The hot Arizona climate and dynamic landscape make an ideal home for humans and, unfortunately, for many pests. This means that the Arizona summer bugs are plentiful and destructive if you don’t deal with them appropriately.
Luckily, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 10 summer bugs to be on the lookout for. Learn about:
- Common bugs you’ll see in Arizona during the summer
- How to keep bugs out of my house in the summer
- Why are there so many bugs this year?
- Summer bug safety tips
This knowledge should give you a better chance to beat back bugs while they try to beat the heat.
Top 10 Bugs You’ll See in Arizona This Summer
Insects in Arizona are incredibly persistent during the hot Arizona summer months. Knowing your enemy and their motives can help you stay safe, unbitten, and unbothered. Here are ten summer bugs you’ll see in Arizona this summer:
Ants
Arizona’s hot climate brings out several species of ants, including carpenter ants, fire ants, and leafcutter ants. Regardless of the ant species, they will be destructive and unsanitary if they overrun your home. Ants are mainly after water, food sources, and a safe space to nest, so keeping your home tidy is critical. Ants are worse during the summer because prior rains can affect their nests, meaning they will be on the move to fund new food and spaces in your home.
Scorpions
Scorpions aren’t exactly bugs – they are in their own family of creatures called Scorpionidae. The more important education about scorpions is how to keep them away, as there are three main types of scorpions. Scorpions are looking for shade, water, and insects to eat, so make sure to remove standing water from your property, check dark shady areas often, and always look in your shoes before you put them on.
False Chinch
False Chinch bugs have been popping up in massive numbers during recent Arizona summers. Though they are not the most insidious pests, they can cause damage to plants and property and are incredibly annoying when they swarm. Keep your yard and plants tidy to prevent false chinch infestations.
Palo Verde Beetle
Often mistaken for cockroaches, the Palo Verde Beetle is its own kind of menace – and can damage your property if unaccounted for. Though they are harmless to humans, their diet consists of trees, shrubs, and roots, meaning a Palo Verde Beetle infestation can do some damage to your yards.
Drain Flies
Drain flies from your plumbing are another nuisance you don’t need during the hot Arizona summer months. Drain flies are attracted to standing water and bacteria that forms in your pipes. They are small and fuzzy flies that do not cause overt harm to humans but can spread the bacteria they populate in. Using baking soda-based cleaners or other solutions is an excellent DIY measure to prevent drain flies from entering your home.
House Crickets
Crickets in Arizona tend to swarm during the summer months because they are looking for water to drink and textiles to use as food and nesting materials. While crickets don’t bite or sting and rarely carry disease, they can be highly disruptive to your home.
A cricket infestation will be loud, destroy your clothes and furniture, and attract other pests looking to feed on the crickets themselves. You can avoid this disruptive summer influx by taking proper precautions and getting professional cricket control.
Orb Weaver Spiders (and other Arizona spiders)
There are dozens of types of spiders in Arizona, and the Orb Weaver is one of the most common home invaders. Spiders are attracted to other small insects, bright lights, and conditions ideal for trapping prey.
Desert Recluse spiders are among the more concerning pests to watch out for (not to be mistaken with the Brown Recluse).
You’ll also spot black widows, wolf spiders, tarantulas (not as much), harvestmen, and others throughout Arizona.
Learn more about how to get the best spider pest control here.
Termites
Termites in Arizona are most active during the summer months – especially in August leading into the fall. This often coincides with the last rains of late spring and early summer, meaning the termite infestation in your home will
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are especially attracted to warmth – which is a big problem for Arizona residents. Because the climate is relatively warm year-round and scorching during the summer, cockroaches in Arizona are one of the most common and intrusive pests. They are scavengers seeking food and water sources; if you see one, there is a good chance there are plenty more lurking.
Wasps/Bees
Many species of wasps, bees, and other winged stinging insects can make life uncomfortable during the summer in Arizona. These flying fighters seek sugar, fragrances, body heat, and a place to make a nest. These resources are all at a premium during the summer, so be extra careful to keep surfaces clean, plants trimmed, and put away any food sources that could attract bees and wasps to your home.
Knowing how to deal with these 10 Arizona summer bugs will help you and your family avoid insects as best as possible in the sweltering heat. There are dozens of other bugs and creepy crawly pests to avoid in Arizona, but following some known bug safety tips also helps with those.
How to Keep Bugs Out of the House During Summer
We want to keep our homes safe from pests year-round, especially during the Arizona summer when invaders are more plentiful. Follow these tips to keep your home bug free in the summer:
- Repair cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation, windows, and doors.
- Eliminate standing water sources from your yard and house.
- Fix any leaks in your plumbing or sinks.
- Keep all food properly covered and contained.
- Install fine mesh screens on windows and doors.
- Wipe down surfaces, keep trash tidy, and remove debris from your garage.
- Trim back plants and shrubs that make ideal nests for bugs during summer.
These measures to prevent bugs from invading your property should go a long way. However, some bugs in Arizona are persistent during the summer and may require professional pest control.
Why Are There So Many Bugs This Year?
Arizona’s rising pest numbers have recently been an issue for homeowners and residents. This year is no different. With increasing average temperatures, less water, and more drastic swings between winter and summer climates, pests are drawn to man-made food and water sources.
Additionally, for pests that like the hot summer months, these have been lasting longer. All in all, it sure seems like more bugs than ever are trying to invade our homes.
Summer Bug Safety Tips
In addition to following the best practices for keeping bugs out of the house, stay safe from pests by:
- Avoid using scented perfumes or soaps
- Wear bright-colored clothing to repel mosquitos
- Wear long sleeves or appropriate clothing for grassy areas
- Stay away from standing water, and remove it if possible
- Wear bug spray or insect repellent
Stay safe from bugs this summer and year-round by eliminating the things they are most attracted to. These methods are not as foolproof as preventing bugs via pest control, but they help keep you from being bitten when you can’t control the swarm.
Stay Safe From Arizona Pests This Summer
At Insectek, we aim to make your life less stressful by eliminating pest problems in Arizona. Pest infestations can seriously jeopardize your health and home, and you need to take proper measures in the event of a potential infestation.
Luckily, our licensed technicians can create a unique plan for your home and property to keep you safe from bugs during the summer – and year-round. If you want to take the next steps towards a pest-free life, please contact us to schedule an appointment today.
