• 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 especially in the winter time. They look for a warm place to nest and reproduce. After they have access to the attic they can gain entry to other points in the home via wall voids and pipe penetrations under sinks or even utility rooms that aren’t finished with drywall.

• 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.