Rodent problems on the rise in Southern Utah

Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes

This story is sponsored by Shakespeare Pest Control.

In the past year, Southern Utah has seen a significant rise in rodent activity.

According to Shakespeare Pest Control, mice and rat service calls increased by a startling 42%.

This is not just a statistic — it's a serious concern for homeowners. Rodents gnaw through electrical wires, insulation, and building materials, causing damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

Here's what every homeowner can do to prevent rodent issues:

Sanitation is your first line of defense

Rodent problems on the rise in Southern Utah — Photo: Shakespeare Pest Conrol

Rodents are attracted to clutter, food sources, and overgrown areas. Here are some practical tips:

Keep shrubs and bushes trimmed — one foot away from the home and at least three inches off the ground.
Remove all debris from your yard – paying special attention to the area within at least 10 feet of your home.
Avoid leaving pet food outside all day and night – if you must place it outside, feed your animals only what's needed per meal.
Use quality bird seed — cheap feed encourages birds to toss filler on the ground, attracting rodents.
Do not broadcast chicken feed— keep confined and clean.
Store feed in sealed containers — dog, cat, bird and chicken feed should be stored securely.
Secure trash — keep garbage bags off the ground and cans tightly sealed.

Bait stations –– small tools, big impact

Even a single bait station can significantly reduce rodent activity.

These stations don't necessarily require poison — traps or monitoring blocks can work as well, but they will need to be inspected more frequently.

Shakespeare Pest Control always recommends using a weighted and secured station for maximum effectiveness and safety.

Seal your home with exclusion tactics

Mice can slip through openings as small as ¼ inch and rats as small as ½ inch.

Replace weather stripping on doors and garage frames and make sure all air conditioning, electrical and other lines penetrating the homes are properly sealed.

You're not only keeping mice and rats out but also reducing your energy bills and blocking insects from entering.

Stay alert to neighborhood changes

Pay attention to what is happening near your home. If a neighbor has a cluttered yard or is starting a construction project, it can increase rodent activity across the entire neighborhood.

"I trapped 127 mice out of a home after the neighbor tore down an old barn. This family went from no mice to an infestation overnight," said Dan Shakespeare, owner. He continued, "Just last week, we captured an infrared video showing dozens of rats running around a neighbor's chicken coop. The homeowner called us after their mechanic found a rat nest under the hood of the truck causing mechanical problems costing over $1000. (Shakespeare) trapped 18 rats the first night. All because of a poorly maintained chicken coop."

Take action early — don't wait until it's a bigger problem

There's no guaranteed way to keep rodents out forever, but taking the right steps early can make a huge difference.

Shakespeare Pest Control believes there's no foolproof plan — but a little prevention goes a long way.

At the first sign of rodent activity — droppings, scratching sounds, or nests — call a licensed pest professional. Waiting only allows the problem to multiply, often resulting in more damage and higher repair costs.