Pest Control in Phoenix. Text|Call: (480) 316-5612

Common Cockroach Species:

• American Cockroach: Large, reddish-brown cockroaches that thrive in humid areas.
• German Cockroach: Smaller, light-brown roaches that commonly infest kitchens and bathrooms.

Behavior and Habitat:

• Cockroaches are nocturnal and prefer damp, dark areas. You may find them:
• Kitchens and Bathrooms: Especially near sinks or appliances.
• Sewers and Drains: These areas are popular hiding spots for cockroaches.

Peak Activity:
Active year-round but more prevalent during warmer months (March to October).

Prevalent Areas in Phoenix:
Cockroaches are common in urban areas with lots of food and water sources, such as Downtown Phoenix and Glendale.

Common Scorpion Species:

• Bark Scorpions: The most venomous species in North America, commonly found in homes. Can slip thru spaces as thin as a credit card. Alive and most dangerous when their tail is up. Immune to eco-friendly solutions.
• Desert Hairy Scorpions: Large but less venomous, they are often found outdoors.

Behavior and Habitat: 
Scorpions hide during the day and hunt at night. They are found:

• Under Rocks and Debris: Outdoors, they seek shelter under rocks or in yard clutter.
• Inside Walls or Garages: Bark scorpions often slip into homes through cracks or crawl spaces.

Peak Activity:
Scorpions are most active during the hottest months (April to October).

Prevalent Areas in Phoenix:
Bark scorpions are a frequent problem in desert communities like Fountain Hills and Desert Ridge.

Common Species:

• Honey Bees: Beneficial pollinators but can become aggressive if their hive is disturbed.
• Paper Wasps: Build nests in eaves and other sheltered areas around homes.
• Africanized Bees: A more aggressive hybrid species, dangerous when provoked.

Behavior and Habitat:
Bees and wasps are active pollinators but can become aggressive near their nests. They often set up:

• Under Roof Eaves: Paper wasps prefer sheltered areas near homes.
• Near Flowers and Gardens: Bees are often found near floral landscapes.

Peak Activity:
Most active from spring through fall (March to October).

Prevalent Areas in Phoenix:
Wasps and bees are commonly found in garden-rich neighborhoods like Paradise Valley and Arcadia.

Common Fly Species:

• House Flies: Spread bacteria on food and surfaces.

• Fruit Flies: Attracted to overripe fruit and sugary residues.

• Drain Flies: Breed in organic buildup within drains.


Behavior and Habitat:

Flies thrive in warm climates, feeding and breeding in areas with organic material. Common hotspots include:

• Trash cans and compost piles.

• Kitchen drains and food prep areas.

• Outdoor patios and BBQ grills.


Peak Activity:

Active year-round in Phoenix, with increased activity in spring and summer.

Prevalent Areas in Phoenix:

Flies are especially problematic in urban areas with dense housing and outdoor dining spaces like North Phoenix and Scottsdale.

Control Tip:
While total fly elimination isn’t feasible, regular treatments around entry points and sanitation measures can significantly reduce their presence.

Common Spider Species:

• Black Widow: Venomous spiders with a notorious red hourglass on their abdomen.
• Wolf Spiders: Large, fast-moving spiders that are generally harmless but intimidating.
• Brown Recluse: Not as common but highly venomous, with a violin-shaped marking.

Behavior and Habitat:
Spiders are nocturnal hunters, often setting up webs or hiding in dark, undisturbed places. Look out for them:

• Garages and Sheds: These quiet spots are prime locations for webs.
• Inside Shoes and Clothing: Especially true for venomous spiders like the Black Widow.
• Corners of Rooms: Indoor spiders tend to spin webs in corners.

Peak Activity:
Spider activity rises during the late summer and fall (August to October).

Prevalent Areas in Phoenix:
Spiders thrive in suburban homes near desert foothills, like Ahwatukee and Cave Creek.

Common Mosquito Species:

• Culex Mosquitoes: Known carriers of West Nile Virus, they are active at dusk and dawn.
• Aedes Mosquitoes: Aggressive daytime biters that can transmit diseases like Zika and Dengue Fever.

Behavior and Habitat:
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water and are drawn to humans by body heat, carbon dioxide, and sweat. Common breeding grounds and activity areas include:

• Standing Water: Puddles, birdbaths, clogged gutters, and planter trays.
• Shaded Areas: Resting under trees, bushes, or porches during the day.
• Homes: Can enter through open doors or windows without screens.

Peak Activity:
Most active from spring through late fall (March to November), with increased activity during monsoon season (July to September).

Prevalent Areas in Phoenix:
Mosquito problems are most severe in areas with standing water, including neighborhoods near golf courses, waterways, or irrigated yards, such as parts of Scottsdale and Cave Creek.

Common Bed Bug Species:

• Cimex lectularius: The most widespread bed bug species, they are reddish-brown and feed on human blood.

Behavior and Habitat:
Bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers that travel on luggage, clothing, or furniture. They hide in crevices during the day and come out to feed at night. Common hiding spots include:

• Mattresses and Box Springs: Near seams and tags.
• Furniture: In cracks or under cushions.
• Baseboards and Walls: Inside electrical outlets or wallpaper.

Peak Activity:
Bed bugs are active year-round in Phoenix due to the warm climate, with infestations more noticeable during travel-heavy seasons (summer and holidays).

Prevalent Areas in Phoenix:
Bed bug issues are widespread in North Phoenix and Scottsdale, particularly in apartments, hotels, and Airbnb rentals.

Common Silverfish Species:

• Common Silverfish: Silver-gray and teardrop-shaped, they are fast-moving and nocturnal.
• Firebrats: Similar in appearance to silverfish but thrive in hotter environments.

Behavior and Habitat:
Silverfish are moisture-loving insects that feed on starchy materials, including paper, glue, and textiles. They are often found in:

• Bathrooms: Near sinks, tubs, or behind tiles.
• Kitchens: In cupboards or near stored food.
• Basements and Attics: Hiding in boxes, books, or insulation.

Peak Activity:
Active year-round but more noticeable in spring and summer (March to September).

Prevalent Areas in Phoenix:
Silverfish are common in areas with older homes or where humidity levels are higher due to irrigation systems or poor ventilation.

Common Ant Species:

• Carpenter Ants: Tunnel through wood, causing structural damage.
• Fire Ants: Aggressive with painful stings that may trigger allergic reactions.
• Odorous House Ants: Release a rotten smell when crushed, often found in kitchens.

Behavior and Habitat: 
Ants are social creatures living in colonies that can number from hundreds to thousands. They frequently enter homes in search of food and water. Common invasion points include:

• Kitchens: Attracted by crumbs and spills
• Bathrooms: Searching for moisture.
• Yard and Garden: Nest in soil, under rocks, or near plants.

Peak Activity:
Most active during the summer (May to August).

Prevalent Areas in Phoenix:
Ant problems are common in lush landscapes such as North Phoenix, and densely populated areas like Scottsdale.

Common Cricket Species:

• House Crickets: Known for their loud chirping, they are attracted to warm, moist areas.
• Field Crickets: Typically black or dark brown, they prefer outdoor spaces but can invade homes in search of shelter.
• Camel Crickets: Recognizable by their hump-backed appearance, they are often found in cool, damp basements or crawl spaces.

Behavior and Habitat:
Crickets are nocturnal insects that thrive in warm, moist environments. They are attracted to light and can cause problems by chewing on fabrics, paper, or other materials. Common invasion points include:

• Basements and Garages: Seeking shelter from the heat.
• Kitchens and Bathrooms: Drawn by moisture.
• Outdoor Areas: Hiding under rocks, mulch, and debris.
  
  Peak Activity:
  Most active during late summer and fall (July to October).

Prevalent Areas in Phoenix:
Crickets are particularly common in North Phoenix and Cave Creek, where lush landscaping or irrigation creates a humid environment.

Common Earwig Species

• European Earwig: The most common species in Phoenix, characterized by dark brown coloring and prominent pincers.
• Ring-Legged Earwig: Smaller, with lighter brown bodies and striped legs, typically found outdoors in gardens.
• Seaside Earwig: Rare in urban areas but occasionally spotted near water features 

Behavior and Habitat
Earwigs are nocturnal pests that thrive in damp, dark environments. While harmless to humans, their presence can be unsettling, and they may damage plants or invade homes. Look for them in:

• Irrigated Landscaping: Found under mulch, rocks, or around moisture-retaining plants in desert-adapted gardens.
• Bathrooms and Kitchens: Drawn indoors by water sources, especially during dry spells.
• Patios and Crawl Spaces: Seeking shelter under shaded areas or near drip irrigation lines.
• Earwigs use their pincers defensively but are not dangerous to people. They feed on decaying organic material, plants, and sometimes other insects.

Peak Activity
Earwigs are most active in spring through early fall, as monsoons and irrigation increase moisture. During winter, they may move indoors to escape the desert’s cooler nights.

Prevalent Areas in Phoenix
Earwigs are common throughout Phoenix. North Phoenix and Desert Ridge see activity due to irrigated landscaping with shade and rock beds, while even the xeriscaped yards of Cave Creek can attract them near patios or garden edges with drip systems.

Common Centipede Species:

• Giant Desert Centipedes: One of the largest species in the region, growing up to 6-8 inches. Known for their striking reddish-orange and black coloring. Their bite, while painful, is rarely dangerous to humans.
• Banded Desert Centipedes: Smaller in size, with distinctive black and yellow banded bodies. Frequently found near water sources.

Behavior and Habitat:
Centipedes are nocturnal hunters, preying on small insects and sometimes even small vertebrates. They thrive in dark, damp environments where they can easily find prey and hide during the day.

• In Yards and Gardens: Centipedes often lurk under rocks, woodpiles, or garden debris.
• Inside Homes: They enter homes seeking food and moisture, especially during hotter months. They’re most often found in basements, bathrooms, or kitchens.

Peak Activity:
Centipedes are most active from late spring through early fall (March to September), especially after monsoon rains increase humidity levels.

Prevalent Areas in Phoenix:
Centipedes are common across Phoenix but are especially prevalent in areas with lush landscaping or homes near desert preserves, like Paradise Valley and Cave Creek.