2022 has brought about new changes in how pest control is implemented, and this is especially true for the Utah County pest control industry.
In 2020, the U.S. pest control market was valued at 11.6 billion dollars and it is projected to reach up to 17.5 billion by 2028. With such a flourishing market, it’s no surprise to hear that certain trends in the industry are keeping it afloat.
Let’s take a closer look at the top trends in the Utah County pest control industry in 2022 and beyond.
Pest Control Industry Analysis
As the growth projection for the U.S. pest control market shows, the industry is booming and is expected to grow exponentially over the coming years.
To meet these high-demand growth needs, new jobs will continue to rise, and there will be an ongoing pipeline of products, techniques, and opportunities. The market is primarily driven by a high demand for insecticide solutions by service providers. The following trends in the Utah County pest control industry are projected to keep the trade thriving.
Rodents Are Thriving
Rats and mice are very adaptive creatures. They look for dark, isolated locations to build their homes. Since the pandemic has taken many companies as its casualties, rodents are thriving in empty areas, such as old warehouses and offices.
For the second year in a row, rodents are on the rise. It can be challenging to keep rodents out of empty office spaces, but here are some ideas to help:
- Make sure there are no openings around the front doors of the building. Mice are especially skilled at fitting through tight areas. Weatherstripping the doors can help impede rodents from entering.
- Roofs are another big point of access for rodents. If you notice holes in the roofing, have these fixed as soon as possible.
- Gaps in walls are another way rodents can find their way into your office space. Just like roofing and front doors, rodents can locate a hole effortlessly. If you notice any gaps or holes in your walls, reach out to a contractor who can fill them up.
- Keep up on trimming surrounding outdoor vegetation. One of the most popular ways rodents enter a building is by crawling along lengthy branches to holes in the exterior and vents. Make sure any surrounding trees or bushes are well-maintained.
Hitchhiking Bugs
Humans aren’t the only things that have been cooped up during the pandemic; bed bugs also haven’t been able to travel as much as they have in the past. These pests travel by attaching to people’s luggage, clothes, and accessories, moving wherever their host travels.
Although this traveling lifestyle has been more challenging since the pandemic, bed bugs are resilient and have been able to adapt. Now that COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted, these pesky bugs are starting to show up more and more.
Libraries, colleges, hospitals, and retail stores have increased in bed bugs this year. Labor shortages are partially to blame for the increase. With a shortage of employees, there hasn’t been enough workforce to conduct bed bug checks.
To eradicate and prevent this problem, encourage employees to keep their personal items locked away in a locker. Additionally, always separate clean linens from dirty ones and notify a supervisor if you notice any bed bugs.
Bird Populations Will Soar
Birds are unlikely pests whose population is on the rise. Birds often seek the safety of the indoors, especially during the winter months. Buildings that have little to no foot traffic make enticing homes for birds. Different areas have varying species of birds, but pigeons are the most common to enter and build a nest inside a building.
Here are some tips to help keep birds from nesting inside:
- Feeding birds in the area around your building can attract and invite birds into the area. Put up signs and enforce “no feeding” rules.
- Regularly take out the garbage. Open trash receptacles are incredibly enticing to birds. If you keep up on garbage removal, this will help reduce the number of birds around your building.
- Apply bird scaring tactics. You can use predator statues, flashing lights, shiny objects, flags, loud noises, or large and colorful balls to deter birds from your home or building.
Termites
Termites aren’t new to the trending pests lists, but they still cause major problems that won’t vanish in 2022. Termites love milder climates with plenty of moisture. These pests feed 24/7 and can cause serious damage to wooden structures.
Termites cause billions of dollars in damage every year. There are many do-it-yourself options to help stop termites from spreading, but at best, they deter termites from getting to your building. To truly protect yourself from these damage-causing pests, you will need to seek out a professional to exterminate them.
Newsworthy Pests
In addition to the pests mentioned above, you can expect to hear more about the following newsworthy pests this year:
- Large cockroaches – Because of the mild climate, plan to see larger species of cockroaches. To prevent these pesky bugs, clean up spilled food and drinks, wash your dishes promptly, and make sure there aren’t any leaks under your sinks.
- Spotted Lanternfly – This bug was originally spotted in Pennsylvania in 2014 and can cause significant damage to trees and plants. Plan to see more Spotted Lanternfly across the country this year.
- The “Murder Hornet” – This hornet species has been sticking around in the headlines in 2022. Also known as the Asian giant hornet, the “murder hornet” is the largest hornet species in the world.
Take Control with Summit Lawn & Pest Control
Trends in the Utah County pest control industry show that you might benefit from some assistance; let Summit Lawn & Pest Control help! With over ten years of experience in the green industry, our mission at Summit Lawn & Pest Control is to provide Utah County with high-quality service and affordable rates.
We formulate the best products available on the market today so that your lawn can become the best-looking, bug-free property in your neighborhood.
Whether you need a pest exterminator or lawn services in the Utah County area, our highly-qualified technicians have the necessary experience to help solve your problem. We’re happy to offer our services to all cities throughout the county, including Alpine, Eagle Mountain, Orem, Provo, Springville, and more. Reach out to learn more and get started today!
