Bugs In Arizona: Spring Edition

In our state, pests never stop pestering us. But, as we enter spring, we’ll start to see even more pest activity. Spiders will creep, scorpions will skulk, and elusive termites will sneak. It is a good idea to get ahead of pest problems. Let's look at some smart tips that will help you keep bugs in Arizona from getting into your home this spring. We'll also tell you what professional pest control looks like so that you have all the facts you need to maintain a pest-free home all year long.

What attracts spring pests in Phoenix & Tucson

We have a wide variety of pests in our area. It would take pages to tell you about all of them. But you don't need to know about each individual pest because there are groups of pests that act in similar ways. We'll focus on a few common insects and multi-legged critters, what attracts them, and how they get into your home.

• Moisture
  As you know, it gets dry in Arizona. While the creatures that live here can tolerate the dry climate, many seek out damp conditions. Managing moisture issues can help keep them out by reducing pest populations near your home. That is why you find scorpions, centipedes, cockroaches, and other pests hiding in your landscaping or, worse, inside your home.
• Decaying Wood
  Moist conditions can lead to wood decay, and this can attract wood-damaging pests. The worst of the worst are subterranean termites. These sneaky insects can get into your home and infest wood for months and even years without you knowing.
• Stagnant Water
  Excess moisture, especially during monsoon season, can lead to pools of water or containers filled with water. These provide a unique opportunity for mosquitoes to breed in your yard. Moisture also provides humid hiding places for mosquitoes to rest.
• Shade & Protection
  Many pests are cold-blooded. They do not maintain an internal temperature. Others are warm-blooded. Temperature is extremely important to them. But all these pests seek shade for protection during hot days. They also use these areas to hide from predators.  Removing weeds and tall grasses as well as addressing other shaded areas near your home can reduce pest activity.
• Cracks, gaps & other openings
  When seeking shaded hiding spots or a place to call home, many pests enter homes through gaps. In spring, you'll find ants, spiders, and other pests creeping in through damaged weatherstripping or under door sweeps, gaps around your AC line, cracks in the foundation, and tiny spaces around window frames.
• Light
  Many insects are drawn to light. Flies and termite swarmers are good examples. The exception is yellow lights. Insects can't see light in this spectrum of color.
• Garbage
  It is kind of gross to think about, but many pests are attracted to decaying organic matter, and an overflowing trash receptacle or one without a cover can attract them.

Do you see how it works? Insects and rodents find reasons to come near your home, and as they explore your exterior, they find ways to enter. Spring pest management can help you keep them out by addressing these vulnerabilities.

Simple tips for spring pest management in Arizona

Now that you know some of the issues, here are a few pest prevention tips to deter pests in your yard and prevent them from entering your home this spring and all year round.

• Water plants in the early morning to allow the moisture to dry.
• Trim vegetation to further reduce humidity.
• Keep grass cut low.
• Remove any wood that sits on the soil in your yard.
• Pour water out of containers and store containers indoors.
• Remove junk piles and clutter from your yard.
• Use a caulking and expanding foam to seal gaps in your exterior.
• Replace old weatherproofing materials.
• Replace exterior lights with bulbs that cast yellow light.
• Keep trash in covered containers and keep containers away from your exterior doors and windows.
• Maintain a clean kitchen.
• Declutter your garage, closets, and other storage areas.

If you are diligent, you can reduce the number of pests around your home and deter them from entering. For greater protection, we highly recommend signing up for a year-round home pest control plan.

Professional pest control for homes in Phoenix, Tucson & Southern AZ

When it comes to protecting homes from pests, Northwest Exterminating offers a couple of options.

Desert Guard

A pest exclusion service, Desert Guard, is a great way to deter insect and rodent activity.

Mosquito Control

A seasonal service that runs May through September, our mosquito control services are designed to drastically reduce mosquito activity and disrupt mosquito breeding.

Ongoing Home Pest Control

To eliminate existing pest activity in your home and yard and to prevent new pest problems from developing, no matter the season, Northwest Exterminating’s quarterly home pest control plans are the ideal choice. This award-winning pest protection starts as low as $49/month and allows you to choose the level of coverage that suits your needs! Compare our Defense plans below, or simply give us a call with any questions.

There is no better way to get ahead of spring pests in the Phoenix and Tucson metros. Contact your Northwest Exterminating team to learn more about our solutions!