Residential Pests in San Tan Valley
House Crickets
Adult house crickets are light yellowish brown in color with three dark cross-bands on their head. They are about 3/4 – 7/8 inch in length and have threadlike antennae that is often longer than its body, and wings that lie flat on its back. Nymphs are wingless but otherwise look like adults. House crickets typically live outdoors during the warmer seasons and are especially fond of garbage dumps. They are often attracted to electric lights in larger numbers, sometimes by the thousands, and rest on vertical surfaces such as light poles and house walls. However, when cold weather approaches, they will move indoors to houses and sheds because of the moisture and warmth they provide.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants vary in size and can be anywhere from ½” to ⅝” long. While black carpenter ants are common, these pests may be a combination of black and red, or completely black, red or brown. Most species of carpenter ants attack wood that is or has been wet and damaged by mold. They prefer to attack wood softened by fungus, which is often associated with moisture problems, so homeowners should keep an eye out for excess moisture and soft, rotting wood around the home. Even though they first invade wet, decayed wood, they may later begin excavating tunnels through dry, undamaged wood. Carpenter ants usually come into buildings through cracks around doors, windows, or through plumbing and electrical penetrations in the home. They will also crawl along overhead wires, shrubs, or tree limbs outdoors that touch the building above ground, then enter the home through any small opening.
Red Imported Fire Ants
Red imported fire ant workers range in size from small to medium, making them polymorphic. Workers measure between 1 and 2 inches. These red ants build large mound nests that are flattened, irregular in shape, and between two- and four-square feet in size. They are commonly introduced into new areas through potted plants, shrubs and trees. Red imported fire ants usually nest in soil near structural foundations or in landscaping. Although these fire ants are often found outdoors, they can gain access to buildings through HVAC systems and AC units. If they manage to get inside, red ant bites can become an issue.
Odorous House Ant
Odorous house ant: The odorous house ant gets its name from the strong, rotten coconut-like smell it gives off when crushed. These tiny brown ants’ range in size from one-sixteenth of an inch to one-eighth of an inch long. Indoors, odorous house ants’ nest near moisture sources, such as in wall voids near hot water pipers, in heaters, beneath leaky fixtures and inside wood damaged by termites. Outside, odorous ants are often found in exposed soil or under stacks of firewood. Odorous house ants like to eat sweets and are especially fond of honeydew.
Pavement Ant
These black ants will eat almost anything. Pavement ants have been known to consume insects, seeds, honeydew, honey, bread, meats, nuts and cheese. They forage in trails for distances of up to 30 feet and are known to climb masonry walls that enter. occupied areas. In buildings, pavement ants are most likely to be found in ground-level masonry walls, but they also nest in walls, insulation and under floors. Outside, these black ants typically nest under stones, pavement cracks and next to buildings. Pavement ants get their name because they make nests in or under cracks in pavement. These dark brown to black ants can also infest structures.
Culex Mosquito
Culex mosquitoes are one of the most bothersome summertime pests. There are over 3,000 types of mosquitoes in the world, and at least 170 of them can be found in North America. Out of these thousands of mosquito species, only a couple are known to feed on human blood, including the Culex genus. Common house mosquitoes are most found in warm and wet environments. These hospitable conditions are ideal for these pests to find hosts to feed on, as well as lay their eggs. Culex mosquitoes hunt by detecting body heat and the carbon dioxide that humans exhale. However, only females suck human blood, while males feed on plant nectars. Culex mosquitoes are known for causing itchy, red spots on your body from their bit.
Earwig
Earwigs range in size from ¼-1 inch long. They have elongated, flattened bodies that vary in color from pale brown with dark markings to reddish brown to black. Earwigs have six legs and threadlike antenna that measures about half of their body length. Most notably, however, are the pincers that protrude from the back of their abdomen. These insects live together outdoors in large numbers. Earwigs can be found under piles of lawn debris, mulch or in tree holes. They gain entry to a structure through exterior cracks.
Centipede
House centipedes are easy to spot by their elongated, worm-like body with their many pairs of legs. They can have anywhere from 15-177 pairs of legs with one pair per segment, depending on the species. The usual pest species is the common house centipede Scutigera coleoptrata (Linnaeus). This centipede is about 1-1 1/2” (25-38 mm) long. Its body is grayish yellow with three longitudinal dark stripes. The house centipede has 15 pairs of long legs. The antennae and last pair of legs are longer than its body. Centipedes are found throughout the United States and the world. They are typically found in areas of high moisture, such as in rotting logs, under stones, in trash or piles of leaves/grass. When they invade homes, centipedes are mostly found in damp basements, crawlspaces, bathrooms, or potted plants.
Silverfish
Silverfish have no wings but can run very fast. Adult silverfish have a body length of about ½-3/4” (12-19 mm) not including the tail. Silverfish are named after their silvery, metallic appearance as well as their fish-like shape and movements. Silverfish move fast and are good climbers. They can survive for weeks without food or water but require a high humidity environment of 70 to 90 percent. Silverfish can be found almost anywhere in a house including living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, attics, basements, garages and shake roofs. In fact, shake roofs are excellent breeding sites for silverfish during the warmer months, as they have an abundance of moisture, cellulose, starch and dead insects. From there, they can easily gain entrance and move down through the insulation to enter a home.
Sun Spider
Ranging between one and three inches, these eight-legged creatures are closely identifiable to the physical appearance of a scorpion. They have thick fur that covers the body and are a light tan or darker brown color. A sun spider is not venomous, but they do have a very strong jaw and can cause a nasty bite if provoked. These jaws help them feed on an assortment of insects and plants. Those who live in deserts or dry, hot terrains are most likely to encounter this creature. They may come into the home seeking darkness, as the sun spider heavily dislikes sunlight. A sun spider can be found in almost every desert in the world. Much like scorpions, they seek out hot, dry climates and may be found commonly in Arizona, California, Texas and other rugged terrains in the south-east of America.
Black Widow Spider
Black, with characteristic red “hourglass” on underside of abdomen. 1 ½ – 1 3/8 inches long. Black widows are active when the temperature is 70 degrees or higher, but they can survive in lower temperatures with the right conditions. Black widow spiders spin irregular webs, which they build at night near ground level. They favor dry, dark locations to spin their webs. They often seek out warm areas during the winter months. The preferred habitats of black widows are dry man-made structures including barns, outhouses, henhouses, sheds, meter boxes, brick veneer, barrels and woodpiles. Indoors, black widow spiders tend to hide in sheltered, dimly lit locations and are often found in garages, basements and in crawl spaces. Symptoms of a black widow spider bite include fever, increased blood pressure, sweating and nausea. Pain is usually almost immediate and reaches its maximum in 1-3 hours.
Africanized Bee
Golden-yellow with darker bands of brown, six 6 and ½ inch in size. The Africanized bee is a hybrid species of the Western honey bee. These so-called “killer” bees were established when bees from southern Africa and local Brazilian honey bees mated. Africanized bees defend their colony and attack when threatened. Africanized bees have small colonies, so they can build nests in unique places. They have been known to live in tires, crates, boxes, and empty cars. Africanized killer bee venom is no more dangerous than regular honeybees. However, these bees tend to attack in greater numbers, which causes more danger to humans.
Honey Bee
Adult workers range in length from about 1/2 to 5/8 inches. Honey bees are usually orange-brown in color to sometimes black and have an enlarged rear portion of the abdomen that is broadly banded with orange and brown, or brown and black. Honey bees get their common name from the honey they make using the nectar of flowers. They are social insects found all over the world and are extremely beneficial because of their role in pollination. Honey bees are social insects and live as colonies in hives, with mature colonies of 20,000 to 80,000 bees. A typical colony consists of infertile females known as workers, males known as drones, and a queen. The European honey bee is found throughout most of the United States.
Brown Banded Cockroach
Brown-banded cockroaches can take shelter throughout households and are often found lurking in kitchen cabinets and bathrooms, and even behind picture frames. Brown-banded cockroaches are a small species of invasive cockroaches. The brown-banded cockroach, as its name suggests, has two light brown bands across their dark brown bodies. Adult brown banded cockroaches only grow to about ½” long. Brown-banded cockroaches can be found within furniture and other household items but show a preference for drier locations in warmer areas above 80 degrees. They tend to be found in higher locations than most other cockroach species, taking shelter in upper cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as congregating near ceilings. The brown-banded cockroach will feed on almost anything, even other cockroach species.
American Cockroach
Adult American cockroaches average between 1.4” to 1.6” (35-41mm) in length, but they can grow to exceed 2”. American cockroaches are reddish-brown in color with a yellow band that outlines the area behind their head. The American cockroach is the largest of the house-infesting roaches and a major pest in the United States. It’s also commonly known as the water bug. American cockroaches live primarily outdoors, but it’s not uncommon to find them inside a structure. In the Northern United States, American cockroaches are typically found in sewers and drains. American cockroaches will move indoors when they experience a food shortage or a significant change in the climate. American cockroaches are filthy pests, and their presence in the home can pose a severe health threat. Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella, as well as six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens.
Oriental Cockroach
Oriental cockroaches exhibit a shiny black to a dark reddish-brown color and about 1 inch in size. As adults, the male and female cockroaches, though both large, are quite different in appearance. Primarily an outdoor species, oriental cockroaches are often found in sewers and under debris, leaves, stones and firewood. Additionally, these pests can also live in the voids or openings beneath porches. While their natural habitat is outdoors, oriental cockroaches tend to invade homes during the summer. The oriental cockroach feeds on all kinds of food, especially decaying organic matter, starchy foods and garbage.
German Cockroach
The German cockroach is the most common cockroach species found worldwide. Adult German cockroaches are recognized by their light brown to tan coloring with two dark, almost parallel stripes, located on their backs and around ½”-5/8” long. German cockroaches show a preference for warm (70°F/21°C) and humid places. They are usually found in residential and commercial kitchens and secondarily in bathrooms. However, a German cockroach infestation can occur in any area where people eat and drink. German cockroaches can fit through an opening as small as 3/8 inch in width. More than just a nuisance, German cockroaches have been implicated in outbreaks of illness and allergic reactions in many people. Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs likely get their name from their habit of taking refuge in beds and feeding on humans while they sleep. Bed bugs feed only on blood and must have regular blood meals to survive and develop. Bed bugs are an oval shape and only grow to about 3/16th of an inch in length. Prior to feeding, they are brown and flat. After feeding, bed bugs become redder in color, swollen, and elongated. Bed bugs have 6 legs and 2 antennae. So, where do bed bugs come from? Bed bugs are excellent at traveling well hidden. They will latch onto suitcases, boxes, shoes and other items and travel on the objects to a new home. Once introduced into a new environment, they will spread throughout their new surroundings, whether it be a large building or a single-family home. Bed bugs can take up residence in many places besides just a bed, such as the cracks and crevices in walls or wood. They also like to hide behind baseboards, around mattress buttons, within bedding and inside box springs.
Rodents
One of the most encountered pests, rodents can be found all over the country Did you know, they find their way into approximately 21 million U.S. homes each winter? A rat or mouse problem inside a home or business can pose a big threat to both health and property. Various types of common rodents are known to spread Salmonella and other bacteria. Common types of rodents.
Roof Rats
Thought to be of Southeast Asian origin, roof rats can now be found throughout the U.S. coastal states and southern third of the country. Roof rats typically live in colonies and prefer to nest in the upper areas of structures or trees. Historically, roof rats and the fleas they carry have been associated with the bubonic plague. Although cases are rare, roof rats can also spread diseases like typhus, jaundice and trichinosis. If you have any fruit trees on your property, promptly clean up any fruit that has fallen as this can attract roof rats. Also, ensure that garbage is stored in tightly closed receptacles.
Norway Rats
Like other species, Norway rats are widespread and can be found throughout the United States. Norway rats are primarily nocturnal and often burrow into piles of garbage or underneath concrete slabs. This species tends to enter homes in the fall when outdoor food sources become scarce, typically nesting in basements, crawlspaces and other undisturbed dwellings once inside. Norway rats can cause serious property damage by gnawing through various materials, including plastic and lead pipes. They are also vectors of disease, including the plague, jaundice, rat-bite fever and cowpox virus. Additionally, this species can bring fleas and mites inside the home. Deer Mice:
Deer Mice
Deer mice are found throughout the United States. Prefer to nest in rural areas in places like old fence posts, tree hollows and log piles. They are rarely a problem in residential settings, but they can wander indoors during the winter months while searching for shelter and food. They will often take up residence in sheds, barns or cabins during the off season. Deer mice are the most common carrier of hantavirus, a group of viruses spread by rodents that can cause kidney, blood or respiratory ailments and can sometimes be fatal in humans. The virus is transmitted primarily by the inhalation of dust particles contaminated with the urine, feces or saliva of infected deer mice.
The House Mouse
The most encountered rodent species, house mice can be found throughout the United States. House mice typically nest in dark, secluded areas inside of structures. They are excellent climbers and can jump up to a foot in height, allowing them to reach isolated or withdrawn areas. House mice can cause significant property damage by chewing through materials like drywall and insulation. Additionally, they have been known to spark electrical fires by gnawing on wires inside homes. House mice can also pose serious health threats, capable of contaminating stored food and spreading diseases such as Salmonella.
Scorpions
Varies in shade from yellowish brown to tan, 4 pairs of legs and a pair of pinchers, long tail with stinger at the end, 2-4 inches and live in arid southwest and southern part of the United States. Scorpions are nuisance pests that are closely related to spiders, mites and ticks. There are about 1,200 scorpion species in the world and 70 species in the United States. Of these, the most dangerous species is the Arizona Bark Scorpion. Scorpions live in dry habitats, usually preferring deserts and semi-arid regions. Many species dig burrows in the soil and hide under rocks, logs or debris. During periods of hot weather, scorpions may enter homes through wall voids and take shelter in cool, moist areas like crawl spaces and attics. Scorpions are nocturnal pests, so they hide during the day and are most active at night.
Arizona Desert Hairy Scorpion
The Arizona desert hairy scorpion. Usually yellow with a dark top, adults around 5.5 inches in length and get its name from the brown hairs that cover its body. These hairs help it to detect vibrations in the soil. They are the largest scorpion in North America and live throughout the Sonoran and Mojave deserts. These scorpions are usually found in and around washes or low-elevation valleys where they dig elaborate burrows up to eight feet and emerge at night to forage for prey and mates. Their diet consists of large insects, spiders and small vertebrates. They are very active and aggressive. Although this scorpion is big, its venom is not very potent and usually does not require medical attention. An allergic reaction to its venom can be fatal.
Arizona Stripe Tail Scorpion
Adults range from 2 to 3 inches long. Light tan to brownish color. Tail is striped along the ridges on the top and sides. Glow light blue when exposed to ultraviolet light at night. They are very diverse and are found from desert habitats to high mountains. Sting is painful but not dangerous unless allergic. Can be found throughout the United States, western Canada and south into central America. This species is one of the most common in the southwest and is found throughout the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. Removal of harboring sites on a property is extremely important in their management as they tend to hide under objects on the ground rather than burrow into the soil. The striped tail scorpion in the most prevalent type of scorpion in the United States.
Yellow Ground Scorpion
Adults typically have a body length of 2 inches, but large females may be nearly 3 inches long. They are nocturnal, foraging at night but remaining hidden during the daytime under objects on the soil as well as in shallow burrows. They are a very diverse group and found from desert habitats to high mountains. Removal of harboring on a property is extremely important in their management, as these scorpions tend to prefer to hide under objects on the ground rather than burrow into the soil.
Arizona Bark Scorpion
The overall color is a yellowish to light brown and often with 2 rows of dark markings running the length of the top of the body. The mature scorpions are very large, up to 3 inches long from the tip of the “tail” to the front of the head, and another 1 inch or more if the claws are extended. This scorpion is one of the most dangerous arthropods in North America. Its venom can cause severe pain and other health complications and will occasionally cause the death of a human. In Mexico, where it also is common, it stings around 100,000 people (about the seating capacity of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum) annually and has killed hundreds. While most scorpions are highly solitary animals the bark scorpions may occasionally gather in large numbers during the winter months, hiding together in groups of several dozen.