Font ResizeOver the years, Utahns and many others around the globe have developed a tried and true method for dealing with pesky, unwelcome bugs: squash them.
But there are other, more effective ways to deal with summer's little invaders that will keep your shoe bottoms clean and the gore factor low.
We asked Ray Wilson, president of Bugman Pest Control based in Bountiful, for some tips.
Ants » Buy ant bait stations where pest control products are sold. Make sure to buy a station with two types of food or buy two stations, one with protein and other with carbohydrate food. Ant colonies eat only one type at a time, so get both to make sure you're covered.
Honeybees » Look through the local Yellow Pages for beekeepers, who might remove the bees for free. Utahns are discouraged from killing bees because their pollination helps maintain millions of dollars worth of agricultural products each year, according to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.
Spiders » If you see a spider web, vacuum it up or otherwise destroy it. Many spiders use webs to catch their food.
Mosquitoes » Get rid of any standing water, including puddles, kiddie pools left out, or tires kept on their sides, around your home as that's where mosquitoes lay their eggs. To keep them off your skin, the American Mosquito Control Association recommends thoroughly covering yourself
Wasps, yellow jackets and hornets » You can shoot nests with water, but be careful not to get stung as some of these insects are aggressive and will follow attackers for some distance. You can also try using pesticide sprays. If you have hornets or yellow jackets living in the ground, it's best to seek professional help. Bugman Pest Control can be reached at 801-292-5194.
Box Elder bugs » Spray the side of your home with soapy water to kill them.
Above all, Wilson said, keep your home clean and food containers closed. That, he said, will go a long way toward keeping many bugs away from you and your home.
