All posts in “arizona”

News from the Grand Canyon

Monthly plague monitoring to start at Grand Canyon

 

So why would I post something like this? Several years ago I was visiting Montezuma’s Castle off I-17 north of Phoenix when I observed  people hand feeding some squirrels and I just was amazed. Then not a month later i heard about a bite that occurred and of course who paid the price, the squirrels.

They came in and trapped and relocated every single squirrel. Don’t feed the wildlife. Check out the article on other ways to stay away from possible issues , including prevention tips for pets.

What are my 2 toughest pest complaints?

I probably get more calls about these two things than anything else and to make matters more exasperating not much can be done.

 

#1 – Honeybees coming to your pool or other water feature to drink. This is tough, because in the big picture we probably don’t have a clue where they are coming from. Now the good news, generally speaking the bees are not in defensive mode. What do I mean by that statement? When bees swarm or are out looking for water or flowers they are not defending their hive and won’t be as aggressive as if they were defending their home. A lone bee out looking for food is just looking for food, while the bees at their home are on guard against possible intruders. They have bees that are just guard bees and just like we would defend our homes they are pre-wired to be on guard against intruders. With the extreme HEAT here in Arizona they need water just as much as we do. So please don’t panic, just try to avoid them if possible. Now it may be difficult especially if they are near your pool or water feature, one thing you might try is placing a dish in shaded area with a few rocks to keep them from drowning. Refresh the water frequently and maybe they might move.

 

#2 – Mosquitoes are almost impossible to control once they become adults. The prime time to get them is when they are wigglers or in their larval stage within the water. Some mosquitoes will fly over a mile to get to their food = you or your pet. Check your property for stagnant water, any amount can raise a family of mosquitoes. One area often overlooked is the catch basin for potted plants. I have a back door that opens in and I’m constantly getting flying insects that get sucked in when I open that door. I use the device below once a flying insect makes it into my home. I highly recommend it, after just a few days the glue board has a variety of flying insects. By the way this also fits into my IPM program. We do sell them at my office – ProBest Pest Management 602-249-7378.

FlyWeb

Oh oh, Houston we have a problem

Scorpion sting woman on plane

A flight out of LA had a bit of an issue with a feisty scorpion. Scorpions can hitch a ride but accidently getting into boxes and or other objects. It doesn’t happen often but bugs and other type of wildlife will take advantage of opportunities, maybe there was water or food present or maybe it was for warmth. If you are moving boxes from an attic or shed always wear gloves and take care.

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Could we learn a few things from the bug world?

You bet we could and here is one right from the architects their little homes “Climate control in termite mounds.

 

We often think of termites as home wreckers, or pests who frequently get into our homes. But these termites have come up with a way to regulate the temperatures within their castles. There are even termites in Australia that build north and south to take advantage of the sun and wind.

AZ termite tunnel

AZ termite tunnel

Have you ever seen Termite drop tubes?

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This was just a cool shot, termite drop tube inside the bathroom coming down a window area.

Arizona termites doing their thing.

Seen something like this – call ProBest Pest Management 602-249-7378 or 623-414-0176

It’s close to halloween so BOO!

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Andon was out this last week doing some pest control treating and surprise, something was out sunning. Even at this time of year we all must be aware that in Arizona it’s still quite warm.

I believe this to be a Arizona Mohave Rattlesnake, from what I hear more dangerous than a Diamondback but luckily he saw hit quickly. The weird thing was that he didn’t rattle maybe a bit too cold 80 degrees.  So be aware of your surroundings always.

Termite architects

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Take a look at the termite mud tube – it is amazing but it came down the drywall, past the baseboard onto the foundation slab and then catty corner away from the expansion joint.

 

Just think of the skill it takes to build a mud tube and especially at a angle. I’m impressed. OK termites have been at this for over 250 million years but it is still artwork!

It’s termite season in Arizona.

 

They are munching at wood 24/7/365 and frankly speaking you know it’s just a matter of time before they get to your home. Termites consume wood or cellulose and convert it into energy to live. So what should you look for:

  1. Mud tubes on your foundation.
  2. Mud tubes or small little holes in your

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Honey is good for the soul, Honeybees are busy for us.

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We finally found a local honey producer, so we can finally sell honey at our little Contract US Post Office and pest management office.

1 lb Pure Raw Arizona Honey $8.95 – Wildflower and Mesquite

1 lb Pure Raw Arizona Honey $9.75 – Orange

 

We also have an option to sell pollen, but it will be refrigerated as it comes wet. 1 lb at $17.75

The Plague rears its ugly head in Flagstaff area.

From time to time the Plague comes to the front of the news, we occasionally have the Plague at the 4 corners area of Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado. Recent testing in Coconino County in Northern Arizona, tested positive on prairie dogs in the Doney Park area.

Fleas in Flagstaff test positive for plague

 

We generally don’t have fleas in Phoenix, I think mainly due to lack of humidity. Flagstaff is at a higher altitude and has greater humidity levels.

 

 

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