Many assume that the intense summer heat in Arizona eliminates pests or drives them underground, but that’s not the case. A variety of pests thrive even in the consistent triple-digit temperatures of the Southwest. Some of the most common pests found during the summer include cockroaches, scorpions, ticks and mosquitos. In other words, summer pest control should be at the top of your to-do list. This blog will discuss tips for tackling summer pest control in Arizona and what to do to keep the four most common pests away.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are one of the most common pests to watch out for during the scorching Arizona summer. They find their way inside in search of food and shelter and often carry dangerous diseases such as Salmonella along with them. Their feces can also cause severe allergic reactions in humans. Cockroaches are resilient creatures that thrive in higher temperatures and warm weather speeds up their reproduction process. The best way to keep cockroaches from scurrying around the house is to prevent them from entering in the first place.
A few of the best ways to prevent cockroaches from invading your home:
- Seal off cracks, holes or possible entry points with caulk
- Ensure all doors and windows are secure and use weather stripping to prevent new cracks
- Repair any water leaks
- Vacuum often to get rid of potential egg sacs and debris
- Declutter and don’t leave any trash or food lying around
- Store all pantry food in airtight containers
- Limit dining to one room
Proactively taking preventative steps before cockroaches are spotted, can keep them from ever showing up inside. If you already have cockroaches and you are looking for ways to eliminate them, check out our earlier blog on combating a cockroach invasion.
Scorpions
Scorpions pose a significant threat during the summer months. These nocturnal creatures prefer warmer climates, and they are more active and visible as temperatures rise. Scorpions are cold-blooded pests that heavily rely on heat to fuel their daily activity.
A scorpion sting can cause extreme reactions in both humans and pets. If scorpions are found inside the home, there could be an infestation. Much like cockroaches, preventing scorpions comes down to keeping things tidy and sealing off entry points.
Additional steps to take include:
- Clear away any brush or debris from the perimeter of the home
- Store wood scraps or firewood at least 30 feet away from exterior walls
- Eliminate insect food sources like crickets, spiders and ants
- Apply cinnamon oil to dark places and floorboards to repel scorpions
Ticks
June, July and August are ticks’ favorite months of the year. As temperatures rise, ticks are more active and seek out hosts. They thrive in environments with moderate rainfall, like Arizona during its monsoon season. The increased humidity from monsoons creates the perfect conditions for ticks to thrive. They rely on absorbing water from the air instead of drinking when they are off host.
Tick bites aren’t normally painful, but they can be dangerous. Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, babesiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.. Ticks are often difficult to spot due to their small size and tendency to latch onto hosts without immediate detection. If an attached tick is discovered on the body of a human or an animal, it is important to know the proper removal technique to minimize the risk of infection. Ways to avoid a tick attachment include:
- Use insect-repellent sprays, creams or oils
- Wear long, protective clothing
- Treat clothing with permethrin products
- Check yourself, your pets and clothing after being outdoors
- Shower as soon as you get inside
Mosquitos
Mosquitoes are universally disliked due to their annoying, itchy stings. Mosquitoes can also be dangerous, as they are known to spread deadly diseases like yellow fever, malaria and West Nile Virus. Mosquitoes thrive during the summer and warmer temperatures accelerate their life cycle by speeding up larval growth. Mosquitoes are typically most active during the early morning before sunrise and around sunset when temperatures start to cool. Like other pests, wet monsoon conditions provide the ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, as they utilize stagnant water for breeding. There are plenty of ways to prevent and eliminate mosquitoes both naturally and with pest control products. A few steps that should be taken to discourage mosquitoes from breeding around the home and yard include:
- Eliminate standing water
- Ensure all windows and doors have proper screens
- Utilize pest-repellant sprays, creams and oils
Light citronella candles in outdoor gathering areasWhile a variety of pests are most active during summer, there is no reason to live in fear. With the combination of simple preventative measures and a few DIY treatments and tools, your home can stay pest-free for the summer. If you have any concerns or fears, our experienced team is available and happy to answer specific questions about pests and pest solutions; just call or stop by one of our valley-wide locations to get the help you need.