Common Arizona Pests

Ants

The ant species is one of the most common pest in Arizona. In fact, there are more ant species that call Arizona home than any other in the United States. Most live in the desert and in fields far from urban areas and rarely will venture into homes. Those ant species that live in urban areas enter homes looking for food, but generally make their homes outside and underground.

While most ants are not considered dangerous, some species are aggressive and territorial. One bite won't do much harm to a human, but several hundred bites can leave red itchy welts that can cause scarring and/or discoloration of the skin. Those with allergic reactions to ant bites should be especially aware of them in and around the house.

Bedbugs

Bed bugs are making a roaring comeback. The number of bed bug infestations are on dramatic increases particularly in hotels, dorms, apartment complexes and in homes. Arizona cases are starting to rise dramatically.

These bugs feed on human blood, but are not known to transmit diseases. The results of bed bug bites are red welts which are extremely itchy, but the biggest toll on humans are the emotional scars stemming from knowing bugs are feasting on their blood while they are asleep. They live in and around the bed and can hide behind the head boards and under the frame during the day.

Bees

Bees are mostly harmless to humans but bee stings can kill those with allergic reactions. Bees tend to leave humans alone unless provoked. The Africanized bees or otherwise known as "Killer Bees" are much more aggressive and will attack humans unprovoked. They tend to attack in swarms and can cause serious injuries including death.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the most villified and hated pest in the history of mankind. They live inside walls, sewers, and anywhere where food and moisture are avaliable. Access to these conditions can be a spawning ground for infestation of the cockroach. They carry diseases and bacteria on their bodies spreading it around to exposed food and food preparation areas. Roache problems are extremely difficult to contain so if you see one, you'll want to call us as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more difficult the situation. Each female cockroach can spawn 300-400 hatchlings.

Crickets

Crickets in some culture are considered lucky, but in the United States they are considered pests that can become extremely annoying for its constant chirping. The insects are adept at living both indoors and outdoors. They can enter the house through cracks in a wall, through pet doors, and through open windows or doors. Once inside, they can be annoying guests that can cause sleepness nights and agitation.

Flies

Flies lay their eggs in rotting carcasses, manure, garbage, and anywhere organic fermentation occurs. Flies will eat just about anything including excrement and human food. As such, flies can carry filth-related diseases which can then be spread to human beings.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are pesky pests that appear from dusk to dawn. Bites to humans can cause issues ranging from painful and itchiness to transmission of pathogens. The West Nile virus is a health condition that has been attributed to mosquitoes. They are most numerous around areas of water or stagnant pools where the mosquito larvae flourish. In addition, areas where water collects (buckets of water, gain gutters, fish ponds) can be flush with larvae.

Scorpions

Scorpions reside in the Southwest and are common in the deserts of Arizona. About a dozen different types of scorpions can be found in the state, with the Arizona bark scorpion the most venomous. The sting from a scorpion can be dangerous to some people but normally causes severe pain for a period of time and rarely causes death. Those with the most severe reactions to scorpion bites are the very young and very old (compromised immune systems). Seek immediate medical attention if the pain persists for a long period of time. Scorpions are attracted to areas where large number of crickets reside.

Silverfish

Silverfish are small nocturnal insects with two large antennae on its head and three long bristles on its abdomen. They feed on paper products, glue that bind books, wet cloth, dry foods, and dead insects. Silverfish thrive in humidity and typically will be found in kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, attics and basements. Because of their nocturnal nature, they are hard to spot, sometimes the telltale signs of destruction are the only clue to their existence in your house. Spotting one silverfish may mean a whole colony behind drywall.

Spiders

Spiders can be found inside and outside the house. Most spiders are harmless to humans except for the unsightly spider webs which may cause slight embarrassments when guests come over. There are three species of spiders in Arizona that are poisonous to humans.

The tarantula bite is rather mild and can cause pain in the victim. The Arizona recluse is a subspecies of the brown recluse and can cause severe pain. The bite of the Arizona recluse contains a necrotoxin that destroys internal tissue in and cause wounds that can become infected. The black widow spider is usually found outside and rarely will enter the house. The venom from a black widow can be many more times deadlier than a rattlesnake. Despite these facts, rarely does death occur from a spider bite.

Ticks

Ticks feed on the blood of its host, meaning ticks can attach itself to humans. This can cause severe health issues as pathogens can be transmitted from ticks through blood. Lyme disease is a health condition that have been attributed to deer ticks. Animals, such as dogs, can transport ticks into the home. Keeping grass, weeds, or other vegetation trimmed will help to control the tick population.

Wasps

Wasps are typically mistaken for bees because of similarities in color and body types. Wasps are predators of other insect pests, and have been used in farming areas to help control pests that consume crops. In many species, wasps are territorial, and can be very aggressive. Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times, and can create dangerous situations for humans when threatened.