When we picture Arizona summers, we imagine laughter-filled barbecues, serene poolside afternoons, and the comforting warmth of the evening sun. But there are a few less-than-welcome guests that might want to join in on your summer activities. Before you ignite the grill or inflate the pool floats, let’s familiarize ourselves with some of the uninvited critters who might want a piece of the fun.
Arizona Pests Gatecrashing Your Summer Fun
Bees: The Unwelcome Buzz
Generally speaking, bees aren’t going to give you a whole lot of problems. Honey bees are more interested in collecting pollen than they are in terrorizing your barbecue guests. They may come over to take a look at a brightly colored t-shirt or the sweet smell of dessert, but they’ll soon fly away. The only time you need to worry about honey bees is if they decide to nest on your property – then it’s time to call the experts.
Africanized Honey Bees, on the other hand, also known as “Killer Bees”, are something to worry about. Unlike their calmer relatives, these bees swarm aggressively when disturbed. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to tell the difference, so call the experts if you see a lot of bees on your property.
Rodents: Unwanted Feast-Goers
Summer feasts can become a gourmet buffet for mice and rats – especially if you throw crumbs out into the yard for the birds afterward, or aren’t as quick to clean up as you should be. They’re attracted to food scraps and odors, so a quick and thorough cleanup post-barbecue is vital. If you notice signs of rodent activity like droppings or gnawed cables, contact us for an inspection.
Scorpions: A Sting in Your Summer Plans
Arizona’s dry summer climate is a haven for Bark Scorpions. These nocturnal creatures can creep into homes and yards, delivering a painful sting if threatened. Keep an eye out when your outdoor social gatherings go on late and always check shoes and clothing before wearing them when left outside. While the odd sighting is inevitable, call us for an inspection if you encounter scorpions frequently.
Mosquitoes: The Party Enders
Nothing drives people inside faster than the appearance of mosquitos, and warm temperatures and standing water make summer a mosquito’s paradise. Their bites are itchy and can even spread disease, so they’re best avoided. Drain standing water regularly, use repellents, and bug zappers, if necessary.
If you need to leave water out (for horses or other animals), try adding an aquarium airstone. These airstones provide aeration to the water by way of bubbles on the surface, which keeps the water from becoming completely still, which is what the mosquitoes need to breed.
Ants: The Tiny Intruders
Arizona summers can bring an onslaught of ants marching toward your home in search of food and water. Keep an eye on kids during family events (bites aren’t usually much to worry about, but you’ll likely have to deal with a lot of crying!) and keep your indoor and outdoor areas clean, especially after a cookout. If you notice a nest on your property, call us for an inspection.
Your summer fun doesn’t need to be curbed by an onslaught of summer pests. We offer FREE pest inspections to ensure you can kick off the season without worrying about potential infestations. Regular checks, proactive measures, and professional assistance when needed can help keep these critters from crashing your summer parties.
So dive into the Arizona summer, secure in the knowledge that your season will be as pest-free as possible. After all, the best summer celebrations are the ones without unwelcome guests! Click here to book your free pest inspection.
