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DON’T IGNORE A TERMITE INFESTATION

Do you have termites? Wondering what to do now? Don’t worry. Here at Pro Tech Pest Control, we are experts at eliminating termite infestations. Call today to talk about our options! Termites can sneak up on an unprepared homeowner, but knowing more about the pesky creatures can help homeowners avoid future infestations.

TERMITES IN ARIZONA

Termites cost Arizona homeowners tons of money every year in damaged property. While we get many different types of termites here in Maricopa County, the species you need to worry about the most are subterranean termites and dampwood termites.

SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES

Subterranean termites are social insects about 1/8 of an inch long. They range in color from white to dark brown, and they have a bad reputation for being one of the most property damaging insects around. Subterranean termites love damp soil, and they build complex systems of underground mud tubes to infiltrate structures and cause damage. Subterranean termites love dark, humid places and often make their way as far as twenty feet underground.

DAMPWOOD TERMITES

Dampwood termites do not burrow underground and have smaller wings than subterranean termites. Unlike other species of termites, damp wood termites do not need contact with soil to infest a structure. Dampwood termites are some of the largest species of termite that are active in the United States. The insects work to break down dead wood to return nutrients to the soil, which is excellent for the environment but not so great for your house.

SIGNS OF A TERMITE INFESTATION

If you notice any of the following signs of a termite infestation, call the pest control experts at Pro Tech Pest Control. Termites can cost homeowners thousands of dollars in property damage if left unchecked, and the structural integrity of your home is at risk with sizable infestations. Termites themselves can be hard to spot since they hide to protect themselves from losing moisture and from predators, but signs of their activity are always visible if you know where to look.

1. HOLLOW SOUNDING WOOD

If the timber in your home sounds papery or hollow, you may have a termite infestation. When termites eat wood, they eat it from the inside to the outside. When homeowners tap or knock on areas with termite damage, it’s going to sound hollow due to the middle of the wood being consumed by termites.

2. YOU ACCIDENTALLY KICK THROUGH A BASEBOARD

Are parts of your home crumbling when you touch them? Did your vacuum go through a door jam? When termites have eaten through    enough of wood, such as in a windowsill, bumps, or any contact with the eaten wood can cause it to fall apart. If you suspect any wood in your home has been affected by termites, probe it with a knife or flathead screwdriver to see if it’s been hollowed or carved out by pests.

3. “SAND” IN WEIRD PLACES

For some species of termites, the most obvious sign of an infestation is sand or sand-like pellets that appear around the house in places like window sills, door jambs, or furniture. These mysterious piles of sand are termite fecal pellets that have sifted through the wood. Yuck.

4. HARD-TO-OPEN WINDOWS

Subterranean termites create a “mud” with their excrement, which creates a protective environment for the termites. The “mud” traps heat and moisture, which can cause wood to swell. This process can result in tight-fitting doors and windows that won’t open.

5. CRACKS IN THE MOULDING

When you have a significant termite infestation, termites eat away at the wood in your walls. This process compromises the structural integrity of your home, and cracks can begin to form. However, keep in mind that cracks can form due to various other reasons, such as the ground shifting or other structural problems.

6. PILES OF WINGS

Some species of termites swarm in the evening when reproductive conditions are conducive to colony expansion. If you find piles of wings near the television or light sources in the home, you could have a termite infestation and should call us here at The Killers for pest control services you can trust.

7. TERMITE MUD

As mentioned earlier, subterranean termites build “mud” tunnels to protect their colony or food sources. This sign of a termite infestation is probably one of the harder ones to notice as it’s often hidden, but you may notice it if your property has a brick foundation.

HOW CAN PRO TECH PEST CONTROL HELP YOU?

Have you noticed any of the above signs of a termite infestation, it’s time to call the pest control experts at Pro Tech Pest Control here in Phoenix, Arizona. When you first discover that you have unwelcome inhabitants residing in your home it can be very alarming. You wonder how they got there, where else they might be and more than likely they gave you the heebie-jeebies. After your initial squeal and fright, now you have to start thinking about how to get rid of them. Do you go to the store and buy traps and poisons? You could but that might just temper the problem instead of eliminating it. Plus if you have pets or children those traps left out could be extremely harmful to the both of them. Your best bet would be to hire an exterminator. A knowledgeable, experienced, trained and professional exterminator. Pro Tech Exterminating technicians fit this criteria. Every member of our team is extremely well-educated on pests of all shapes and sizes and have the skills to handle any job.

ARE “MURDER HORNETS” IN ARIZONA?

No, there has not been a confirmed sighting of a “murder hornet” in Arizona. Dawn Gouge, an entomologist at the University of Arizona, told azcentral that Arizonans have little to worry about when it comes to the Asian giant hornet. Any large flying insects found in Phoenix are more likely to be paper wasps than hornets and a call to a local pest control company can eradicate them from the property. However, the news coverage over the last few months may still have many Arizonans worried, so we’ve taken the time to answer some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to Asian giant hornets in the United States.

WHAT IS A “MURDER HORNET?”

Asian giant hornets are also known by the nicknames “yak killer hornets,” “giant sparrow bees,” and the infamous “murder hornets.” Asian giant hornets get their nicknames from their tendency to raid bee hives, rip the heads off of said bees, then carry the bodies back to their young. The reason that authorities figured out that the Asian giant hornet had made its way to Washington State was piles of dead bee bodies.

CAN “MURDER HORNETS” KILL PEOPLE?

Yes, they can, but one sting is unlikely to cause a healthy adult any significant issues. However, multiple stings can lead to complications. Around 25 people die in Japan every year from Asian giant hornet stings. The Asian giant hornet is one of the very few stinging insects that can kill humans due to its toxic venom, but most deaths from insect stings are the result of an allergic reaction to the venom. Dawn Gouge says that it would take “dozens, if not hundreds” of stings from the “murder hornets” to kill a person, but it is possible.

HOW BIG OF A THREAT ARE “MURDER HORNETS” IN ARIZONA?

There has not been a confirmed sighting of an Asian giant hornet in Arizona and it’s unlikely that Arizonans have much to worry about when it comes to “murder hornets.” The Asian giant hornet prefers temperate climates but they have been spotted in subtropical areas. They also thrive in forested areas, according to Dawn Gouge, and they feed on oak tree sap. They like to nest underground, often in small animal burrows. However, even though Arizona has plenty of forested areas, Asian giant hornets don’t do well at high altitudes. Gouge said, “I don’t see Arizona as being at high risk. They really do like to be in undistrubed areas. They don’t cohabit well with people.”

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FIND A “MURDER HORNET?”

It’s unlikely that any Arizonan will find a “murder hornet” near their homes. However, if you think you have spotted an Asian giant hornet, it’s best to contact the United States Department of Agriculture. Do not attempt to capture or bring in an Asian giant hornet, as their stingers can pierce the protective equipment meant to protect workers from bee stings. Asian giant hornets want to be left alone, so do not get too close or aggravate the wasps. Do not disturb their nests.

WHAT BUGS LOOK LIKE GIANT ASIAN HORNETS IN ARIZONA?

If you encounter a large flying insect, it’s much more likely to be a paper wasp than an Asian giant hornet.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PAPER WASPS AND ASIAN GIANT HORNETS

Arizona is home to many a stinging insect. Paper wasps are common throughout Arizona, including western paper wasps, European paper wasps, Navajo paper wasps, yellow paper wasps, and brown paper wasps. It is far more likely that you will encounter a paper wasp than an Asian giant hornet in Arizona.

Size

Paper wasps are (on average) 1 inch in length. As you can see in this figure provided by the Washington State Department of Agriculture, Asian giant hornets are nearly twice the size of most paper wasps.

Color

Paper wasps are typically various shades of both brown and yellow. However, the coloring of a paper wasp depends on the species. Asian giant hornets are, in comparison, much more strikingly colored: a bright yellow head, black thorax, and yellow and black striped abdomens.

PAPER WASP INFESTATIONS IN ARIZONA

While Arizona homeowners don’t have to worry about Asian giant hornets, they may encounter a paper wasp nest in or near their home. In that case, homeowners should call a professional pest control service such as Pro Tech Exterminating in Phoenix, AZ. Keep in mind that most paper wasps, especially in comparison with other wasps, are very rarely aggressive. However, they are protective of their nests. Paper wasps may sting perceived intruders when they disturb the nest or if the wasps sense too much movement near the nest. Paper wasp stings are painful and can result in serious reactions from sensitive or allergic indviduals. Do not attempt to remove a paper wasp nest inside or near your home. Call a pest control company!

HOW CAN PRO TECH EXTERMINATING HELP?

At Pro Tech Exterminating Inc., our team is friendly and knowledgeable. They take the time to do a comprehensive inspection to ensure we catch any and all pests plaguing your home or business. We discuss our findings with you and are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Then, with your approval, we carry out a proven pest control plan aimed at the type of pests you have! If you suspect a paper wasp infestation or you want to remove a nest, call us today!

Yes, pest control services such as Pro Tech Exterminating in Phoenix are considered essential businesses under Arizona Governor Ducey’s executive order issued in March. However, Governor Ducey has since released the “Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger” executive order in which many “nonessential” businesses are now allowed to operate under strict social distancing and disinfection guidelines starting May 8, 2020.

CAN I CALL AN EXTERMINATOR DURING COVID-19?

Yes, you can call a pest control service or exterminator during the COVID-19 crisis here in Arizona. We here at Pro Tech Exterminating highly value the health and safety of both our employees and clients. We are following all state and CDC-recommended guidelines concerning the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

COMMON SUMMER PESTS IN ARIZONA

With the weather warming up, homeowners across Arizona may see an influx of unwelcome guests in their home. With so many critters looking for ways to escape the heat, it’s critical to keep up with regular pest control service to prevent any infestations. No one wants a scorpion to interrupt that Zoom meeting!

SCORPIONS

If you live here in Phoenix, Arizona, the chances are that you’ve seen a scorpion either in your home or near it. While scorpions do thrive in warm, desert conditions, some days get too hot for them, also. In these cases, they’ll make their way into your home and settle into cool, dark areas. The most common scorpion in the area is the bark scorpion.

Bark scorpions are small, brown scorpions that do well in desert conditions but tend to be most active at night. They hide away from the heat during the day, but they are excellent climbers. Bark scorpions can enter a space with a gap as little as 1/16th of an inch. You may notice that you have more bark scorpions on your property if you have citrus trees. Bark scorpions have a painful, poisonous sting. If there are children under the age of 10 in your home, it’s crucial to prevent scorpions from making their way into the house and yard. Call us today at Pro Tech Exterminating to ask about scorpion prevention.

MOSQUITOS

Mosquitos aren’t necessarily just a summer problem here in Arizona. Since they can breed year-round here due to the warm weather, mosquitos are a constant nuisance in Maricopa County. Mosquitos carry diseases such as the West Nile virus, which is why it seems that Maricopa County businesses and homes are always fogging. Yet another reason why preventative pest control is an essential service for Phoenix-area homeowners!

ANTS

While most species of ants don’t present a health risk to humans, that doesn’t mean that anyone wants these pests wandering around their home, especially their kitchens! If you find that more and more ants are finding their way into your home as the weather warms up, it may be time for a professional pest control technician to pay a visit.

BEES

Unfortunately, bees can be a problem here in Phoenix. Homeowners in the area may be confronted with a swarm sometime this summer. In that case, make sure to have the names and numbers of local organizations meant to help remove bees and conserve the environment. Local pest control services often don’t have the resources to relocate honeybees.

Africanized honeybees are sometimes referred to as “killer bees.” If you encounter a swarm of Africanized honeybees, it’s critical to remember the following:

• Do not flail your arms. This will only agitate the bees.
• Run in a straight line. Most people should be able to outrun a swarm of bees, but be prepared to run up to a quarter-mile.
• Go inside. If you’re within a reasonable distance from a bee-proof structure such as a house, tent, or car, go inside as soon as possible and wait for the swarm to leave.
• Do not jump into a pool or any other water. The bees will wait for you to resurface and will sting your face when you come up for air.

• SPIDERS

  Arizona is home to many different species of spiders, some of them poisonous. Spiders tend to live in areas where many other bugs live and like houses with lots of light. Some of the most common spiders found around homes in Phoenix include:

  • Tarantulas. While tarantulas are large, hairy, and scary-looking, they’re usually not very aggressive and are mostly found outside. Some species of tarantulas, including ones found in Arizona, possess a mild venom, though they rarely bite humans.
  • Black widows. Another common spider in the Phoenix area is the black widow. Black widows like to stay near the ground, so they’re most often found in corners or underneath things on the ground. While black widow spiders have potent venom, a human rarely dies from a black widow bite. However, a single black widow bite can make an adult seriously ill.
  • Brown recluse spiders. Brown recluse spiders are poisonous and fairly aggressive. The small brown spiders tend to hide out in closets, garages, woodpiles, and other areas where it’s unlikely they’ll be disturbed.

  If you see spiders in your home, it’s best to remove them from home and call a pest control service to help avoid any bites or stings.

  HOW CAN PRO TECH EXTERMINATING HELP YOU?

  Working from home with some uninvited many-legged coworkers? Call us at Pro Tech Exterminating in Phoenix to set up preventative pest control service to help control the bugs and critters in your home this summer and beyond. We are dedicated to providing the best service, especially in uncertain times like these. Call us to inquire about our services and how we can best serve you comfortably and safely amid the coronavirus crisis here in the United States.

SPRINGTIME PESTS ON THE RISE

Homeowners aren’t the only ones crawling out of the nooks and crannies after hibernating in their homes all winter. Come spring, when the weather starts to warm, various insects start to become more active as well. Spring is often touted as the best time of year with everything looking lush and fresh and in full bloom, but it has the unfortunate side-effect of drawing out pests as well. Before you start breaking out the warm weather gear and heading out to enjoy the beautiful weather, you should take precautions to ensure your home is protected from unwanted pests. Nothing is worse than spending a lovely day out and about only to come home to an insect infestation.

COMMON SPRING PESTS AND HOW TO GET RID OF THEM

Though Arizona is home to dozens of insects and rodents, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common pests that homeowners tend to complain about this time of year:

ANTS

Arizona is home to more species of ants than there are in any other state, so it’s no surprise that ant infestations here are a common occurrence. Among the most common are harvester, carpenter, and fire ants. These pests may be tiny, but they can still bite and sting and can go from only a few to hundreds in no time. If you start noticing ants in and around your home, you should act fast before it becomes a full-blown infestation.

How to Get Rid of Them

The draw for most ants is food. While you might think you keep a clean house, even the smallest bits and crumbs can attract them. To keep them away, make sure to wipe up any spills right away, and sweep and mop the floors more frequently during spring and summer. Also, make sure any food stored in the kitchen is sealed tight. If you still have issues with ants after that, you may need to contact your local pest control company to handle the problem. Store-bought products can sometimes help if there are only a few ants, but most of the products available to homeowners are not strong enough to completely eradicate the issue.

BEES AND WASPS

April showers bring May flowers – and bees and wasps too. Since bees are most active once everything is in full bloom, they don’t tend to cause any issues until later in spring and throughout the summer. However, it’s not unheard of for them to come out early. So it’s still a good idea to inform yourself now and be prepared. Wasps as well, start coming out once the weather gets warmer. While bees and wasps do not tend to invade inside of houses, it is common for them to swarm and create hives around the outside of the house. Though bees are important to the environment and the ecosystem, they can pose an immediate threat to you and anyone else in your household if they feel threatened.

How to Get Rid of Them

If you have a beehive or a wasp nest somewhere around your home, do not attempt to move it on your own. You should also avoid spraying anything around the hive. Store-bought products are often not strong enough and will only aggravate the bees and wasps. When bees feel threatened, they will attack, and if there are enough of them, it could lead to severe injuries from the stings or even fatalities. These situations are best left to the professionals. Pest control experts will have the proper tools and protective equipment to safely and efficiently handle any bee or wasp infestation.

COCKROACHES

Similar to ants, cockroaches are often drawn in by food. Unfortunately, they will eat just about anything, making it even harder to deter them from entering your home. The biggest issue with these critters is the diseases they carry and the rapid rates at which they reproduce. They lay about 35 eggs at a time, and it doesn’t take very long for their young to reach maturity. If you notice a roach in your home, you should have it treated as soon as possible.

How to Get Rid of Them

Keeping your home as clean as possible will help cockroaches from being drawn in, but once they are in your home, it is challenging to get rid of them. The quickest and most effective solution is to have your home treated by a professional. Cockroaches are tough little buggers and are nearly impossible to get rid of with weak, store-bought products.

SPIDERS

While spiders don’t typically infest homes in large numbers at a time, they are still a creepy and unpleasant insect to have to deal with. They tend to find their way in through cracks and holes, and small openings in windows, and then seek out dark, hidden spaces. If you have spiders in your home, it is likely because they are seeking shelter and a place to find food. Most spiders are harmless and will leave you alone if you leave them alone. However, if you have issues with Brown Recluse or Black Widow spiders, you should take caution as they can cause serious health problems when they bite.

How to Get Rid of Them

Before attempting to rid your home of spiders, you should give it a second thought. While they are unpleasant, they are quite good at hunting and eating other insects that invade the home. If you have more dangerous spiders nesting in and around the house, however, you should clear them out, especially if you have small children that are susceptible to getting bit. During the day, when the spiders are MIA, you can clear out their webs to prevent them from coming back. Many professional pest control companies have services for ridding your home of dangerous spiders as well.

HOW PRO TECH EXTERMINATING INC. CAN HELP

For over 20 years, Pro Tech Exterminating Inc. has been providing the Phoenix area with superior pest control services. Our technicians are certified and trained to handle a variety of pest and rodent issues in Arizona. If you are struggling with a pest problem, big or small, Pro Tech Exterminating Inc. can handle the job. Give us a call to see how we can provide you with the best pest control services in Phoenix, AZ, today!

 

HOW MUCH DO YOU REALLY KNOW ABOUT TERMITES?

Though termites might not seem like a pest you want to know more about, they have some interesting attributes and habits. From March 8 through the 14th, the Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA) is encouraging exterminators and pest control experts to educate consumers about termites. While they are a pest you don’t want invading your home, for Termite Awareness Week, we thought we’d shine the spotlight on these underrated critters and their more unique traits.

TITILLATING TERMITE TIDBITS

Termites get a lot of criticism for the damage they can cause in homes and other structures, but there is more to these critters than just being a pesky nuisance. While you definitely shouldn’t ignore a termite infestation, it doesn’t help to dismiss them as merely a harmful pest, either. There is more to termites than meets the eye, including being ecologically valuable.

PHONY PEST PERCEPTION

The notion that all termites are the same – just a bunch of destructive pests – is not valid. They aren’t all trying to chow down on your house. There are thousands of different termite species in the world – more than 3000 in fact – and of those, only five are typically found invading homes and other structures in the U.S. Just those five species can cause quite a lot of damage of course and should be dealt with as soon as possible. Still, many of the other species are quite beneficial to their ecosystems.

SOIL SAVIORS

Termites can have a significant impact on forest ecosystems as well as crops on farmsteads. In wooded areas and forests, termites will feast on the dead and decaying trees, breaking them down so they can be recycled into healthy soil that promotes new plant growth. Their intricate underground tunnel systems also naturally aerate the land they are inhabiting, which further improves soil conditions. Studies have even found that termite poop, which contains high levels of nitrogen, works as a natural fertilizer that can increase the production of crops, such as wheat, by 36 percent.

ARTHROPOD ARCHITECTS

Termite workers cooperate without any sort of formulated plan to build impressive structures that can reach up to 30 feet tall. Some of these termites can be as small as the crescent moon shape on a fingernail. It’s a little mind-boggling to imagine a creature that small having the intelligence and muscle to build such colossal structures in comparison to their size. However, when termites work together in groups of one million or more, they become quite formidable little architects.

Termites native to Africa, Australia, and parts of Asia build massive self-regulating mounds that can naturally maintain temperature, humidity, and oxygen levels. The design of the mounds they create is so remarkable that scientists and architects have started studying termite swarm intelligence in an attempt to replicate their ingenious system.

TINY TERMITE FUNGUS FARMERS

Termite mounds are filled with fungus spores brought in by the queens when a new colony is created. The Termitomyces fungi work somewhat like a stomach, breaking down the tough cellulose mixture of partially digested wood and grass that the termites carry back with them in their stomach. The worker termites use the defecated cellulose feces to create the mazelike fungus tunnels, and the fungi then convert the unprocessed wood and grass into a high-energy mixture.

It’s an intriguing symbiotic relationship that leaves many scientists pondering who is running the show – the termites or the fungus? Are the termites using the fungus to help build their home, or is the fungus using the termites to bring it food and shelter it? For this reason, some theorize that the fungi emit a chemical phenomone that controls the termites, making them work efficiently and in unison to build a home where they can all live together in harmony.

MANDIBLES AND MICROBIOMES

It’s not just the habits of termites that are riveting, but their complex anatomy is just as unique and fascinating. The Panamanian termites can move their mandibles at a brisk 157 miles per hour. This ability allows them to chew through things so quickly, as well as being able to kill any intruders to their home in an instant.

Their stomach, or gut, as well, is an amazing feature. Termite guts can host more than 1400 different species of bacteria, 90 percent of which can’t be found anywhere else on the planet. The bacteria in termite guts are so efficient at converting their food into energy that scientists are trying to harvest the microbes to help create biofuel from plants.

TERMITES IN YOUR HOME?

As fascinating as all of this information is, it’s not likely to make you pleased to find you have a termite infestation in your home. The power and abilities of these formidable critters and how they can affect an entire ecosystem proves just how much damage they can cause in your home. If you suspect termites might be chowing down in your home, you should contact an exterminator immediately.

HOW PRO TECH EXTERMINATING INC. IN PHOENIX, AZ, CAN HELP

Termites, as well as several other pests, are a significant issue in Arizona. Out of the thousands of termite species, only four are typically found in Phoenix, but just those four can still cause considerable damage to the structure of your home. At Pro Tech Exterminating Inc., we use state of the art control techniques to engage termite problems on multiple fronts. Our technicians are always learning new methods to ensure they are providing the best service possible. When it comes to termites, you don’t want to take any chances. If you suspect an infestation, call us today for quality pest control services you can count on!

PEST CONTROL IN PHOENIX

Owning a home is a pride and joy for many individuals and families in America. Finally, a home of your own to care for and enjoy as you please. There are, of course, responsibilities that go along with homeownership, but most people are aware of this fact and what owning a home entails. However, something that usually creeps up on every homeowner and catches them off-guard is a pest infestation.

Nothing ruins a day worse than coming home to pests and insects everywhere, especially if the pests invading your home are more than just a nuisance and can cause harm or transmit diseases. At the first sign of pests, you should contact a local exterminator before you have a full-blown infestation on your hands. Home remedies and store-bought products might work for a short period of time, but to safely rid your home of the problem entirely, you should hire a professional.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON PESTS AND INSECTS IN ARIZONA?

There are several insects, pests, and bugs out there that are found inside and around residential homes. Some are very obvious and identifiable, but there are some that can easily be mistaken. It’s essential to determine what kind of pest or insect is invading your home. Some are harmless and merely a nuisance that you want dealt with at some point. However, for those that are harmful and carry diseases, it is best to identify them and get them taken care of as quickly as possible.

1. ANTS

Ants are one of the most common types of insects that invade homes. Their small size makes it very easy for them to find their way inside through cracks and openings in the structure of your home. Ants also live in large colonies, which makes them even more challenging to get rid of.

Harvester Ants

Harvester ants are large and deep red in color. Often confused with fire ants, harvester ants can also bite and sting. While they can be found inside the home, they are more commonly found outside. They get their name from their behavior of collecting seeds to be used as their primary food source.

The biggest concern with these pests is the way they remove all of the vegetation around their nests, which can damage your yard and landscaping. They are not aggressive by nature, but if they feel their home is being threatened, they will not hesitate to defend it. So if you have pets or little ones that enjoy playing in the yard, it might be a good idea to have the harvester ants removed to avoid their painful stings.

Carpenter Ants

As the name suggests, carpenter ants are usually found residing in wood structures. Though they typically are found in heavily wooded areas, they are known to sometimes take up residence in the wood structures of a home. If this happens, they can cause significant damage to any wooden structures inside the house. Carpenter ants are usually black, but they can also be dark red or gold. The workers have large mandibles that they use to hollow out wood. If you notice this type of ant and your home also has problems with moisture, you might have an infestation on your hands.

2. SCORPIONS

Though out of the 1500 species of scorpions that exist only 90 reside in the United States, Arizona is home to one of the most dangerous – the Arizona bark scorpion. This breed of scorpion is small in size, about 2 to 3 inches long, and light brown or gold in color. While bark scorpions will hide outside under rocks and woodpiles, they are more commonly found inside homes.

The bark scorpion is one of the most venomous scorpions in America. Its venom is highly toxic, often resulting in extreme pain, numbness, and vomiting. Some individuals will experience temporary loss of function in the limb where the sting occurred.  They don’t typically seek out people to harm, preferring to remain hidden. However, if you suspect a bark scorpion infestation in your home, you should contact a professional exterminator immediately.

3. TERMITES

In Arizona, it is estimated that there is an average of 3 to 5 termite colonies per acre of land. In some cities, there can be as many as 10 to 20 colonies per acre. Arizona sits atop one of the most active termite belts in America, with some colonies housing more than 2 million termites.

The most common type of termite in Arizona is the Drywood termite. These types of termites can live undetected for long periods inside the wooden structures of your home. Unfortunately, by the time you do notice signs of their presence, like tiny piles of wood dust or pellets, they have likely already caused irreparable damage. To avoid running into a situation like this, Arizona homeowners should have regular inspections performed by a professional exterminator throughout the year.

4. COCKROACHES

Cockroaches tend to be abundant in warmer climates, so it’s no surprise that they are a problem for many homeowners in Arizona. Though there are thousands of different types of roaches, there are only six cockroach species that tend to be the most prevalent in Arizona; Brownbanded, American, Turkestan, Desert, German, and European.

While keeping your home as clean as possible will help keep your home roach free, it’s not foolproof. It is a common misconception that cockroaches only inhabit dirty spaces. Cockroaches, especially the German and American species, will sneak inside any home, even if it’s clean.  Once they are in the house, they tend to hide in warm, dark places where there is a water supply. The kitchen offers plenty of places to hide, as well as food and water, which is why homeowners will most often find these pests hiding under stoves or behind appliances.

At the first sign of a cockroach infestation, you should contact an exterminator. Though they don’t bite, roaches harbor bacteria that can easily get carried and spread around your home. Some people have even been known to develop allergies from cockroaches.

HOW PRO TECH EXTERMINATING INC. CAN HELP

At Pro Tech Exterminating, we understand that the warmer Arizona climate can bring with it a number of unwanted pests and critters. As members of the Arizona Pest Management Association (APMA), our technicians are thoroughly trained and knowledgeable on all state regulatory guidelines for pest control services. For reliable pest control that you can count on, contact Pro Tech Extermination in Phoenix, AZ, today!