Desert pests, desert habits
In St. George, the hot season is long and intense. The cooperative station read 117°F on July 10, 2021, tying Utah's all-time maximum. Many desert pests hide from heat in shady, cool places, and homes provide plenty. The Utah Geological Survey's hazard maps for the St. George–Hurricane area also note wind-blown sand and soil piping, and sandy, loose soils near foundations give burrowing insects easy access. This calendar sets out prevention through the year.
Spring (March through May)
- Seal the house before peak season. Check weatherstripping, door sweeps and gaps around pipes and wires. Scorpions and spiders can fit through very small openings.
- Clean up the yard. Remove rock piles, boards and debris near the house, where pests hide.
- Trim plants away from walls and the roof.
- Check irrigation. Leaks create damp spots that attract insects in a dry landscape.
Summer (June through September)
- Shake out shoes, gloves and towels left in the garage or outdoors.
- Use a black light at night if you suspect scorpions; they glow under ultraviolet light, which helps you find entry points.
- Keep pet food indoors and water dishes clean.
- Look for ant trails around kitchens and bathrooms; heat drives ants inside to find water.
Fall (October and November)
- Watch for rodents looking for shelter as nights cool.
- Inspect the attic and garage for droppings or nests.
- Repair screens and vent covers.
Winter (December through February)
- Inspect stored items in garages and sheds.
- Plan spring sealing and any treatment.
Hiring a pest company in Utah
In Utah, anyone applying pesticides commercially must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License from the Department of Agriculture and Food and work for a business holding a Commercial Pesticide Business License. Ask for both numbers before treatment. Ask what product will be used, where, and how long children and pets should stay away.
What a good plan includes
Chemical treatment works better with exclusion: sealing gaps, fixing door sweeps and removing harborage. Ask whether the company includes this work, or recommends someone who does.
Keep a record
Record sightings by location and date, and keep treatment receipts. Over a year, the record shows where pests are getting in.
Block walls and rock landscaping
Many St. George yards have block walls, gravel and decorative rock, all good hiding places for scorpions and spiders. Keep rock and gravel a short distance back from the foundation, fill gaps in block wall caps, and avoid stacking materials against walls. Outdoor lighting attracts insects, which in turn attract scorpions, so consider yellow bulbs or motion-activated lights near doors.
Pools and water features
Pools, fountains and misting systems attract insects looking for water in a dry landscape. Keep pool equipment areas clear of debris, fix dripping misters and empty containers that collect water.