Arizona Pests

Bed bugs are small parasites and 15 species are native to North America. They feed on blood and are often found in groups. The name “Bed Bug” is derived from a preferred hiding place for these pests: in mattresses, bedding, and other sleep areas. While bed bugs are not exclusively nocturnal, they are most commonly active at night, and hide during the day. They can multiply extremely fast.

Treatment Recommendation: We treat specifically for these types of pests and will work with you to make sure you and your family are protected. We recommend chemical treatments or thermal (heat) remediation to treat a bed bug infestation. Thermal remediation is often the preferred treatment for smaller homes and apartment buildings because it requires less prep and is a chemical-free alternative. Chemical treatment may be required for larger homes or properties that are experiencing a bed bug infestation. It requires more preparation, but may be necessary in particular situations.

This type of arachnid is highly venomous and are commonly found throughout the Southwestern United States. Black widow bites can be potentially dangerous and may result in abdominal cramps, severe muscle pain, muscle spasms, hyperhidrosis, and tachycardia. These symptoms typically last for 3-7 days, but can persist for several weeks. Extreme injury or death is not common, but bites can be fatal to small children, the infirm, and elderly.

Treatment Recommendation: We recommend monthly or bi-monthly spraying to effectively get rid of and prevent future black widow infestations.

This type of insect likes to escape weather conditions by gathering in protected dry places, such as attics, wall voids, and other sheltered places. They are more of a nuisance than a threat to homeowners, they do not feed while indoors. They feed off of the seeds of Boxelder trees, as well as maple species.

Treatment Recommendation: Our monthly or bi-monthly pest control packages can help you effectively manage a Box Elder bug infestation.

Generally considered to be more of a nuisance than threat to homeowners, centipedes are found throughout the United States and world. When they invade homes, they are typically found in crawlspaces, bathrooms, potted plants, damp basements, and other areas of high moisture. While they do not typically pose an immediate threat to individuals, all house centipedes do have poison jaws that help it to paralyze or kill its prey.

Treatment Recommendation: We recommend a monthly or bi-monthly pesticide application to treat and prevent centipede infestations.

Considered to be one of the most adaptable and successful animals on the planet, cockroaches have been around for thousands of years. These pests carry allergens and microbes that are dangerous to humans. They love small, tight spaces, and will often infest materials stored on the side of a home or building. The chemical trails they leave in their feces transmit bacteria onto surfaces and attract more cockroaches to the area.

Treatment Recommendation: The first treatment step is removing the food source and then sanitizing the area. We recommend monthly or bi-monthly spraying, especially in the kitchen area. In addition, we will treat cracks and crevices, meter boxes, and other areas where the roaches like to hide. This proves very effective in keeping roaches outside of your living areas.

Crickets are somewhat related to grasshoppers and most are active at night. There are more than 900 species of crickets. They prefer moist conditions and have somewhat flattened bodies and long antennae. Crickets are not harmful to humans, but can attach to clothing and fabrics within your house. In addition, they can be a nuisance because of their loud chirping. Crickets are a food source for bark scorpions.

Treatment Recommendation: Affordable Pest Control recommends a monthly or bi-monthly application to discourage crickets from entering your home.

In addition to the subterranean termite, the drywood termite is common in Arizona as well. This particular species is responsible for families having to leave their homes during treatment. The drywood termite builds its colony inside of wooden structures, compromising the integrity of your home or business quickly.

Treatment Recommendation: Affordable Pest Control offers an individualized approach to preventing and treating drywood termites. If you suspect a termite problem or want to prevent an infestation, we recommend completing an inspection with Affordable Pest Control to implement a prevention or treatment plan.

Earwigs are nocturnal and like to inhabit small crevices and moist areas, such as fallen logs and bark. They feed on plant and animal matter. To provide protection against predators, certain species of earwigs can squirt a foul-smelling, yellow liquid from scent glands in the abdomen. It is able to use its pincers in defense while aiming the discharge.

Treatment Recommendation: Monthly or bi-monthly spraying will help keep an earwig infestation at bay. In addition, eliminating their hiding places will help keep your home and property earwig-free.

House flies account for about 91% of all flies in human habitations and are found all over the world. These insects are not only a nuisance, but can carry serious diseases.

Treatment Recommendation: Eliminating the habitat and conditions in which flies thrive is the best way to prevent an infestation. This means practicing good sanitation and keeping trashing receptacles tightly sealed. Affordable Pest Control offers fogging as a treatment service.

Fleas are wingless insects with mouthparts adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood. They feed on the blood of both birds and mammals. Fleas are typically brought into a home by your pet, but can also be driven into a house during long periods of wet weather.

Treatment Recommendation: The recommended treatment depends on which area of your home has been infected. If your pet is affected, all pets must be treated. You will want to dust, sweep, and mop the areas where your pets are.

Mosquitoes can transmit dangerous diseases and illnesses to humans, including Zika virus, West Nile virus, and several kinds of encephalitis. Signs of a mosquito infestation include buzzing of females and their bites. People have different reactions to their bites, but most commonly, people experience mild to severe inflammation, itching and swelling.

Treatment Recommendation: Mosquitoes find their way into homes and buildings through open doors and windows. They typically rest in dark, hidden areas and come out at night. Homeowners tend to find mosquitoes under sinks, closets, and laundry rooms. We recommend contacting us for the best treatment program for your situation and property.

Rodents can damage buildings, homes, apartment buildings, and more. They can contaminate food, transmit dangerous diseases, and be a general nuisance. Rodents consist of over 2,000 different species of rats, mice, gophers, voles, and more.

Treatment Recommendation: You will want a complete rodent elimination to occur before the rodents move to another area of your property. A successful rodent control treatment plan consists baiting and trapping for the highest rate of success.

Arizona is home to many types of spiders. Some are harmless, some can pose a threat to humans. In some cases, spiders are beneficial to your environment. Spiders are found on every continent except Antarctica.

Treatment Recommendation: Monthly or bi-monthly treatments are recommended for most spider infestations. We recommend contacting us directly to determine which treatment is right for you. We provide free estimates!

Pantry pests will destroy stored food products including flour, herbs, cereals, chocolate, dried fruit and other items. They usually go unnoticed until they are abundant in the home.

Treatment Recommendation: The first step in eliminating and preventing a future infestation is to eliminate the source material and check incoming food products for damage or infestation. Monthly or bi-monthly pesticide applications are also recommended.

Scorpions commonly hide in wood piles, rocks, and debris. They are predatory arachnids with a venomous stinger and are usually nocturnal. The Bark Scorpion can be particularly dangerous to babies and the elderly if stung. This type of pest is not easy to control, but with a great attention to detail and regular pesticide applications, a scorpion infestation can be controlled.

Treatment Recommendation: We recommend monthly or bi-monthly spraying of all of the potential entry points. Scorpions seek shelter and food in homes when their natural habitat has been disturbed or damaged.

This type of pest is nocturnal and prefers warm and moist areas. They are found throughout the United States. They feed on paper items, rolled oats, flour, glue, and more. They are more of a nuisance pest, but can cause damage to paper goods and contaminate food. They get their name from its fish-like shape and silvery, metallic appearance.

Treatment Recommendation: Eliminating the source is important for preventing a silverfish infestation. This means eliminating too much moisture or standing water on your property. In addition, applying a liquid residual pesticide around the perimeter of your home and other target areas will help prevent future infestations.

These small insects get their name from the spring-like structure located on the underside of their abdomens. When a springtail is threatened, it springs into action and can propel itself into the air up to 4 inches. These pests are mainly a nuisance and do not bite pets or people. They typically invade homes in large numbers when their habitat becomes too dry to inhabit.

Treatment Recommendation: A professional inspection is recommended to determine if you have a springtail infestation. After a formal inspection, we will determine the best treatment option for you.

The subterranean termite is the most common termite in Arizona. They are typically 3/8" in length and are commonly recognized by their pale yellowish brown body and rectangular head. They flourish in the Arizona desert and usually swarm during Monsoon season or after heavy rains. This species commonly builds mud tubes.

Treatment Recommendation: Affordable Pest Control offers an individualized approach to preventing and treating subterranean termites. If you suspect a termite problem or want to prevent an infestation, we recommend completing an inspection with Affordable Pest Control to implement a prevention or treatment plan.

Typically these pests make their way into your home through the door. They feed on seedlings and decaying matter, and while they are not harmful, they can be a nuisance. They are prey for reptiles, so it is best to rid your home of these pests.

Treatment Recommendation: A monthly or bi-monthly pesticide application can help to get a millipede infestation under control. Millipedes will not cause any damage indoors. Clearing away any rotting wood, decaying organic matter, and leaves from your home or building will eliminate the millipede’s food source, which discourages an infestation.

Ticks are external parasites and small arachnids. They feed on the blood of birds, mammals, and sometimes amphibians and reptiles. They carry a number of diseases, including Q fever, lyme disease and more.

Treatment Recommendation: We recommend monthly or bi-monthly treatments as the best way to control ticks.