Published on May 28, 2020
Updated: March 1, 2022
Arizona is a haven for tourists and locals alike, providing a friendly climate, beautiful scenery, eclectic culture, and plenty of excitement and entertainment to choose from.
However, no place is perfect – pests are a sure dampener for any desert home across the Valley. And especially during those hot summer months, your home serves as a shelter and oasis of resources for all kinds of relentless desert pests.
Not all is lost, however; with enough knowledge, preparation, and pest control tactics, you can keep your home relatively pest-free and avoid the most troublesome of Arizona’s infestation problems.
Common Bugs and Pests in Arizona
1. Black Widows
It comes as no surprise black widows are commonly found in Arizona because they prefer warmer climates. Black widow spiders are typically identified by their shiny, black body and red hourglass on their belly. But did you know male and baby black widows are brown with cream-colored markings on their belly? They can be found hiding away in garages, woodpiles, and lawn furniture. Black widows are dangerous to humans and they require medical attention and can possibly cause death. If you’re bitten, seek medical attention immediately – as the side effects can be painful or even life-threatening. Spider Pest Control should be considered as an immediate action to prevent an infestation.
2. Sun Spider/Wind Scorpion
Sun spiders, also known as wind scorpions are solpugids that are populous in the desert and tropical regions. They are harmless, but their size and hairy legs make them look terrifying. They can grow up to 3 inches long, have a tan or orange color, and have eight legs. These solpugids move quickly and have a large appetite. Luckily, they aren’t venomous and can only pinch their prey. Yet, a sun spider infestation is quite unwelcoming and quite far from chic.
3. Palo Verde Beetle
It’s not unusual to spot the cockroach-looking beetle around Arizona. They are completely harmless to humans. They are attracted to lights and are most active in the summer, which is their mating season. Their diet consists of the roots of dying trees and shrub. Palo Verde Beetles are attracted to lights. If you enjoy having dinner on your patio, these beetles may become unwanted dinner guests. Knowing how to get rid of Palo Verde Beetles can be a must because of them being a menace around your garden roots and shrubbery.
4. Centipedes
There are two types of centipedes commonly found in Arizona: the Banded Desert Centipede and the Giant Desert Centipede. Both of these are identified by their flattened, segmented bodies and many legs; they spend their day hiding among soil, stones, debris, and other shady forms of shelter. Centipedes are generally harmless to humans, though they have a bite that can emulate a bee sting.
Read More: Are Centipedes Poisonous in Arizona?
5. Ants
Among Arizona bugs, ants might be the most stubborn and common of all household pests. Looking for food sources, water, and shelter are the most common cause for pest control services in Arizona.
Be proactive against ant infestations by keeping your house tidy, removing any standing water throughout your property, and periodically wiping down inside and outside surfaces – especially where you regularly eat and drink.
6. Conenose Bugs
Although nicknamed the Kissing Bug, the Arizona conenose bug is far from romantic. This broad, flat, brownish pest can reach up to one-and-a-half inches in size and is often a carrier of Chagas disease. They are often attracted to light, so be extra careful to keep your porch covered, or make sure to turn off any artificial lighting at night to prevent these nocturnal Arizona pests.
7. Blister Beetles
Blister beetles are found throughout Arizona and can cause harmful effects to your skin on contact. The Arizona blister beetle is part of the Meloidae family, and they swarm to their breeding grounds during summer. You can identify a blister beetle by its spotted leather body with a fold on its back, as well as beaded antennae.
These are some of the most common pests to watch out for in Arizona, each having great potential for becoming an overwhelming and disruptive infestation to your home. We recommend contacting your local pest control services for an immediate consultation if you notice an abundance of any of these home invaders.
8. Subterranean Termite
Although subterranean termites are mostly found in southern states, there are some species found in Arizona. Subterranean termites don’t rely on moisture as much as other kinds of termites, therefore they are able to thrive in hot and dry climates. They nest in the soil in order to reach wooden structures, traveling through mud tubes.
They are known to destroy wood in many forms. Subterranean Termites can do extensive damage in a short period of time. We have the professional experience and knowledge on how to handle termite pest control and get the safety you need for these pests. They prove quite destructive to Arizona homes and require quality termite control services immediately to prevent any further damage than they’ve already done.
9. Scorpions
Arizona is known for its frightening scorpions. There are many varieties but the three most common are the bark scorpion, desert hairy scorpion, and stripe-tailed scorpion. Each of these scorpions seeks moisture and bugs for food, and though they vary in shape and size, they are quite an unpleasant sight to see in your home, packing a bite that may require medical attention.
- The Arizona bark scorpion is the most common scorpion found in Arizona. They come out at night to avoid the desert heat. They often find their way into homes, hiding in crevices, inside sinks, and in closets. Their bite can cause severe pain, along with numbness, tingling, shortness of breath, and vomiting.
- The desert hairy scorpion is the largest scorpion found in the United States. They feed on large insects and require little water. In fact, they are very sensitive to moisture. They hang out in sandy scrub areas. Although painful, its sting requires little to no medial attention. The sting of a desert hairy scorpion isn’t venomous and can be compared to a bee sting.
- The stripe-tailed scorpion is the second-most encountered species of scorpions in Arizona. They are pale in color, about an inch and a half in length, and has a stripe on both sides of its tail. They seek humidity wherever they can find it.
Look out for any Arizona scorpions in cracks, crevices, and other dark spaces which retain moisture around your property, and be sure to call on local scorpion pest control services from licensed pest professionals in your area.
9. 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, property, and are extremely annoying when they swarm. Keep your yard and plants tidy in order to prevent false chinch infestations.
10. Drain Flies
Drain flies coming out of your plumbing is just another nuisance you don’t need during the hot Arizona summer months. Drain flies are attracted to standing water and bacteria that form 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 a good DIY measure to prevent drain flies from getting in your home.
More Pests and Critters
In addition to these frequent Arizona pests, here are some other common critters to check for when surveying your property:
- Rattlesnakes
- Coral Snakes
- Gila Monsters
- Roof Rats
- Cicadas
- Tarantulas
- Pinacate Beetles
- Bees
All of these pests can be scary to new residents and people who have lived in Arizona their entire lives. If you encounter these creepy-crawlers it is probably time to invest in quality pest control. Insectek has provided pest control for Arizona for over 8 years! Our pest control technicians are experienced with all of the insects including the varieties mentioned above. If you are experiencing a pest problem, we have a solution! For more information on how we can help you achieve a pest-free home, contact us!
