Pest & Weed Library

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

Low Risk

The most recognized broadleaf weed in Utah lawns — a deep taproot makes hand-pulling difficult, but broadleaf herbicides provide reliable control.

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Crabgrass

Digitaria spp.

Low Risk

A fast-growing summer annual that invades thin lawns — prevented most effectively with pre-emergent herbicide in early spring.

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Fleas

Ctenocephalides spp.

Moderate Risk

Biting parasites that infest pets and homes — effective control requires treating the pet, the home, and the yard simultaneously.

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Silverfish

Lepisma saccharina

Low Risk

A primitive, humidity-loving insect that damages paper, books, and starchy materials — found in bathrooms, basements, and storage areas.

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Crickets

Gryllus spp.

Low Risk

Noisy nocturnal insects that invade Utah homes seeking warmth and moisture — mostly a nuisance pest but can damage fabrics and paper.

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Stink Bugs

Halyomorpha halys

Low Risk

Shield-shaped invasive insects that cluster on buildings in fall — harmless to structures but release a foul odor when crushed or disturbed.

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Drywood Termites

Incisitermes minor

High Risk

Termites that live entirely within dry wood with no soil contact — identified by their distinctive hexagonal fecal pellets.

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Norway Rat

Rattus norvegicus

Moderate Risk

A large, burrowing ground rat that nests near foundations and sewer lines — the most widespread rat species worldwide.

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House Mouse

Mus musculus

Moderate Risk

The most common rodent pest in the US — capable of entering through gaps as small as a dime and quickly establishing indoor populations.

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German Cockroach

Blattella germanica

Low Risk

The most problematic indoor cockroach in the world — small, fast-reproducing, and strictly an indoor pest of kitchens and bathrooms.

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Brown Widow Spider

Latrodectus geometricus

Moderate Risk

A Florida relative of the black widow with a distinctive orange hourglass — less dangerous but increasingly common in outdoor furniture and structures.

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Wolf Spider

Hogna spp.

Low Risk

Large, fast-moving ground hunters that look frightening but are harmless to humans — they chase down prey rather than building webs.

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