Categories
blog

Why Your Home Might Be Attracting Pests

Why Your Home Might Be Attracting Pests

While most insects do play important roles in the environment, dealing with them around your house is never enjoyable. Even more harmless pests can make messes or just look disgusting, and there are other species that pose specific health and property damage risks.

If you find that pests seem to love your home and yard, you may wonder where they are all coming from. The truth is that you could be attracting pests to your house without realizing it. To help you deter pest problems, Nature’s Gate Pest Control is here to shed light on some of the reasons your home might be the perfect place for pests to live.

Reason 1: Moisture Problems

Because insects and other pests are living beings, they need water to survive. Many pests, such as cockroaches and other insects, also prefer more humid environments. Excess moisture can draw in a host of pest species.

If you want to address moisture issues, always remove standing water from your yard and address plumbing issues.

Reason 2: Too Much Clutter

Many pests also love clutter as it gives them places to hide from danger or from their prey. Some common species that love clutter include rodents, cockroaches, and spiders.

Always clear up clutter, especially in lesser-used areas such as garages and basements.

Reason 3: Not Clean Enough

Because many pests, like cockroaches and ants, eat food debris and trash that humans leave behind, you want to ensure that you keep your home clean. Food spills and crumbs around kitchens attract species to your food, and this can pose health risks.

It’s a good idea to clean kitchens regularly, as well as bathrooms and floors.

Reason 4: Trash Concerns

While it might be disgusting to think about, many pests love garbage. Rodents, ants, cockroaches, flies, and more will eat all kinds of trash, so you want to ensure you have good sanitation routines.

Plan to regularly take out the trash and place secure lids on all of your garbage cans.

Reason 5: Easy Access Points

Pests also need a way to get into your house in the first place. To better prevent pest problems, make sure you remove potential points of entry.

Here are a few simple ways to shore up your house against pests:

  • Install or replace weather stripping and door sweeps
  • Repair holes in the wal
  • Replace broken screens
  • Ensure windows seal and close properly

Remove Pesky Pests with Nature’s Gate Pest Control

Removing underlying causes of pest infestations is an excellent way to keep them away. However, it’s not always possible to completely deter pests on your own. If you’re looking for an effective way to keep your property pest-free, contact Nature’s Gate Pest Control today to request a service visit or to get a quote!

Categories
blog

6 Tips to Prevent Pests This Summer

6 Tips to Prevent Pests This Summer

While summertime means fun in the sun and road trips, it also brings about something most people can’t stand: pests. The truth is that pests are around in Utah throughout the year, but in the summer, many species tend to be more active. So you’ll likely run into more pests outside during the summer.

Dealing with pest infestations is frustrating, to say the least, and many pest species can even pose health risks or destroy your home and property.

If you want to protect your property from difficult pests this summer, follow these six prevention tips from the pest professionals at Nature's Gate Pest Control.

Tip 1: Declutter Both Inside and Out

Many species, such as rodents, love clutter. The more mess and stuff you have, the more areas these pests have to hide.

If you haven't done a big spring clean yet, make sure to do so now. This decluttering process should include organizing places like garages and places where pets tend to live.

Tip 2: Seal Up Access Points

Overall, the best way to prevent pest problems is to remove the underlying causes that attract pests in the first place. However, it's also helpful to keep pests from getting inside your home, primarily because a stray pest or two may fly or crawl by on occasion.

Some ways to seal up entry points into your home include:

  • Repairing broken screens
  • Adding or fixing door sweeps and weather stripping
  • Caulk holes in the foundation and walls

Tip 3: Address the Trash

Many pests, like flies, rodents, and cockroaches, love trash. They will eat many of the things we leave behind, so be sure to take out the trash regularly. It's essential to get secure lids for all garbage cans and wash down outdoor bins.

Tip 4: Keep Kitchens Cleaned

Kitchens have many things most pests love, mainly access to food and water sources. If you want to keep pantry pests, ants, and more out of your kitchen, always immediately clean up food and drink spills. It's also helpful to sweep, mop, and deep clean regularly.

Tip 5: Tidy the Garden/Yard

Your garden might be beautiful and practical, but it's also an excellent spot for pests. While some insects are good for your garden, others can cause issues. To deter harmful species, ensure that you remove yard debris, such as weeds and grass clippings.

Tip 6: Request Professional Pest Control Services

There are many things you can do to deter pests from invading your yard. However, the most effective way to get year-round pest protection is with help from Utah pest control experts.

At Nature's Gate Pest Control, we specialize in natural pest solutions that keep you and your family safe but also keep pests away. If you're currently dealing with pest infestations, we can remove them quickly. Call us today to request a free quote.

Categories
blog

Why Pest Control Should Be Part of Home Maintenance

Why Pest Control Should Be Part of Home Maintenance

Pest control is something you probably don’t worry about that much in your daily life. However, when you end up with a troubling pest infestation, suddenly, you’ll be thinking a lot about pest management strategies.

Unfortunately, it's easy to feel a pest problem won't happen to you, especially if you keep your home clean and tidy. However, almost any home or business could wind up with a pest problem if proper pest control steps aren't taken.

Learn why pest control is an integral part of regular home maintenance and get tips for preventing pests from the pest control experts at Nature's Gate Pest Control.

The Risks Pests Pose

Pests can cause many issues around your home. Some of the primary risks that pests pose include:

  • Health risks: While not all pests are harmful to health, some of them are. Rodents can spread diseases such as Hantavirus. Even some ants can spread pathogens. Then, there are pests like black widow spiders that are venomous.
  • Property damage: Many pests that aren't technically harmful can cause huge issues because they damage property. Some common home-invading pests that destroy property include mice, rats, ants, and wildlife.
  • Difficult to remove: While a good pest control team can remove any pest infestation, it's much easier to prevent pests in the first place. Some harmless pests, like beetles, invade in such large numbers that they are disgusting to have around and take extra effort to remove.

For these reasons and more, getting routine pest control can save you time, money, and stress. Not to mention that regular pest control can keep your family and pets safer.

How Regular Pest Control Helps

Regular pest control from experienced professionals keeps most pests at bay. While prevention isn't always completely effective, expert pest technicians can identify pest infestations right away and remove them before they become a huge problem.

With Nature's Gate Pest Control, we provide routine pest control plans that suit the needs of your home. We focus on pest management and prevention and ensure our pest control removal approaches are safe for people and pets.

Get the Most Effective Pest Control in Utah

Has it been a while since your home has been treated and assessed for pest problems? If so, it's probably time to reach out to a pest control expert for help. Our trained technicians will evaluate the inside and outside of your property for pest problems and remove any existing issues. Then, we will devise a prevention plan to prevent pests from returning. We will tailor our services to address common pests in your area.

Contact us at your convenience to get started with your free quote or to request a service visit.

Categories
blog

5 Common Bathroom Pests

5 Common Bathroom Pests

Have you ever had issues with insects in your bathroom? The bathroom is one of the most desirable rooms in your home to pests and insects, who are attracted to the humidity and moisture in the environment. To help you with any present or potential problems, make sure you know which insects to look out for, as well as how to prevent them from gaining access.

1. Ants

One pest you’ll likely find in your bathrooms are ants. Ants are attracted to moist environments like bathrooms and kitchens, where they can find water and food. They can be a nuisance and difficult to control once they establish a colony, so be sure to take preventative measures and enlist the help of regular pest control.

2. Spiders

Although most spiders are harmless, some species like black widows and brown recluse can be dangerous. These spiders can be found in dark, damp areas like bathrooms, and their bites can cause serious health problems.

3. Cockroaches

These insects thrive in moist environments and are commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens. Cockroaches may enter your bathroom through the drain, and once there they can spread bacteria and trigger allergies or asthma. Since they pose a health risk, it’s important to prevent these pests and call a professional should you see one in your bathroom.

4. Silverfish

These small, wingless insects are often found in damp areas like bathrooms. They feed on paper, glue, and other household materials, so if you notice any shredded toilet paper or paper towels, it may be an indication of a silverfish infestation. These insects can move very quickly so they may be difficult to kill.

5. Drain Flies

Also known as "sewer flies" or "moth flies," these small insects are often found in bathrooms with clogged or stagnant drains. They breed in organic material like hair and soap scum and can be difficult to get rid of once they establish a population.

How to Keep Pests Out of Your Bathroom

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make it less likely that one of the above pests will take up residence in your home’s bathroom. The most important thing to do is to keep the room as clean as possible. Remove any dirt, soap scum, hair, and other buildup from surfaces, and make sure the drains are cleaned regularly as well.

You’ll also want to inspect your bathroom thoroughly for any leaks. Make sure all faucets are turned off completely, and if they’re still dripping, contact a professional plumber to fix the issue as soon as possible.

In addition to these steps, it can help to remove the pests’ entry points. Keep drains covered or plugged whenever possible, except when you’re showering or cleaning. If you notice any cracks in the walls or baseboard, seal them with caulk. You may also want to add a dehumidifier to reduce the amount of moisture in the air– even opening a door or window may help with reducing the overall humidity in the room and therefore make the space less appealing for many insects.

If you’re still concerned about pests finding their way into your bathroom (or anywhere else in your home), preventive pest control may be a good idea. Nature’s Gate Pest Control can work with you to create a treatment plan that’s personalized to your home.

Eco-Friendly Pest Control in Southern Utah and Nevada

If you’ve noticed any signs of an insect infestation in your home’s bathroom, contact Nature’s Gate Pest Control as soon as possible for professional pest control that really works.

Nature’s Gate is a locally owned and operated business in southern Utah that provides pest control solutions that are safe for kids, pets, and the environment. We work to put our customers first through providing speedy response times, friendly service, and effective treatment plans. Contact us today to request more information or a free quote.

Categories
blog

5 Signs You Have an Ant Infestation

5 Signs You Have an Ant Infestation

Ants are an extremely common pest. They often invade properties and get inside homes, searching for food or a place to build their nests. While some ants are technically just a nuisance, others can destroy property or even pose health risks. For example, carpenter ants build tunnels inside of wood, while fire ants can sting and cause allergic reactions in some people

To address ants, it’s essential to know the signs of an infestation. This way, you can act quickly to remove them. Learn five common signs of an ant infestation from the professionals at Nature’s Gate Pest Control.

Sign 1: You See Sawdust Trails Or Dirt Mounds

Different species of ants build different kinds of nests. Some ants mainly live outdoors and build their colonies in the soil, while others live inside the walls. If you notice dirt mounds around your yard or sawdust trails around, you likely have an ant problem. Sawdust trials are especially a cause for concern as they indicate the presence of carpenter ants.

Sign 2: You Find a Few Ants

While you may assume that seeing an ant or two around your property isn't a big deal, this is rarely the case. Seeing just a couple of ants often means there is an infestation nearby. As soon as you see an ant around your home or yard, take steps to address the potential infestation.

Sign 3: You Discover Discarded Wings

Even if you don't see ants crawling around, you may discover discarded wings or dead ants. Like finding live ants, these are signs you have an active infestation. Many species, such as carpenter ants, have winged individuals, so don't ignore seeing their discarded body parts around.

Sign 4: You Hear Rustling Sounds

Hearing strange noises inside of your walls? It could be ants. Even if it's not ants, there are good odds it's a pest problem. If you hear rustling sounds around your property, consider having pest experts assess your house for pest infestations.

Sign 5: You Notice Wooden Structures Around Your Home Have Issues

Do your wooden beams sound hollow? Do you have lumber structures that are falling apart? You could have a carpenter ant infestation. These ants can destroy your property if left alone for long enough, so don't hesitate to act.

How to Prevent Ant Problems

Even if you haven't noticed any of these signs, it's wise to take steps to deter ants because they're such a common pest. Some ways to prevent ants include cleaning the kitchen often, removing excess moisture, and taking out the trash often.

FInally, the most effective way to both prevent and remove ant infestation is to partner with the professionals at Nature's Gate Pest Control. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Categories
blog

5 Winter Pests to Watch Out For

5 Winter Pests to Watch Out For

During the winter, you might be worried about keeping warm, but you’re probably not so concerned about pest problems. While most people notice pests in the spring, many pests in Utah are found in homes or around properties in the winter.

These winter pests can damage property and pose health risks to you and your family. To help you identify and deter these pests, the experts at Nature’s Gate Pest Control have put together this guide. 

Five Common Winter Pests

Many pests in Utah are active throughout the year or even more so during the colder months. Here are five of the most frequent winter pest invaders.

  1. Mice: While mice might be small, they can inflict property damage as they chew through many materials. They can also spread diseases.
  2. Rats: Rodents like mice and rats are active year-round. Rats are also very destructive and potentially dangerous to human health.
  3. Spiders: While most spider species aren't that dangerous, they are still upsetting to find in the home. Many species will get inside in the winter as they search for their prey. And, a couple of species can be dangerous.
  4. Ants: Most ant species are inactive during the winter. However, they can stay active if they've already infested your home. Some species, like carpenter ants, can even live in the walls of your home.
  5. Beetles: Indeed, beetles usually emerge in the spring. But, they often overwinter inside of homes.

Winter pests can cause many issues, so knowing how to prevent them is critical.

5 Winter Pest Prevention Tips

While not all winter pests are the same, there are some practical prevention tips you can follow to deter them. Here is what our pest control experts suggest:

  1. Store firewood away from the house: By storing firewood and other wood piles at least 30 feet away from the home, you'll help keep rodents, spiders, beetles, and more from getting inside.
  2. Reduce moisture around the property: Excess humidity attracts many kinds of pests. To reduce humidity, you can use dehumidifiers, fix leaky faucets, and clean up debris around the yard.
  3. Seal up cracks and gaps: Many insect species can slip through tiny holes. Make sure to use weather stripping and door sweeps. Also, patch up any holes in the walls with caulk.
  4. Clean up food debris: Most pests, especially rodents and ants, are attracted to food sources. Ensure that you keep kitchen areas cleaned and take out the trash often.
  5. Request pest control services: Finally, regular treatment from pest control professionals can prevent pest infestations and remove current pest problems.

Keep Winter Pests Out of Your Home

Need winter pests removed from your property? At Nature's Gate Pest Control, we offer year-round pest control services. We focus on sustainable, eco-friendly pest management to keep pests from becoming a problem, no matter the weather. Contact us today to request a quote or to schedule a time for us to come out to your property.

Categories
blog

Why Winter Pest Control is Important

Why Winter Pest Control is Important

Many people think of pests as a problem only for spring and summer, but the truth is that pests can cause property damage and safety risks year-round. In fact, some pests are more active in the winter than they are when it’s warm, and many others never go inactive.

Winter pest control is an excellent idea if you want to get effective pest prevention and avoid costly or dangerous risks. Learn why winter pest control matters and reach out today to Nature’s Gate Pest Control to get started with protecting your home or business.

Reason 1: Many Pests Overwinter Inside Buildings

Did you know that many pests look for shelter inside your home or business once the weather cools? Species like stink bugs, flies, box elder bugs, and more will become inactive in the winter, but they don't go away entirely. Instead, they'll find shelter and assemble there. Then, as spring comes again, they'll emerge around your building.

A winter pest control service is a must to prevent pests from overwintering where you live or work.

Reason 2: Some Species Cause Damage Year Round

While some pests go mostly dormant in the winter, others do not. Some of the worst pests are active regardless of what month it is, so you'll want to get regular pest control treatment to keep them at bay.

One of the biggest concerns for winter pest issues is rodents. Mice and rats are common household invaders, and they can cause property damage and spread illnesses. And, while they are also active in the spring and summer, they're more likely to seek shelter deep indoors during the coldest months. Winter pest control can keep rodents from invading and spreading.

Reason 3: Southern Utah Has a More Moderate Climate

While it does get colder in the winter and even occasionally snows, most areas of Southern Utah aren't as brisk as in the northern parts of the state. So, while many pests will still go through a normal life cycle, some species are more active here throughout the year. It's wise to protect your home from many common pests regardless of the time of year.

Reason 4: Winter Pest Control Deters Termite Damage

Termites are another pest that is active constantly. Because they tunnel and live inside wooden structures or underground, they will eat through wooden items non-stop. So, if you want to protect your residential or commercial property from termites, it's important to get regular treatments.

Protect Your Home or Business from Winter Pest Problems

While pests can cause property damage or pose health risks, you can protect yourself and others through year-round pest control. If you've noticed pest issues around your property this winter, Nature's Gate Pest Control is ready to help. Contact us today to request a pest treatment from our sustainable pest control team.

Categories
blog

How to Protect Yourself from Wasps in Your Home

How to Protect Yourself from Wasps in Your Home

While there may be deadlier insects in the world, none are more common and threatening to daily life than wasps. Not only are they resilient to the arid climate in Utah, but they are also notorious for being difficult to eradicate. Worse, more than two million Americans have allergic reactions to insect stings, which can lead to serious trips to the hospital.

Here are some tips to protect yourself and your family from wasps and what not to do should you find them living on your property.

Find Their Nest

The first step is finding where the wasps have built their nest. Wasp nests are commonly seen clinging to the underside of roofs. In truth, wasps will build their nest anywhere they deem safe and close to sources of food and water. Wasp queens build their nests by chewing plant matter and wood fibers, mixing them with saliva, and adhering them to the wood pulp where necessary.

Without proper treatment, wasp nests can become gigantic. They never reuse nests should they be driven out by weather or poor pest removal, but they can have favorite nesting areas they return to every year.

Inspect Your Home for Entry Points

Follow any wasps that fly through your home and seal up any entry points they use to get in. The most common ways wasps enter homes are through cracks in window frames, loose door frames, and under unsecured baseboards.

Remove Potential Food and Water Sources

Wasps are dependent on the food and water near their nests. Even if you are unsure of their primary source of food, the best thing to do is identify their water source. This can take the form of open rain barrels, leaking faucets, and standing puddles of water. Once Nature’s Gate Pest Control gets rid of the wasps, removing easily-accessible water is a strong step to keeping them away for good.

Keep Your Kids and Pets Away

Children and small animals are very vulnerable to wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets. Little boys and girls are naturally curious, but don’t let them learn the hard way! Even if your kids don’t have allergies to insect stings, a wasp sting is extremely painful, and many stings can require a trip to the hospital. Dogs that get too close can get a face full of wasp stings and require similar medical treatment.

Absolutely Do Not Use Water

Before attempting your own pest control, there are two important vital facts you should know about wasps: they do not like water and they become very angry when wet. You might be able to dislodge a hanging wasp nest with a blast from your hose, but any wasps that called that nest home will immediately become aggressive.

Additionally, if there is a wasp nest near your home, be sure to give it a wide berth after a rainstorm.

Trust Nature’s Gate Pest Control for Safe, Effective Wasp Nest Removal

Don’t risk your health or your family’s safety trying to exterminate a wasp infestation by yourself. For safe and effective wasp removal, call the experts at Nature’s Gate Pest Control. No matter the size of the nest, we will get rid of the nasty stingers and make sure they never come back. Make an appointment with one of our pest control technicians today!

Categories
blog

How 7 Common Pests React to Rain

How 7 Common Pests React to Rain

Just like people, pests of all shapes and sizes don’t enjoy being stuck in the rain. At Nature’s Gate Pest Control, we’ve seen how rain forces insects and rodents to adapt, and that means trouble for homeowners more often than not. Utah weather may be unpredictable when it comes to downpours, but when those April showers roll in, nearly everything goes for the high ground… and that might mean the dry comfort of your home!

Here is how seven common Utah pests react to rain and how you can spot them before they become a real problem.

Black Ants

Ants are a burrowing insect. Whether their colonies are large or small, when it starts to rain, their tunnels can flood, leaving them in a serious fight for survival. To save their colonies, they will resume digging in a warm, dry place. This often means right next to buildings, especially underneath decking and patios.

Mice

Often building small dens or beds in dark crevices, mice require warmth and comfort to reproduce. Moisture certainly gives them the water they need, but if their nests get flooded, they will go for higher and dryer ground. This can spell trouble for your attic or roof.

Moles

Also a famous tunneling species, moles endure rainstorms much like ants: they burrow near or under anything that will keep them protected from the water. This may be bad news for your home or outdoor shed, but it can also be trouble for trees.

Yellow Jackets

If you have ever tried to spray a hornet’s nest with your backyard hose to “make them go away,” you know very well that they are very adaptable to water. In fact, water makes them irritable and aggressive. If a yellow jacket nest is nearby, stay very far away from it after a heavy storm. Do your best to keep your children and pets away as well.

Earwigs and Silverfish

Earwigs and silverfish thrive in moist areas, especially in gardens and compost pits. Contrary to popular belief, however, there is such a thing as too much moisture. Much like worms, water will drive them to the surface and towards dry ground. Keep an eye on your floor, they may come for a visit if there’s a way inside!

Cockroaches

Similarly, cockroaches love water and multiply rapidly with enough food and moisture. Rainstorms will drive them indoors, and as nocturnal scavengers, they may be tricky to spot right away. Keep your pantry dry and all food sealed, and be on the lookout for roach droppings that signal their arrival.

Remove Pests From Your Home With Nature’s Gate Pest Control

If you discover pests in your home after a strong storm, don’t try to exterminate them yourself; the problem may be bigger than you realize. Call Nature’s Gate Pest Control for a full inspection of your property. Once we find the source of the problem, our proven pest removal methods and techniques will ensure they stay gone. Give us a call today!

Categories
blog

5 Ways to Keep Rodents out of Your Attic

5 Ways to Keep Rodents out of Your Attic

Rodents like mice and rats may be adorable pets to some, but wild rats and mice can cause a lot of damage to a home. Not only are they capable of squeezing into impossibly tiny gaps, but they’ll eat and chew on almost anything to reproduce. Worse, they are notorious carriers of disease and bacteria. Here’s how to force these unwanted neighbors out of your attic permanently.

1.  If Possible, Find the Nest or Entry Point

Finding their point of origin can be one of the most challenging steps in the pest control process, especially if the infestation has been growing for months or years. If your roof has recently leaked or requires maintenance, openings as small as a quarter-inch are just enough for a mouse to enter!

2.  Identify Any Damage to Your Roof’s Insulation

If rats find gaps in your home’s exterior, they will often need to chew through the insulation to fully access the interior. Search for any torn areas near the floor as well as any droppings the pests may have left behind.

3.  Seal and Protect Any Openings

This step can be difficult even for the most seasoned DIYers because it can require laborious repair work. While we don’t recommend taking drastic measures, sealing obvious holes and gaps in walls, floors, and windowsills may be a good place to start. Seal any vents or gaps with wire mesh, steel wool, and caulking for best results.

4.  Replace Old Cardboard Boxes with Tough Plastic Containers

Rats and mice love chewing on anything they can sink their teeth into. In fact, they often need to chew on things to survive. This means that cardboard boxes are prime targets as well as anything inside them. These rodents also use torn fabric and paper to line their nests. And if there’s anything good to eat (like food storage items), they’ll go at it right away. Replace any old boxes with tough plastic containers, and rodents will have a much harder time getting in.

5.  Trim Any Trees or Bushes That Provide Access to Your Roof

Rodents may be good climbers, but they aren’t good enough to climb the siding of your house. Instead, they look for more natural ways to access your attic. Limit any possible entryways by trimming any trees, hedges, or trellises from your roof. While this may not solve your immediate problem, it will help reduce the chances of further infestations.

Keep Your Attic Pest-Free with Nature’s Gate

Rats and mice are notoriously hard to get rid of, especially if you are unable to find how they’re getting in your attic. Don’t struggle alone! Nature’s Gate Pest Control technicians are fully trained to get rid of rodents at any stage of infestation. No matter the size of the problem, call us at (435) 266-4710, and we’ll be there in no time.