Salt Lake City's Most Common Bugs

If you’re new to Salt Lake City, you may be wondering what bugs to be aware of, or maybe, you’ve found out the hard way. Here are some common bugs you’ll find in and around your home.

Mosquitos

If you notice an uptick (excuse my bug pun) in mosquitos lately, it’s because there has been. Experts say they’re all coming from our wetlands as a result of unusually warm and wet weather.

Spiders

Black Widow

We’re not talkin’ Scarlett Johansson here. Female Black Widows are identified by their shiny black exterior and distinct red/orange hourglass on the abdomen. They’re the most dangerous to humans in Utah. Their bites can be fatal for children and older adults. Black Widows are commonly found in dark, protected areas like sheds, so use thick gloves as a precaution when working outside.

Hobo Spider

Hobo spider webs are funnel-shaped and they’re typically found indoors from August through October. There’s a common misconception that these spiders are dangerous, but according to experts there is no conclusive scientific evidence that their bites are venomous or cause flesh-eating lesions. One reason for the lack of data: hobo spiders are difficult to identify without a microscope.

Boxelder Bugs

These pesky black and red bugs are called Boxelder bugs because they primarily feed off of Boxelder trees. While they are harmless, they infiltrate your home in droves, usually during the spring or fall. And tbh, they just give me the willies.