Tips to Control Pests that Come Out in Spring

Wasp coming out for spring in Richmond, UT - RentokilAs the weather warms up, people are starting to spend more and more time outside. As the world around us seems to come back to life, so do the throngs of pests that have been laying low all winter. All sorts of pests live around Northern UT and Southern ID, so it’s important to learn how to keep your home protected from all of them. 

Why Do Bugs Come Out in Spring?

The combination of moisture from rainfall and rising temperatures that spring brings makes insect lives easier. Plants and prey are in newfound abundance, and they are hungry and thirsty after months of hibernation or low activity. These conditions also provide the right environment for many pests to start breeding. Mosquitoes, in particular, are notorious for taking over after rainy springs. This is because mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water, which accumulates in our yards after rainfall. Some ways to prevent mosquitoes and other spring pests are:

  • Pour out standing water in your yard
  • Cover pools, birdbaths, and spas when not in use
  • Eliminate moisture in your house by keeping it properly ventilated
  • Keep your lawn mowed and your trees trimmed regularly

Common Spring Bugs

What other bugs can we expect here this spring? Our technicians at Rentokil have seen many different kinds of infestations year after year, including:

  1. Ants. Many different kinds of ants come out in the spring, looking to start building their colonies. Depending on your species, they will construct their homes in the ground around your home or in your wooden walls. They’re on the hunt for food and moisture, so make sure to clean up your spills and keep your food sealed and concealed.
  2. Bees and wasps. There might already be bees or wasps in your home that have been trying to keep warm through the winter. Once the weather gets warmer, they’ll go out in search of a new place to nest and lay eggs. This could mean your roofing, awnings, or backyard, so if you notice an uptick in bees buzzing around your house, let your local bee removal experts know so that they can be removed harmlessly.
  3. Flies and fleas. As your pets decide to spend more and more time outside, the opportunity for a fly or flea outbreak will rise. Taking your trash out and minimizing the amount of time you leave your doors and windows open will improve your chances of keeping your home pest-free. Installing screens on windows and doors will also help!

Spring Pest Control Experts

As pest season sets in, you might find yourself with new unforeseen problems. No matter what kind of pests you find in your home, the pest control experts at Rentokil have the solution to remove them and ensure that they don’t come back. We have been serving our customers around Northern Utah and Southern Idaho since 1999, building up the experience to be the best in the business. Contact us today for a free quote!

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.

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.

Pest Season 2020 – Look Ahead for These 6 Pests

They say hindsight is 20/20, but when it comes to protecting your family and home against pests this year, you can be proactive with the help of Rentokil. We are helping homeowners prepare for the upcoming pest season by offering insight into anticipated pest activity.

The experts at Rentokil have examined trends, used our company data and our field experiences and to determine the following six pest predictions. We are also offering preventative tips to help keep your home pest-free this year.

Mosquitoes

In some Western states, disease-spreading mosquitoes, such as the yellow fever mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito, have surged in recent years. These mosquitoes, as well as the common house mosquito, can spread diseases such as the Zika virus, West Nile virus, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). A bite from a mosquito can also spread the parasite that causes heartworm in pets.

Homeowner Tips: The risk of mosquito-borne diseases, such as the West Nile virus can increase with rising populations. Mosquitoes only need one tablespoon of water to lay their eggs. To protect yourself and your family, dispose of standing water from your property and always wear an EPA-approved insect repellent when spending time outdoors.

Rats

Over the past several years, rat populations have increased and this may be partly attributed to warmer than normal winters. We can expect to see that trend continue as rodent populations in suburban areas increase this year. Warmer winters, a booming construction pipeline, lack of sanitation control, and lack of affordable housing are all issues that have advanced the swell of recent rat activity.

Homeowner Tips: Rats spread disease and can be extremely destructive to homes. To prevent rodents, try the following rodent control tips: Keep trees and shrubs cut back, especially thick low-vegetation that can serve as good hiding places for rats. Make sure that trees do not overhang onto the roofline. Seal any exterior openings larger than a nickel with rodent-proof material such as hardware cloth or flashing. Finally, seal and tie trash bags, placing them into garbage cans with tight-fitting lids.

Termites

Termites cause homeowners in the United States $6 billion in property damages each year and are one of the most destructive pests. These wood-destroying pests are a continual problem for homeowners in the Western U.S., and this year, termites could prove to be even more damaging. The experts at Rentokil have seen an increase in activity from subterranean and dampwood termites in many areas this year.

Homeowner Tips: Earth-to-wood contact provides an avenue for termites to enter your home. To prevent termites, eliminate soil to wood contact and avoid moisture build-up near your homes’ foundation. Remove excess wood (stumps, lumber, etc.) from your yard. Termites can be present for years before homeowners ever see signs of their activity, causing considerable and costly damage. Avoid these costs by having a termite protection plan in place. Speak to your pest control provider about risk and protection options for your home.

Cockroaches

In the last several years, cockroach populations have increased dramatically, due in large part to warmer weather and increased rainfall. Cockroaches carry diseases, infest and contaminate stored food, and then spread bacteria through their excrement. Cockroach removal is critical as infestations can become serious if not taken care of in a timely manner.

Homeowner Tips: Cockroaches are not just a nuisance, they can make children sick. The presence of cockroaches increases the symptoms of asthma and allergies. To prevent an infestation, cockroach-proof your home by sealing small cracks and crevices around windows and door frames with a silicone-based caulk. Keep a clean kitchen, sweeping, mopping and wiping up any spills. If you’re experiencing cockroach problems, speak with your pest control professional to determine the best solution for your home.

Flies

If you have noticed more flies this past year, you are not alone. Although they’re more active in the summer, house flies reproduce year-round. Filth flies – house flies, bottle flies, flesh flies – generally live and breed near human habitats and their numbers have increased in recent years. Increasing population density, waste management practices that haven’t kept pace with growth, and a general trend toward a warming climate for the fly pressure all contribute to increasing this disease-spreading insect.

Homeowner Tips: House flies and “filth flies” are attracted to filth, and have the potential to harm humans and animals. Keeping a clean home is the first step to protecting yourself and your family. Keep trash closed in lidded containers and take it out often. Clean spills quickly and cover any non-refrigerated foods. Keep pet feeding and litter areas clean and fix drips and eliminate any areas of excess moisture.

Spiders

Spiders are carnivores, eating other insects and thriving in wet environments. Increased moisture leads to an increase in the insects that spiders eat as a food resource. Heavy rain and warmer temperatures have created the perfect conditions for insects and spiders to flourish. Although beneficial for our ecosystem, most people prefer spiders to stay outside where they belong.

Homeowner Tips: To keep spiders out of your home, keep food put away in tightly sealed storage containers. This will help eliminate ants, roaches and other pests, which will leave spiders with no food source. If the thought of spiders lurking is alarming, try changing your white outdoor light bulbs to yellow light bulbs, which attract fewer insects that can serve as food for the spiders. There are a few species of spiders that can live indoors and need to be controlled by spider removal experts.

The experts at Rentokil agree that a proactive approach is the first step any homeowner can take to prevent pest problems. With these pest predictions in mind, take time to evaluate your current pest control plan and make sure that you have the protection you need to protect yourself and your family from pests this year.