Mosquitoes are one of the worst pests around. They swarm, they bite, they can spread disease and they are difficult to get rid of. They can lay eggs in inconspicuous places and even if the live population dies off in colder weather, it won’t necessarily affect the next generation waiting to hatch when it warms up again. So how do you approach the problem if you have a mosquito infestation in your yard? Two of the most common methods of controlling the mosquito population are mosquito fogging and mosquito misting. If you think these sound very similar, you are right, so let’s take a look at what the differences actually are.

What is Mosquito Fogging?

Mosquito fogging uses a machine to pump out a “fog” of mosquito control substances over your yard, concentrating on areas where mosquitoes are likely to congregate and breed, such as bushes, grass and areas of stagnant water. The droplets are tiny and, while blanketing the area, they might not target the affected areas as accurately as misting. Fogging treatment is effective at eliminating mosquitoes for a short period of time.

What is Mosquito Misting?

Mosquito misting uses a similar technique to mosquito fogging but a different substance is used which is more effective at eliminating the mosquito eggs. While fogging will be effective against any live populations of mosquitoes, misting will also target the eggs before they have hatched. The droplets in the mist are larger than those used in fogging, so will hit their targets more effectively. Misting systems can also be set up in your yard to regularly spray mosquito control treatments, in a similar way to water sprinklers. These can be set to go off whenever the mosquitoes are out in full force, however, it will only affect the bugs within reach of the nozzles.

Which Mosquito Control Service Should I Use?

Good question. There are pros and cons to both misting and fogging but the general rule is that mosquito fogging is great for short-term mosquito elimination: think outdoor event or party. Mosquito misting is more effective as a long-term mosquito prevention and elimination service so it really depends on the time-frame and reason why you might need the mosquito control service.

If you need any advice, just call the professionals at H2 Pest Control. We can assess your individual situation and help with any mosquito control issues you may have!

Utah is home to many species of spider, including the venomous Black Widow. Yards and properties across Utah can become the home for spiders large and small and sometimes you need professional help to keep them under control. Just the thought of a spider being nearby is enough to terrify some of us, so what should you do if the worst happens and you are actually bitten by a spider?

Don’t Panic About Getting Bitten by a Spider

Thankfully, this is not a problem that should occupy a lot of your thoughts for two reasons:

• Spider bites are a very rare occurrence. A spider may bite you if you accidentally stumble into its habitat or it feels very threatened but they will not attack a human just for the sake of it.
• Even if a spider does bite you, the amount of venom it carries is not generally harmful to humans who are many thousands of times larger than the prey of a spider. Even a bite from a Black Widow will not necessarily cause much of an issue, however, nobody knows how their body will react until it happens so here are some signs and symptoms of spider bites.

How to Recognize a Spider Bite

It’s difficult to tell the difference between a spider bite and any other insect bite as it will normally appear a bit red and itchy. If this is the extent of the symptoms, just put some antibiotic or anti-itch cream on it and don’t give it any further thought. In some cases, though, more extreme symptoms can occur. These include:

• Swelling at the bite location
• Muscle cramps or pain
• Fever or chills
• Vomiting or feeling nauseous
• Headache
• Muscle spasms
• Difficulty breathing

If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact a doctor right away. Spider venom can be treated by healthcare professionals so it might be helpful to take the spider or a picture of the spider with you if you can. The sooner you get treated, the quicker your recovery.

Venomous Spiders in Utah

Most spiders are venomous but only a couple are actually dangerous to humans:

• Black Widows are commonly found in Utah yards so if you want to avoid a bite from this potentially dangerous spider, wear gloves when out gardening and give gloves and boots a shake before putting them on. If you are bitten by a Black Widow, any reaction will happen quite fast so make sure you seek medical help if your symptoms worsen.
• The jury’s out on whether the Brown Recluse can be found in Utah or not, as it’s commonly confused with other types of spider, such as the Hobo spider. If you are bitten by a Brown Recluse, however, you may not realize it immediately. Over time, the bite might turn into a blister and in rare cases, tissue death, or necrosis, can occur. Hobo spiders can also bite humans but recent studies have shown that their venom is not actually toxic to us.

If you’re unsure if you have a spider bite or not, the best thing to do is to keep an eye on it, and if you start experiencing symptoms like those described above, get in touch with your doctor. H2 Pest Control can remove and treat your home and yard for any type of spider so give us a call if you need spider control services anywhere in Utah County or Salt Lake County. You can also check out our comprehensive guide to all things spidery in Utah!

Myth 1: Spiders Bug You While You Sleep

You may have heard the statistic that you eat on average 5 spiders a year when you’re asleep, or that spiders crawl on your face in the night or that they drink tears from your eyes or drool from your mouth. While this all sounds horribly creepy, there is just no basis for any of these stories. Maybe occasionally someone has a spider land on them in the night but it’s not a regular occurrence and wherever you look you’ll find different numbers because it’s really just an urban legend. Sleep tight and don’t worry about it!

Myth 2: Spiders Can Come Up Through Your Drain

It’s somewhat of a nightmarish thought that anywhere in Utah, large, hairy spiders or a thousand tiny ones can come crawling up your pipes and through your drains into your sink, baths, showers or basins. Luckily, you consider this myth completely busted. Spiders in Utah do not come up through the drain, rather, if you spot one in the bath or your basin, they have come down from the wall or ceiling, looking for water and can’t climb out again. If you wash them away they might be able to climb back but spiders cannot access your drains through exterior pipework.

Myth 3: All Spiders in Utah Spin Webs

Spiders are synonymous with webs but do all species actually use them? It turns out that in reality, only about 50% of spider species spin and use webs for trapping prey. There are other species in Utah that hunt their prey down, such as the Wolf spider, which can live happily in burrows, meadows or your lawn. Wolf spiders live up to their name by chasing down and pouncing on their prey before eating it.

Myth 4: Female Black Widows Kill Their Mates

Utah is home to the Black Widow, a notoriously venomous spider with a bad reputation. But is it justified? Everyone knows that after mating, female Black Widows rip off the male Black Widow’s head, right? Well, not really. While this behavior has been observed, it was only under laboratory conditions where the male was in an enclosed space with the female. In the wild, it seems that there is often plenty of space and time for the male to beat a hasty retreat. While the murderous behavior does occur, scientists now think it only happens in a mere 2% of Black Widow encounters. If you see any Black Widows in or around your Utah property, though, get in touch with H2 Pest Control as Black Widow bites can be potentially dangerous to humans.

Myth 5: Spiders are Insects

Did you know that spiders are not insects? The spiders you find in Utah range from the Jumping Spider to Orb Weavers to Wolf spiders to Black Widows but they are classed as arachnids, a separate group to insects, that also includes creatures such as scorpions and ticks. As well as having eight legs to an insect’s six, insects have antennae while arachnids don’t and insects are made up of three body segments while arachnids are only classed as having two.

Now that you’re a spider expert, take a look through our comprehensive guide to find out more about the types of spiders found in Utah, and the best way to keep them off your property.

How to attract rats

If, for some reason, you’re desperate to have some rats running around in your attic or walls, here are some good tips to attract them to your property:

• Leave food outside.

Keep that grill nice and grimy, leave trash bags outside, don’t clean up after your pets and leave any fallen fruit or berries on the ground. An easy food source is just what the rats are looking for.

• Cultivate piles of junk

Any stack of garden waste in your yard or general trash left outside can attract rats who are after things to build nests with or looking for a sheltered spot to hide.

• Don’t block up holes or trim overhanging branches.

If you really want to roll out the red carpet for your rodent friends, make sure you leave any cracks, holes or gaps in your exterior walls exactly as they are. Also, overhanging branches from nearby trees can make a handy bridge for rats to get across to your roof so be sure to leave those alone if you want to make it easy for the rats to pay you a visit.

Why rats in your home is not a good thing

All joking aside, having wild rodents in your home, and rats in particular, is not something to be desired. Rats can make a real mess of your home in places you can’t even see, chewing through wood, wiring, insulation and pipes. People and pets living in the property can also be exposed to rat urine and feces and rats can carry and spread a wide variety of diseases from salmonella to hantavirus.

If you see a rat or hear rodents in your walls, give a reliable and professional rat control company like H2 Pest Control a call. We are a family-owned business located in and servicing all of Utah County and Salt Lake County.

You might feel ashamed to have rats in your house but rest assured that H2 Pest Control’s technicians have seen it all and won’t judge you on what they find inside. Rats can make their way into practically any home and our main priority is to get you living a pest-free life. Take a look at our comprehensive rodent removal service for more information on how we can improve your quality of life.

So you’ve seen a little gray mouse darting through your yard. What’s the big deal, it’s only one mouse, right? Well, sorry to break it to you but where there’s one mouse, there’s likely more. And mice reproduce at an alarming rate so there might be many more in quite a short space of time.

While mice themselves are small and not particularly dangerous, the damage they can cause to your home and the diseases they can potentially spread make them pretty formidable pests. Over 20 million homes are infested by mice every year in the US and they can squeeze in through the smallest of gaps which is where the preventive services of H2 Pest Control come in.

H2 Pest Control has tackled many a mouse in our time so here’s the low-down on the cheese-loving little critters:

Everything you ever wanted to know about mice

• Do mice really like cheese?

Sure, mice will eat a nice bit of cheese if you leave it out but they actually prefer other food such as grains, fruit, peanut butter and even a nice chunk of chocolate, so that’s something to bear in mind if you’re trying to lure a small rodent into a trap.

• Can mice see in the dark?

Not very well, apparently. Mice are nocturnal but don’t have good vision during the day or at night. They do have excellent hearing and a great sense of smell, though, so that can help them keep one step ahead.

• Do mice teeth ever stop growing?

No! If mice, or any rodent for that matter, don’t constantly grind their teeth down, they have some that would grow into their brains! The best way to keep their teeth short and sharp is, of course, to chew and gnaw on things, like the exterior and interior of your house.

• Is it really possible to catch a horrible disease from a mouse?

Unfortunately, yes it is. OK, it’s not that likely, but it happens. Mice are generally afraid of humans so you probably won’t get bitten by one but you can catch things by coming into contact with their urine or droppings or other things they have contaminated without you knowing.

The CDC lists 11 diseases that can be directly transmitted from rodents to humans, including rat-bite fever, hantavirus and plague. There is also a list of 15 diseases indirectly transmitted by rodents, for example Lyme disease or murine typhus which humans can catch from infected ticks or fleas. Either way, there’s a risk of catching something nasty if you have mice in or around your home so for the sake of everyone living there, get a professional pest control company in to solve your problem. If you’re in the Utah County or Salt Lake County areas, give H2 Pest Control a call and our fully licensed technicians will come to your aid with our comprehensive mouse control service.

Herriman pest control issues

Every city has different issues when it comes to pest control. Herriman, UT is in the foothills of the Oquirrh mountain range meaning there’s plenty of wildlife, bugs and pests to be found. It’s also especially dry in the summer, leading to many things like ants, mice and wasps being on the lookout for extra sources of water. These can be anything from a leaky faucet in your backyard to a standing puddle in the parking lot of your commercial property. Once the pests have found a food or water source, they may often move on to the next stage and infest your property! Herriman City is part of H2 Pest Control’s service area so get in touch for an appointment with your local pest control experts. H2 Pest Control can come out any time of the year to help get rid of a rodent infestation in or on your property and we highly recommend regular services to keep the pests away.

What else makes H2 the best pest control company in Herriman?

H2 Pest Control is a family run company and as such, we are dedicated to providing a pest-free home for your family anywhere in Herriman and surrounding areas. We know the anxiety and fear that can come with sharing your home with bugs and rodents, especially if you also have children in the house. Make one call to us and get your pest problems sorted in no time. Still not convinced? Here are some more reasons to choose H2 for your Herriman pest control problems:

• Local knowledge is worth its weight in gold. With many years of local knowledge and experience of the Herriman area, our technicians are experts in finding the bugs in places other pest control companies might miss.
• We have a thorough and comprehensive inspection plan, making sure no spot is left unchecked or untreated.
• Our pesticides are fast and effective on the bugs but so safe for humans that you can stay in your house while the treatments are being carried out.
• We offer a free re-service guarantee if you’re not 100% happy with the initial service and you can’t say fairer than that.

After using a service from H2 Pest Control, we think you’ll agree that we offer the best pest control service in Herriman!

So when isn’t it rodent season?

Good question! You can find rats, mice, gophers and voles around Utah properties any time of year and, due to breeding cycles, their populations are at their highest towards the end of the summer months. You may be more likely to see them inside your home later in the year as temperatures drop and they look for safe places to store food and keep warm. If you haven’t actually seen a mouse or rat but think they’ve got into your home, there are some telltale signs to look out for:

• Droppings: If you spot small brown droppings in your home, especially in your kitchen, you’ve got rodents. These droppings can carry diseases and it’s important not to sweep or vacuum them up as this could cause particles from them to be inhaled. Wearing gloves and a mask, soak the droppings in a solution of bleach and water, let it sit for a few minutes, soak up the droppings with a paper towel and put them in the trash.
• Chewed or gnawed things. Rats or mice may chew walls to make their entry points bigger or just to create new ones. You may also see chewed food packaging or things that they use for nesting materials such as paper or fabrics.
• Sounds and smells. If you hear scratching or scurrying in the walls or ceiling, or can smell stale odors but can’t pinpoint the source, contact H2 Pest Control, your local Utah rodent control company.

H2 Pest Control can come out any time of the year to help get rid of a rodent infestation in or on your property and we highly recommend regular services to keep the pests away.

Is it dangerous to have mice in the house?

While you may think a few mice are harmless and even quite cute, it’s not a good idea to let them have the run of the place. Mice are fast and prolific breeders, meaning that your one or two mice could soon become many, many more. Check out our previous blog post on mice where we cover the fact that mice can also carry a wide variety of diseases as well as cause damage to your home.

Ways of keeping rats and mice away

You can give yourself a head start in preventing rodents from entering your property. Here are a few easy tips that anyone can follow as a first line of defence against rats and mice.

• Check the exterior of your building for gaps or holes. Even if they’re tiny, you’d be surprised how small a space a mouse can squeeze through. Seal them up to stop rodents from getting in in the first place.
• Keep your outdoor space clean. Rodents and vermin are attracted to food that we may leave behind. Pet food, crumbs and unsecured trash bags or cans will draw rats and mice to your property. Even things like leaking outdoor faucets and puddles need to be eliminated as rodents use these as water sources. Try to avoid plants getting overgrown near doors and windows and trim back any tree branches that might overhang your home. Voles are attracted to yards with lots of good hiding places so get rid of leaf piles and garden waste to try and keep them from attacking your lawn.
• If mice or rats have already found their way in, it’s important to keep your home as clutter-free as possible to stop them from making an easy nest. Keep the kitchen especially tidy, making sure food is safely stored away and crumbs and spills are promptly dealt with. You don’t want to make it easy for these critters to find a food source! The next step is giving H2 Pest Control a call.

If all else fails or you spot things like mouse droppings in your home, give the professionals at H2 Pest Control a call. Our trained technicians will efficiently eliminate your rodent issue, getting rid of these unwanted visitors for good.

Is pest control worth the price?

It depends on how much you’re willing to pay for peace of mind and a pest-free home. Luckily, H2 Pest Control is a quality service at an affordable cost to all our customers in Utah County, Salt Lake County and all surrounding areas.  Give us a call so we can investigate your pest or rodent issue and give you a free quote. After our visit, we also offer a free re-service guarantee if you’re not 100% satisfied, meaning that pest control is now more affordable than ever. And it isn’t just your home you’re protecting. Many pests, especially mice and rats carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Using a professional pest control service will eliminate these risks to your family’s health and you can’t put a price on that.

Can’t I just use DIY pest control methods?

Of course! There’s nothing stopping you from using traditional methods to get rid of ants or spiders but usually there comes a point where essential oils or chestnuts in the corner just won’t cut it anymore. The bottom line is, to guarantee the removal or prevention of pests and rodents from your home, you need a professional pest control company. H2 Pest Control is a Utah-based and family run company with many years of local knowledge and experience, dedicated to providing a pest-free home for every client. If you’re worried about the cost of pest control in Utah, get in touch with H2 Pest Control today. We can guarantee you’ll be surprised by how affordable quality pest control can be.

The Boxelder bug

With the scientific name Boisea trivittatus, Boxelder bugs grow to about half an inch long and are found all over North America. They are not dangerous to humans, but if large numbers of them are infesting your yard or even your home, they are a serious nuisance. Huge numbers of these bugs can form swarms and land on buildings during the early fall. As the temperatures start to drop, they try and force their way in through gaps and cracks, looking for a safe, warm place to spend the winter. During warmer winter days or in the spring, they will wake up and potentially large numbers will re-emerge inside the building.

Getting rid of Boxelder bugs

If you’re facing a large number of these pests in your home, don’t try and squash them. They are related to stink bugs so will release a bad smell when squished! They can also stain surfaces and fabrics if they’re crushed so a vacuum cleaner or dustpan and brush might be the way to go. The best way to get rid of the Boxelder or maple bug is to stop it from entering your property in the first place. Here are a few tips to keep the pests at bay:

• Seal up cracks and holes. Make any repairs to the exterior of your home before the end of August to prevent the swarms from finding a way in.
• Use pesticide between the end of summer and the beginning of fall right when the bugs are at their maximum levels. Using a professional Utah pest control like H2 Pest Control will ensure the most effective protection against Boxelder bugs.
• If you have boxelder, ash or maple trees in your yard, you could think about removing them to cut down on Boxelder beetle numbers. They are great fliers, though, and can easily travel at least two miles from a tree to find a resting spot so you might find they come back anyway.

To prevent Boxelder bugs from infesting your yard or home anywhere in Salt Lake or Utah County, contact H2 Pest Control. Our fully licensed technicians can remove bugs and implement protective barriers to keep these pests away from your home.

Put Food Away

One of the key ways to keep ants outside of your kitchen is to cover food. If you have food scraps out on your counter, ants will be attracted to them (especially if they contain sugar). Place larger leftovers in storage containers and keep them in your refrigerator. Wipe down surfaces regularly to ensure that there aren’t any small crumbs left on them.

Keep Your Home Dry

Ants are always on the lookout for fresh water, and standing water is especially attractive to them in dry climates or in hot weather. Make sure that you don’t leave cups of water out and about, and don’t soak your dishes for more than an hour or two. Properly dispose of used paper towels and wipes, and wring out washcloths. Hang washcloths somewhere where they can dry as soon as possible. If you’re following these tips and you still have an ant problem, check for any appliances or pipes that are leaking water. Even a small leak could attract many ants!

Check Your Doors And Windows

Make sure that your doors and windows shut properly and that their seals are intact. Also check for any ripped screen or broken glass.Any defects in a door or window provide a space through which ants can enter your home. Cutting off their point of contact is the easiest way to keep them out of the house.

Call Us For More Ant Help

Now that you know how to keep ants outside of your home / kitchen, you should be able to prevent unwanted little visitors from invading your home. If you are already dealing with an ant situation, call us at H2 Pest Control. We’ll help you get your ant problem under control with our ant treatment.