Learning Center
Are bugs bugging you? Defense Pest Control has put together a comprehensive library of the most common pests found in Arizona. This will help you identify the pests you are dealing with and what you can do to avoid them. You can even learn about their appearance, habits, diet, and possible dangers.
If you are having trouble identifying the pests in your house, contact us today for a free inspection!
Ants
The number one nuisance pest in North America, ants make up the majority of local pest problems. Varying by species, the average colony is made up of anywhere between 300,000 to 500,000 ants. With the capability of surviving more than seven years, it’s no surprise that they are likely to take up residence in your home.
Cockroaches
Mostly nocturnal, cockroaches like to seek shelter from the outdoors. Likely to gravitate in dark, warm locations, many homeowners notice that cockroaches inhabit their bathrooms, closets, and kitchens. Ranging in color from light brown to black, the type of cockroach has much to do with the location they are likely to be found.
Crickets
More of a nuisance than a threat, house crickets are omnivorous scavengers that feed on almost anything in sight. Known to destroy both vegetable gardens and clothing, all while producing a repetitious chirping sound, crickets cause quite the disturbance! You can typically find more of these creatures in heavily wooded areas.
Earwigs
Appearing as more of a threat in comparison to other pests, earwigs are more of an eyesore than an actual threat. Though they don’t pose much harm to humans, they are still extremely unwelcomed by homeowners. And for good reason. These pests are most widely recognized for their menacing pincers and scorpion-like thorax.
Fleas
Most likely to affect your four-legged friends, fleas can also latch on to human hosts, exposing you to diseases like typhus and tularemia. In addition to applying flea treatment to your pets, it’s also a good idea to safeguard your home.
Rodents
Including mice and rats, rodents can present a number of threats to homeowners. Known to chew through wires, causing electrical fires, transmit diseases, and even track in ticks, it’s always a good idea to prevent these pests before a problem occurs.
Scorpions
Scorpions are nuisance pests that are closely related to spiders, mites, and ticks. All species are venomous and they are known to sting as a defense mechanism or as a way to kill prey. Humans will usually experience mild symptoms, but some species can be potentially fatal to humans.
Silverfish
Due to their high reproduction rate and elusive nature, silverfish are some of the most difficult pests to eliminate once they have invaded your home. For this reason, preventative pest control is extremely important. With their appearance matching their name, silverfish probably aren’t something you want to find lurking around your home!
Spiders
Contrary to popular belief, spiders are not insects; they are actually arachnids, closely related to ticks and scorpions. Possessing the signature trait of eight legs and known to leave behind webs, spiders are notorious for spooking many homeowners.
Termites
Causing more than $5 billion in damage to homes across the United States each year, termites are most common in the southern part of the nation, including the Carolinas. Since most homeowners’ insurance won't cover termite damage, professional help and prevention methods are often recommended.
Ticks
Closely related to spiders, ticks also belong to the arachnid group. Relying on the blood of their hosts, ticks are likely to move from one mammal to another in order to survive. Due to their transient behavior, these pests are vectors of a number of diseases, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease.
“I've had nothing but great service from Defense Pest Control so yes, I would highly recommend them for your pest control needs.” - Brandi B.
