Arizona is home to many of the most common pests that plague households in much of the United States. The desert environment also makes it an ideal place for pests such as scorpions and tarantulas. Here’s what you should know about some of the most common pests in Arizona.

Pests in Arizona - Desert Critters

Some pests in Arizona include termites, ants, cockroaches, tarantulas and other spiders, scorpions and ticks.

Termites

The bulk of Arizona sits on top of one of the most active termite belts in the US. Termites can be a major nuisance as they often build massive colonies underground. Arizona is home to dry wood termites. They don’t require a great deal of moisture and travel inside infested wood. They can go undetected for a long time, until dry bits of wood begin to overflow from the tunnels inside the wood.

Ants

Ants are a serious problem in the US, including Arizona. Among the most destructive are carpenter ants, which build their pests by tunneling into damp wood, and fire ants, which have a painful sting. Carpenter ants don’t eat wood but they wreak havoc in moist areas such as your kitchen or bathrooms.

Cockroaches

Arizona hosts many different species of cockroaches, and all of them carry germs. The German and American species of cockroaches are notorious for making their homes indoors. These creepy crawlies are extremely hard to get rid of, as they only feed on human and pet foods and materials such as glue and leather. Other types of cockroaches such as the Brown Banded Cockroach can find their way into your premises through cracks, drains and other spaces.

Tarantulas and Other Spiders

Tarantulas rarely enter homes but they can be frequently spotted outdoors throughout Arizona. They are not dangerous, but many people are afraid of them because of their large size and painful bite. Many other types of spiders can make their home inside your premises. Although most are harmless, you can find plenty of black widow and brown recluse spiders in Arizona. These spiders have dangerous bites that require medical treatment right away.

Scorpions

Scorpions are feared for being venomous, though most have a sting that’s no worse than a bee sting. However, the most dangerous scorpion in Arizona is the bark scorpion, which also happens to be the smallest. At only about two to three inches long including the tail, the bark scorpion injects highly toxic venom that causes intense pain, and in some cases, difficulties in breathing and even convulsions. It’s always recommended to get swift medical treatment after a bark scorpion sting. Be sure to take all efforts to keep these critters away from your bed and other parts of your home using lavender and other home remedies.

Ticks

Arizona is home to more than 25 species of ticks. The brown dog tick, however, is the most commonly seen inside human habitats. Their preferred hosts are dogs but they also feed on humans. These ticks can carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a potentially dangerous disease that requires prompt treatment with antibiotics.

Bottom Line

Other common pests in Arizona include bed bugs, wasps and yellow jackets, among others. There are plenty of ways to prevent pests but it all starts with understanding the different types there are before coming up with a strategy.