Pest Control in Phoenix
Owning a home is a pride and joy for many individuals and families in America. Finally, a home of your own to care for and enjoy as you please. There are, of course, responsibilities that go along with homeownership, but most people are aware of this fact and what owning a home entails. However, something that usually creeps up on every homeowner and catches them off-guard is a pest infestation.
Nothing ruins a day worse than coming home to pests and insects everywhere, especially if the pests invading your home are more than just a nuisance and can cause harm or transmit diseases. At the first sign of pests, you should contact a local exterminator before you have a full-blown infestation on your hands. Home remedies and store-bought products might work for a short period of time, but to safely rid your home of the problem entirely, you should hire a professional.
What Are the Most Common Pests and Insects In Arizona?
There are several insects, pests, and bugs out there that are found inside and around residential homes. Some are very obvious and identifiable, but there are some that can easily be mistaken. It’s essential to determine what kind of pest or insect is invading your home. Some are harmless and merely a nuisance that you want dealt with at some point. However, for those that are harmful and carry diseases, it is best to identify them and get them taken care of as quickly as possible.
1. Ants
Ants are one of the most common types of insects that invade homes. Their small size makes it very easy for them to find their way inside through cracks and openings in the structure of your home. Ants also live in large colonies, which makes them even more challenging to get rid of.
Harvester Ants
Harvester ants are large and deep red in color. Often confused with fire ants, harvester ants can also bite and sting. While they can be found inside the home, they are more commonly found outside. They get their name from their behavior of collecting seeds to be used as their primary food source.
The biggest concern with these pests is the way they remove all of the vegetation around their nests, which can damage your yard and landscaping. They are not aggressive by nature, but if they feel their home is being threatened, they will not hesitate to defend it. So if you have pets or little ones that enjoy playing in the yard, it might be a good idea to have the harvester ants removed to avoid their painful stings.
Carpenter Ants
As the name suggests, carpenter ants are usually found residing in wood structures. Though they typically are found in heavily wooded areas, they are known to sometimes take up residence in the wood structures of a home. If this happens, they can cause significant damage to any wooden structures inside the house. Carpenter ants are usually black, but they can also be dark red or gold. The workers have large mandibles that they use to hollow out wood. If you notice this type of ant and your home also has problems with moisture, you might have an infestation on your hands.
2. Scorpions
Though out of the 1500 species of scorpions that exist only 90 reside in the United States, Arizona is home to one of the most dangerous – the Arizona bark scorpion. This breed of scorpion is small in size, about 2 to 3 inches long, and light brown or gold in color. While bark scorpions will hide outside under rocks and woodpiles, they are more commonly found inside homes.
The bark scorpion is one of the most venomous scorpions in America. Its venom is highly toxic, often resulting in extreme pain, numbness, and vomiting. Some individuals will experience temporary loss of function in the limb where the sting occurred. They don’t typically seek out people to harm, preferring to remain hidden. However, if you suspect a bark scorpion infestation in your home, you should contact a professional exterminator immediately.
3. Termites
In Arizona, it is estimated that there is an average of 3 to 5 termite colonies per acre of land. In some cities, there can be as many as 10 to 20 colonies per acre. Arizona sits atop one of the most active termite belts in America, with some colonies housing more than 2 million termites.
The most common type of termite in Arizona is the Drywood termite. These types of termites can live undetected for long periods inside the wooden structures of your home. Unfortunately, by the time you do notice signs of their presence, like tiny piles of wood dust or pellets, they have likely already caused irreparable damage. To avoid running into a situation like this, Arizona homeowners should have regular inspections performed by a professional exterminator throughout the year.
4. Cockroaches
Cockroaches tend to be abundant in warmer climates, so it’s no surprise that they are a problem for many homeowners in Arizona. Though there are thousands of different types of roaches, there are only six cockroach species that tend to be the most prevalent in Arizona; Brownbanded, American, Turkestan, Desert, German, and European.
While keeping your home as clean as possible will help keep your home roach free, it’s not foolproof. It is a common misconception that cockroaches only inhabit dirty spaces. Cockroaches, especially the German and American species, will sneak inside any home, even if it’s clean. Once they are in the house, they tend to hide in warm, dark places where there is a water supply. The kitchen offers plenty of places to hide, as well as food and water, which is why homeowners will most often find these pests hiding under stoves or behind appliances.
At the first sign of a cockroach infestation, you should contact an exterminator. Though they don’t bite, roaches harbor bacteria that can easily get carried and spread around your home. Some people have even been known to develop allergies from cockroaches.
How Anteater Exterminating Inc. Can Help
At Anteater Exterminating, we understand that the warmer Arizona climate can bring with it a number of unwanted pests and critters. As members of the Arizona Pest Management Association (APMA), our technicians are thoroughly trained and knowledgeable on all state regulatory guidelines for pest control services. For reliable pest control that you can count on, contact Anteater Extermination in Phoenix, AZ, today!