Stinger, Author at Arizona Pest Control - Pest Management Services

What brings those scorpions to your doorsteps?

Scorpions – Knock, Knock?

Could it be scorpions? Another question of the week, this one is easy in my books. It’s either too much rain or the lack thereof. For some reason this year 2015, it seems to be ants and earwigs. I remember last year it was cockroaches and guess what they are all looking for? Food, water and harborage. The tighter the house the better for us to live in right. Some would argue that the house needs to breath, I’m all for that the only in te way that the jtrim with its holes allow the house to breath. I’m all for lowing my electric bill and keeping those pesky bugs out.

That’s right, just like you and me they need the 3 essentials. The scorpion below is looking for something, is it food, water or somewhere to hide?

Thanks to Dr. Dawn Gouge for this interesting photo.

Sons of the American Legion – Did you know?

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All male descendants, adopted sons and stepsons of members of The American Legion, and such male descendants of veterans who died in service during World I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, the Persian Gulf War and the War on Terrorism, during the delimiting periods set forth in Article IV, Section 1, of the National Constitution of The American Legion, or who died subsequent to their honorable discharge from such service, shall be eligible for membership in the Sons of The American Legion.

I’m a member at American Legion Squadron 107, 20001 n. Cave Creek Road Phoenix, Arizona 85024 and if you would like additional information please contact me at [email protected]

What is a pretreat and why do I see termites in garages more often?

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A pretreat is done just before the pouring of concrete and is designed to prevent termites from coming up penetrations of the slab of concrete. Post construction treatment is done after a home is built.

I often see termites in garages and have been intrigued as to why they occur in those circumstances rather than inside homes. I have watched homes being built and I think I see the garages being worked on last. Sometimes the concrete is poured in the home and the garage is poured last. I also seem to remember that the pretreat originally was done on the home part and wasn’t redone or even done for the garage. Now I may be wrong but I have seen that and I think this is why I see more issues within the garages rather than inside the home.

Don’t move firewood, watch boat bottoms for unwanted pests

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I have seen it a few times, people bring in firewood and all of a sudden we have PowderPost Beetles or something else coming out of the wood. I have also seen the Arizona Fish and Game send out flyers and web information on the spread of quagga mussels on the bottom of boats. Here are two stories or updates on these issues.

“Park changes firewood regulation to protect forests”

Invasive mussels now confirmed at Lake Havasu as well as Lake Mead

It is really important to recognize that animals, wildlife and pests can travel. Just like Fire Ants in potted plants or termites in lumber or other materials. So always stay vigilant and be on guard against invasive species.

Photo from AZGFD site

Beware the venomous spiders, DANGER!

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Photo by PPMA

I’m not a big fan of spiders, so when I’m doing work around the outside of my house I always wears gloves. I suggest anytime you do work around the yard, attic, outside or in the garage wear gloves. It’s been a long time that a death has occurred in Arizona but you really don’t need the aggravation or pain of a bite. What do you look for with Black Widow Spiders?

Irregular webbing, sticky.
A spider hanging upside down.
A Black spider with a red hour mark on its belly, or we have the Brown Widow and it has spots sometimes.
They like dark and quiet areas.

Great information on Mothballs.

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http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi254

I’ve always been worried when I hear stories about people throwing them into attics or crawlspaces.

This product can be dangerous and shouldn’t be used without reading and following the label and sds.

Bed Bugs spreading across the US

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bedbug spreading

Bedbugs are spreading rapidly and continue their march across the US. I don’t always get creeped out with pests but BedBugs do it for me. I think about accidental infestation, maybe a lone bedbug falls into a pocket or shoe and I bring it home.

Take care traveling, check out the room and if you think you see something contact management. Don’t bring in used furniture without looking it over really well. Check out our webpage https://callprobest.com/bedbugs and the Nation Pest Management Association has a site “All Things Bed Bugs”

Other NPMA Bed Bug Info & Facts:

Bed bugs can lay one to five eggs in a day and more than 500 in a lifetime.
Bed bugs can survive for several months without eating.
Bed bugs can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from nearly freezing to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bed bug draw blood for about five minutes before retreating to digest.
Bed bugs hatchlings are so small they can pass through a stitch-hole in a mattress.
Bed bugs can ingest seven times their own weight in blood, which would be the equivalent of an average-sized male drinking 120 gallons of liquid.
Bed bugs are found in all 50 U.S. states.

Termites – ProBest Pest Pest Management

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Sometimes when addressing a termite issue in a home, it really pays to know your stuff. I look at distance from the outside of the home, I look for cracks and often times I have an idea of where they are getting access. I usually write notes to the technician to give my opinion because the adage is generally correct – 2 minds are better than one.

I have mentioned before if you are replacing carpet or tile and you find cracks in the slab – it is better to be proactive dealing with termites. Always better to drill before the new floor goes down. I really hate messing up a newly installed floor – call and ask for our opinion. ProBest Pest Pest Management 480-831-9328

Why am I seeing mosquitoes in Arizona?

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I have noticed lately especially after the rains that we have had numerous calls about flying biting mosquitoes. With all the monsoon rains, a lot of the things that hold water have had the chance to really set things in motion for the issues with biting pests.

Water can accumulate in any container that can hold water, fountains that aren’t working and any indention in the ground. So again I will mention surveying your property monthly or at the very least when the rains occur.

Remember the 3 things that most living things need:

Food
Shelter
Water

Some mosquitoes are well suited for inhabiting local areas but some can travel up to mile just to feed. So tip over those devices that can hold water, don’t forget saucers for planters.

Photo by PPMA

What do you think about all this rain in Arizona?

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To be completely honest I love rain and you’re probably not going to like my reason for it. The rain brings out the bugs and I LOVE it, the termites become more active and bugs in general just love the water opportunities.

So with all this water, what can you do to prevent the inevitable onslaught of the bugs.

Don’t allow stagnant water to gather on your property. This means any amount, I’ve seen mosquito wigglers in a glass bottle on the side of the road.
Don’t allow wood to touch the ground and especially near the house. This includes firewood stacked against the home.
If you notice puddling, fill it in and that also warrants a check on potted plants – they can collect water as well.
If you have a fountain, as long as it is operating it is OK but when it doesn’t work the water can then become stagnant.
Check your foundation slab for termite activity.