Utah’s diverse climate—with cold winters, hot summers, and everything in between—creates the perfect environment for a wide variety of pests. Whether you’re in Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, or a smaller town, chances are you’ve dealt with unwanted critters in or around your home. In this guide, we’ll break down the 10 most common pests in Utah, when they’re most active, and how to prevent them from becoming a problem all year long.
1. Boxelder Bugs
Season: Fall
These red-and-black insects swarm around windows and doors, especially in autumn as they search for warm shelter.
Prevention Tip: Seal cracks and gaps around your home’s exterior. Keep boxelder trees trimmed and away from siding.
Learn more from Utah State University Extension
2. Spiders
Season: Year-round, peak in late summer and fall
Utah is home to several spider species, including black widows, which can pose a health risk.
Prevention Tip: Reduce clutter indoors and outdoors. Use sticky traps and vacuum corners regularly.
3. Ants
Season: Spring and summer
Odorous house ants and pavement ants are common nuisances in kitchens and bathrooms.
Prevention Tip: Keep food sealed and counters clean. Seal entry points and consider professional perimeter treatments.
4. Wasps
Season: Late spring through fall
Aggressive when provoked, wasps build nests under eaves, in attics, or in the ground.
Prevention Tip: Inspect and remove small nests early in the season. Use wasp traps and avoid leaving sugary drinks outside.
5. Voles
Season: Winter and early spring
These small, mouse-like rodents tunnel through lawns and gardens, damaging roots and grass.
Prevention Tip: Keep grass short before winter and install protective mesh around tree bases.
More on vole damage from the USU Extension
6. Earwigs
Season: Summer
While harmless, earwigs are creepy and tend to invade moist areas indoors.
Prevention Tip: Eliminate standing water and fix leaky faucets. Keep mulch and vegetation away from your foundation.
7. Rodents (Mice & Rats)
Season: Fall and winter
Rodents seek warm shelter in homes and garages during colder months.
Prevention Tip: Seal entry points larger than ¼ inch. Use bait stations and traps in attics, basements, and garages.
8. Termites
Season: Spring
Subterranean termites can go unnoticed for years, causing serious structural damage.
Prevention Tip: Keep wood away from your foundation and schedule annual termite inspections with a professional.
9. Cockroaches
Season: Year-round
Roaches thrive in warm, humid environments and multiply quickly indoors.
Prevention Tip: Keep kitchens clean and dry. Use gel bait or seek professional treatments for severe infestations.
10. Mosquitoes
Season: Late spring through summer
More than just annoying, mosquitoes can transmit diseases like West Nile Virus.
Prevention Tip: Eliminate standing water sources like buckets, birdbaths, and clogged gutters. Use screens and repellents.
CDC Resource on Mosquito Prevention
Year-Round Pest Prevention Starts with a Plan
The best way to keep your Utah home pest-free isn’t to wait until there’s a problem—it’s to stay ahead of it. A year-round pest control plan offers proactive treatments, seasonal inspections, and fast action when pests show up.
At Signature Pest Control, we specialize in protecting Utah homes from all of these pests and more. Our eco-friendly treatments are safe for your family and tough on infestations.
