• The house mouse (Mus musculus) is the most common rodent found inside homes in Utah.

• Other species include deer mice (often outdoors, but can enter homes) and field mice.

• Deer mice are notable because they can carry hantavirus, a serious respiratory illness.

• Seasonal shelter: Cold winters drive mice indoors for warmth.

• Food sources: Kitchens, pantries, and pet food attract them.

• Nesting materials: Insulation, paper, and fabrics are ideal for building nests.

• Droppings (small, dark pellets) in cupboards or along walls.

• Gnaw marks on food packaging or wires.

• Scratching or rustling noises at night.

• Nests made of shredded paper or fabric.

• Daytime sightings often indicate a large infestation.

• Yes. They can be:

• Contaminate food with droppings and urine.

• Spread diseases such as salmonella.

• Cause property damage by chewing wires, insulation, and wood.

• Deer mice, in particular, pose a hantavirus risk.

• A single female house mouse can produce up to 10 litters per year, with 5–6 pups per litter.

• This rapid reproduction means infestations can grow quickly if not controlled.

• Through cracks as small as ¼ inch.

• Gaps around doors, windows, and utility lines.

• Vents, chimneys, and even gnawed holes in siding.

• Seal cracks and gaps around your home.

• Store food in airtight containers.

• Keep garbage sealed and dispose of it regularly.

• Reduce clutter that provides nesting material.

• Schedule seasonal pest control treatments for added protection.

• Cockroaches – Thrive in kitchens and bathrooms, spreading bacteria.

• Ants (including black ants & carpenter ants) – Invade kitchens and can damage wood.

• Elm Seed Bugs – A newer nuisance pest in Utah, often swarming homes in summer.

• Bedbugs – Found in mattresses and furniture, causing itchy bites.

• Mosquitoes – Active in warmer months, can transmit West Nile virus.

• Fruit Flies – Attracted to ripe produce and garbage.

• Bees & Wasps – Important pollinators but dangerous when nesting near homes.

• Beetles & Boxelder Bugs – Seasonal invaders, especially in fall.

• Utah’s diverse climate and terrain (mountains, deserts, valleys) support a wide range of insect species.

• Hot summers and cold winters drive pests indoors for food and shelter.

• Urban areas like Salt Lake County see more cockroaches, ants, and bedbugs, while rural areas face elm seed bugs, beetles, and mosquitoes.

• Cockroaches spread bacteria and trigger allergies.

• Bedbugs cause itchy bites and sleepless nights.

• Mosquitoes can transmit diseases.

• Carpenter ants damage wood structures.

• Bees and wasps can sting, posing risks for allergic individuals.

• Many others are nuisance pests, but infestations can still affect comfort and property value.

• Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations.

• Store food in airtight containers.

• Keep garbage sealed and dispose of it regularly.

• Reduce standing water to prevent mosquito breeding.

• Schedule seasonal pest control treatments for proactive protection.

• Identify the insect type (droppings, bites, sightings).

• Use traps or sprays for minor issues.

• For larger infestations, contact a licensed pest control professional.

• Sanitize affected areas to remove attractants

• Spring/Summer: Mosquitoes, ants, flies, wasps.

• Fall: Boxelder bugs, elm seed bugs, beetles seeking warmth indoors.

• Winter: Cockroaches and bedbugs persist indoors year-round.