There are over 12,000 species of ants all over the world. In Utah, commonly found species include pavement ants, field ants, carpenter ants, harvester ants, and odorous house ants.

Ants are usually found in nests outdoors, but enter the buildings when searching for food or water. Following the line of marching ants may lead you to the nest, which can be eliminated directly. Eliminating the presence of food (proper sanitation) can prevent ants in and around the building.

Bed bugs are small, brownish, flattened insects that feed on the blood of people while they sleep. Although the bite does not hurt at the time, it may develop into an itchy welt similar to a mosquito bite. Bed bugs do not transmit disease, but they can cause significant itchiness, anxiety, and sleeplessness. Usually, bed bugs will hide during the day and only come out to feed during the night. They do not live on people like lice do, but they do hitchhike from one place to another on backpacks, clothing, etc.

Actual bed bug infestations in schools are rare, but some students are subjected to certain living conditions where bed bugs may be present. This is a sensitive matter and should be reported to the principal immediately who in turn will reach out to the IPM Coordinators and Nursing Services for advice.

Cockroaches are among the oldest insects known, with fossils dating back 200 million years. As a group, cockroaches have shown exceptional ability to adapt and survive in a wide range of environments and because of this they have developed a resistance to many commonly used insecticides.

In Utah, the most common cockroaches are the american cockroach, brown banded cockroach, german cockroach, and the oriental cockroach. Cleanliness (proper sanitation) is crucial for cockroach control. These cockroaches prefer warm, dark, moist shelters and are often found near kitchens and food handling areas. Cockroaches do not spread disease, but are carriers that can transmit disease. They can cause allergic reactions, similar to asthma, in some individuals.

Filth flies, are not only nuisance pests, but they are also responsible for transmitting diseases and contaminating food. Filth flies often feed and lay eggs on garbage and manure then contaminate human foods and food preparation surfaces by landing on them. A house fly is an example of a large filth fly and a fruit fly is an example of a small filth fly.

Keep doors and windows closed to prevent flies from entering buildings. Make sure screens on windows are in good condition.

Proper sanitation outside the building, especially near dumpsters, is crucial in preventing large filth flies.

Proper sanitation inside the building, removing all trash and food nightly, will prevent small filth flies.

Gopher are rodents that construct underground burrows that leave fan-shaped mounds of soil at the surface. They are active year round which causes significant damage to lawns, gardens, and athletic fields. These mounds can be dangerous especially on an athletic field. Damage can also occur to underground utility cables and irrigation pipes.

Monitoring and using the correct IPM methods will help control new populations of gophers. Contact the IPM Coordinators if gopher mounds are appearing on the fields.

Head lice are tiny parasites that attach to human head hair and feed on the blood through the skin. They are wingless, but they can crawl onto sweaters, towels, hair accessories, etc.

Lice are not known to transmit any disease and are therefore not a public health hazard. However, head lice infestations require a treatment plan. This is a sensitive matter and should be reported to the principal immediately who in turn will reach out to the IPM Coordinators and Nursing Services for advice.

After humans, the house mouse is the second most successful mammal in the world. It breeds rapidly, consumes a broad variety of food, requires little or no water, and adapts to a wide range of habitats. Mice are a vectors for disease and proteins in their urine can be asthma triggers for some individuals.

Mice are excellent climbers and can squeeze into openings the size of a #2 pencil. Sealing up any potential entrance is crucial for preventing mice from entering and establishing in buildings. Eliminating the presence of food and clutter (proper sanitation) can prevent mice inside of the buildings.

Box elder bugs, ground beetles, silver fish, carpet beetles, pill bugs, miller moths, etc. are all examples of nuisance pests.

Nuisance pests do not cause health concerns but are still not welcomed into the buildings. They normally invade at different times during the year and must be dealt with according to the IPM policy.

Nuisance pest numbers must be controlled in order to keep the occupants comfortable. Getting rid of pest habitats (proper sanitation), such as leaves and litter, will greatly reduce these numbers.

In Utah, the most common type of rat is the Norway Rat, or sewer rat. These are very large and smart rodents. They typically nest outdoors in ground burrows. They can also take up residence in sewers and storm drains. Rats are quite secretive and are only really discovered when there is a high population.

Rats are vectors of disease and the bubonic plaque (black death) was solely contributed to the fleas that the rats were carrying.

Rats are excellent climbers and can squeeze into openings 3/4-inch in diameter. Sealing up any potential entrance is crucial for preventing rats from entering and establishing in buildings. Closing dumpster lids nightly and eliminating the presence of food and clutter (proper sanitation) can prevent rats inside and outside of the buildings.

Spiders cause people large amounts of hysteria, which is unwarranted. Most spiders are too small or have venom which is too weak to harm humans. Spiders are beneficial to humans because they feed on and help control a wide variety of insects. Spiders can be controlled by reducing their food supply, which is insects by using proper sanitation and IPM practices

Dangerous spiders, such as black widows and brown recluses, found indoors, should be reported to the IPM Coordinators immediately for advice.

Voles are rodents that burrow in the ground along runways and under plants in landscaped areas. They prefer areas of heavy ground cover or plants that provide protection. They can cause damage to turf and ornamental planting.

Monitoring and using the correct IPM methods will help control new populations of voles. Contact the IPM Coordinators if vole runways are appearing on the fields.