Know what’s in your home.
Identification, warning signs, and prevention tips for the pests West Valley homes deal with most, written by the owner who treats them every week.
Arachnids
Arizona bark scorpions
The bark scorpion is the most venomous scorpion in North America, and it is right at home in the block walls, rock beds and stucco of West Valley neighborhoods.
Read the guideBlack widow spiders
Western black widows live in garages, block walls and meter boxes all over the West Valley. They are not aggressive, but their bite is venomous, so it pays to know where they hide.
Read the guideInsects
Cockroaches
Several kinds of cockroaches live in the West Valley. Some wander in from the yard or sewer, and one breeds right inside your kitchen. Knowing which species you are seeing is the first step to getting rid of it.
Read the guideAnts
The West Valley has a long list of ants. Some just march across the counter looking for sugar. Others build mounds in the yard and sting hard enough to ruin an evening outside.
Read the guideCrickets
Late summer and early fall can bring crickets by the hundreds to West Valley porches, garages and parking lots. On their own they are a nuisance. The bigger issue is what eats them.
Read the guideStinging insects
Africanized honey bees
Africanized honey bees are widespread in southern Arizona. They look like any other honey bee, but they defend their nest in much greater numbers, so swarms and colonies around a home should always be handled by a professional.
Read the guideWasps
Wasps build nests in the same shaded spots where West Valley families like to spend time: under patio covers, eaves, play sets and wall caps. Most are only defensive near the nest, but that is often right by the door.
Read the guideCan’t tell what it is?
Text a photo to (623) 363-3124 and Bryce will identify it and tell you whether it needs treatment.