Pests invade homes and businesses all year long in Utah. Although they’re common, most people only have a basic understanding of what they’re dealing with. However, when pests invade your space, basic knowledge isn’t enough. That’s why we’ve created this Pest Identification Guide—to help you recognize and understand the most common household pests, so you can act quickly and confidently.
Ants
Ants are among the most common household pests. While some are just a nuisance, others—like carpenter ants—can cause structural damage. Pharaoh ants, for instance, multiply quickly and become difficult to eliminate. Because ants constantly seek food and moisture, they often enter homes through cracks in foundations or walls. Once inside, they form trails and colonies, making small problems worse over time.
Common Ants:
- Sugar Ants (Odorous House Ants)
- Carpenter Ants
- Pavement Ants
- Pharaoh Ants
To prevent infestations, seal food, clean up crumbs, and close off entry points. If ants persist, our team can help with targeted treatments.
Spiders
Spiders are often misunderstood. While most are harmless and even beneficial, some—like black widows or brown recluse spiders—can be dangerous. These pests prefer quiet, dark spaces such as basements, crawlspaces, or garages. Because they rely on insect populations as a food source, managing other pests helps reduce spider activity, too.
Common Spiders in Utah:
- House Spiders
- Wolf Spiders
- Jumping Spiders
- Black Widow Spiders
- Brown Recluse Spiders
For prevention, remove webs, clean regularly, and manage insect activity. Professional spider control is recommended for venomous species.
Rodents
Rodents such as mice, rats, and voles are destructive and carry health risks. These commensal pests benefit from living near humans without giving anything in return. Mice and rats typically enter homes seeking food and warmth, while voles damage lawns and gardens. Proper rodent identification helps ensure the right treatment.
Signs of Rodents:
- Droppings in corners or cupboards
- Gnawed packaging
- Scratching in walls
- Lawn runways (voles)
To prevent rodents, seal gaps, remove clutter, and store food securely. Our rodent control services include trapping, baiting, exclusion, and follow-up visits
Wasps & Bees
Wasps and bees both sting, but they behave very differently. Bees are pollinators and generally non-aggressive. Wasps, on the other hand, can be territorial and more likely to sting multiple times. In Utah, yellowjackets and paper wasps are the most common stinging pests. They often build nests near homes, especially under eaves or in the ground.
Key Differences:
- Bees are fuzzy and sting once.
- Wasps have smooth bodies and sting repeatedly.
Avoid disturbing nests and sugary outdoor items. For removal or prevention, contact our team.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are more than just outdoor nuisances—they can spread harmful diseases. These pests breed in stagnant water and are most active in warm, humid environments. Because they multiply quickly, effective mosquito control requires layered strategies.
Mosquito Prevention Tips:
- Dump standing water from buckets, gutters, or birdbaths
- Install screens on windows and doors
- Schedule routine mosquito fogging or larvicide treatments
We offer seasonal mosquito services to reduce populations and protect your yard.
Boxelder Bugs & Occasional Invaders
Occasional invaders such as boxelder bugs, earwigs, and centipedes don’t typically harm humans, but they’re unpleasant houseguests. These pests often sneak in during the fall as temperatures drop. Once inside, they gather around baseboards, windows, and entryways.
To prevent them, seal exterior cracks, repair screens, and trim outdoor vegetation. Our standard general pest control plan includes treatments for these nuisance invaders.
Need Help with Pest Identification?
If you're unsure what pest you’re dealing with, don’t worry. Impact Pest Management provides professional inspections and identification services. Reach out to schedule your bug identification and treatment, and we’ll help you take the next step toward a pest-free property.
📞 Call 801-262-5746 or Request Service Online
