The Spring Forecast Calls For Scorpions

According to the Bug Barometer, released by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), weather patterns across the United States will likely cause pest populations to spike in 2024. What can we expect in Surprise, Phoenix, Tucson, and Southern Arizona? One word: Scorpions. Let's look at what you can expect from those stinging pests and how to keep them from causing trouble.

How the weather could impact scorpions in Arizona this spring

The current weather forecast indicates below-average rainfall and warm temperatures this spring. These conditions are ideal for scorpions, and they are likely to promote an increase in activity this season. Why does a scorpion do so well in dry habitats?

• Its exoskeleton absorbs moisture in its environment. When a scorpion slips under a moist rock in your landscaping, it will quickly hydrate.
• It draws moisture from the bugs it eats. Therefore, a scorpion doesn't need to drink as much as other animals.
• Its waste contains minimal water content. Most of the moisture in its body is held.

Scorpions are amazing creatures that survive well in arid environments. Watch for them this year, as they will likely grow their numbers.

Arizona pests that love moisture

Not all pests like dry conditions. Most will go where moisture is found. When conditions are dry outdoors, these pests are driven inside. For example, termites, cockroaches and ants are pests you can expect to find frequenting your home this year.

When pests get inside, they provide more reasons for scorpions to enter. Scorpions are predators that feed on insects. If you have an increase in pest activity within your home, bark scorpions may take notice.

What can you do to keep pests out?

There are a few ways you can deter scorpions, cockroaches, ants, and other pests from finding their way into your home. If you don't mind doing home maintenance, you can stop these pests before the spring invasion.

• Check around your utilities. If wires or conduits enter your home, you might have small gaps around them. Expanding foam can seal these up tight.
• Check your exterior doors. Scorpions, ants, and cockroaches can slip in if your seals are warped or damaged. Weatherproofing keeps cool, air-conditioned air inside your home but also works to keep pests out.
• Check your exterior windows for the tiniest gaps. Use a caulking gun to get these entry points sealed. While you're at it, make sure your screens are not damaged.
• Check for cracks in your foundation slab and seal them up. Fill every crack you find, no matter how tiny. Pests only need a little hole to enter your home.
• Check your garage door seals and patch any gaps you find.
• Check inside your garage for any holes in your walls. For example, switches that are missing switch plates.

Exclusion work and weatherproofing will go a long way toward keeping these pests out, particularly this spring and summer. Now is the time to roll your sleeves up and get out your utility belt.

How Northwest Exterminating can help you eliminate and prevent pests from taking over

When scorpions are active, and their populations explode, or if other insects or rodents have found a way inside, it pays to have professional pest control. Not only is professional pest control an effective way to deal with pests, but it is also a stress-free way to deal with them.

Desert Guard

Northwest Exterminating’s pest exclusion plan, Desert Guard, was designed with Arizona pests in mind. We use an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach and advanced technologies to achieve the best results possible. When homeowners sign up for this service, we will:

• Inspect the structure and property to identify potential entry points and conducive conditions.
• Determine which pest-proofing materials and products we’ll use for your home.
• Install long-term physical deterrents in your home, on your roof, around the structure's perimeter, and in the yard, depending on what we uncovered during the inspection.
• Issue you a one-year warranty for material replacement and labor.

Home pest control services

Northwest Exterminating offers three levels of pest protection for homeowners searching for year-round residential pest control services! This is the ideal solution for getting rid of ants, American cockroaches, and other house-infesting pests this spring and all year long. Check out our plans below, or call us to learn more.