Northern Utah and Southern Idaho, which is why we want to dispel the myth that mosquitoes are spreading this virus. Mosquitoes and ticks may be vectors for other deadly diseases, but these are vector-borne diseases that are not passed from person to person. In this blog post, we’ll explore what that means.

Difference Between Coronavirus and Vector-Borne Diseases

Coronavirus is a respiratory virus that is said to pass from person to person, which is why it is so contagious. People are being exposed to the virus from droplets from saliva or nasal discharge, which are typically generated when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Research has shown that it can be spread through contaminated surfaces, and it is increasingly considered to be an airborne virus. Mosquito-borne and tick-borne diseases are of an entirely different nature than this current virus. The biggest difference is the fact that vector-borne diseases do not spread from person to person contact! While there is a lot of uncertainty about the coronavirus right now, it’s safe to say you will not get it from a mosquito or tick.

What Diseases do Mosquitoes and Ticks Transmit?

Since mosquitoes and ticks do not transmit COVID-19, what diseases do they spread? Unfortunately, some of the world’s worst diseases are transmitted by these insects:

  • When vector pests feed off a diseased host, they can transmit pathogens that may infect other hosts it subsequently bites.
  • Mosquitoes are infamous for transmitting malaria, Zika virus, West Nile virus, chikungunya, yellow fever, and more.
  • Ticks play a role in the transmission of Lyme disease, which is currently the most common vector-borne disease in the United States.

Pest Control During the Pandemic

Mosquitoes and ticks may not transmit coronavirus, but they are still dangerous pests that need to be taken care of by a professional pest control company. As always, the Rentokil team is here for you. We will continue to provide essential pest control services to our neighbors and customers all year long.

With new information about the coronavirus coming out every hour, we want to encourage our customers to seek more up-to-date info and follow guidelines released by the WHO and the CDC, as well as your state and local public health agencies.