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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

1.  Trace the Problem to Its Source

Cockroaches are nocturnal insects. Because they spend much of their time skittering in the shadows within cupboards, pantries, and cabinets, it can be difficult to see them right away. What’s worse is that you may discover the infestation long after they have already discovered a source of food and water.

The easiest way to identify them is by the feces they leave behind. Small roaches will leave small black specks that resemble coffee grounds; larger roaches will naturally leave larger droppings.

2.  Let Your Property Manager Know

Before you call Nature’s Gate Pest Control, make your property manager aware of the problem. If you attempt to act outside of the terms of your lease, you may end up with more problems than just the cockroaches. On the plus side, your apartment’s maintenance may cover the cost of pest control.

3.  Clean Everywhere and Everything

Whether you hire a professional or wait for your apartment management to act, the most important thing you can do is clean. Scrub down absolutely every surface in your apartment, focusing on the kitchen and bathroom. Discarded food on plates and dishes is a favored target, so wash them thoroughly and often. If you discover any cockroach feces in your pantry, it may be wise to throw away any unsealed food items inside.

4.  Keep Pantry and Perishable Foods Sealed and Stored

Once you’re sure everything is clean, it’s a great idea to transfer any perishable food items into sealable plastic containers. Cockroaches love getting into flour and sugar sacks. They can even chew through paper and cardboard, so check any cereal boxes and keep them sealed away.

5.  Maintain a Dry and Crumb-Free Environment in Your Apartment

Cockroaches need two things to grow and reproduce: moisture and food. If there are any leaking pipes in your apartment, let your maintenance crew know to repair the leak ASAP. Without access to crumps and standing water, cockroaches will find it much harder to live in your home.

Hire Experienced Cockroach Exterminators

Depending on the rules established by your lease, you may be able to hire pest control experts to help solve your cockroach problem for good. That’s where Nature’s Gate Pest Control comes in! With our eco-friendly solutions, Nature’s Gate technicians can rid your apartment of any cockroach menace without resorting to harsh chemicals or pesticides. Call us today and schedule an appointment right away.

What Attracts Earwigs to Your Home

As with most pests that enter your house, earwigs are mainly looking for shelter and food. While they won’t destroy your house’s foundation like other bugs, such as termites or ants, they are looking for a safe place to hide and call their home. Most of the time when you do find earwigs living in your house, it’s because they are looking for an escape from extreme temperatures.

Your home also gives earwigs an endless food supply. Earwigs will eat almost anything from rotting food and garbage to any type of fruit, vegetable, or plants. Even things like crumbs in your kitchen or dining room, spilled drinks, or any other small messes will attract earwigs to the inside of your house.

Once inside your home, earwigs can multiply extremely quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye out for them. They’ll typically gain entrance to your house through the smallest cracks or gaps in doors or windows.

What Attracts Earwigs to Your Yard

Earwigs are not only attracted to the inside of your home but the outside as well. If your yard has any moist, hidden areas, they can bring earwigs to your home rather quickly, especially if you have any wet or rotting leaves in these areas as well. This decay gives earwigs the perfect place to hide and access to vegetation as a food source, whether it be naturally occurring or a garden you have planted in your yard.

Hire Professional Help to Get Rid of Earwigs

If you find that earwigs are in or around your home, there are several home remedies you might try to get rid of them. But sometimes home remedies don’t work. If that’s the case, or if you would just rather leave it to the experts, hiring professionals is always the most efficient and effective way to deal with earwigs. At Nature’s Gate Sustainable Pest Control, we can help you rid your house and yard of earwigs and prevent further infestations from happening. Contact us today to schedule a time for us to come out and inspect and treat your home with pest control for earwigs.