Pest Library

Nicknamed the “killer bee,” Africanized bees are a type of honeybee that is a common nuisance for Arizona homeowners. Their populations in Arizona are slowly expanding: just because you don’t see them this year doesn’t mean you won’t see them next year.

Although they are beneficial honeybees that pollinate and add to the overall well-being of the environment, their presence can cause panic and anxiety for those who suffer from nesting activity or are allergic to wasp and bee stings.

Bed bugs have adapted to living with humans due to the favorable conditions we live in. Extreme temperatures kill off bed bugs, so they prefer to live in environments that humans also find desirable, typically between 70-90° Fahrenheit.

You may be wondering: why do people get bed bugs? Where do bed bugs come from? These cryptic and resistant pests are difficult to understand without all of the facts. Read along to learn about bed bugs and how they impact humans.

Pocket gophers are the most common type of gopher in the Phoenix area. They are medium-sized rodents, measuring 5-14 inches in length with fine brown fur. Pocket gophers get their name from the unique cheek pouches they use to carry food, located on the exterior of their faces rather than inside their mouth, where other rodents have cheek pouches.

Spending the majority of their lives underground, pocket gophers create elaborate tunnels that can extend as far as 200 yards. Tunnels are marked by a series of mounds that appear to be created, then plugged up with looser soil. This strategy allows gophers to seal their environment against inclement weather and prevent threats from entering.

Most gophers are solitary, only joining another during mating season.

A mouse is a small nocturnal rodent that is very well suited to living in houses and other human-made structures. Mice are often not seen by homeowners because they only come out at night, and they are usually identified through the damage they cause and the noises they make while out of sight.

Their natural diet consists of seeds and grains, but they will eat many different things. Mice tend to nibble on things, making frequent trips to food sources within 25 feet of their nests. After mice enter your home, they can be extremely difficult to get rid of since they often live in hidden areas within garages, attics, lofts, and wall interiors.

Mosquitoes are flying pests that come into contact with humans in the Phoenix, AZ area, primarily April-October.

They are highly dangerous pests due to their ability to spread the pathogens that cause deadly and devastating diseases such as West Nile Virus. As the primary carriers of the West Nile Virus, the likelihood of contracting the virus from a mosquito bite is high in Maricopa County and the surrounding areas.

Is there really a way to prevent mosquitoes from living and breeding on your property? The pest management professionals at SOS Exterminating have the answers.

Arizona Bark Scorpions are the most common type of scorpion in the East Valley and, subsequently, the most bothersome for homeowners and business owners.

They are yellow and brown with horizontal bands across their body. These terrifying creatures are an average of 3 inches long. They have two extended claws, six legs, and one venomous stinger.

Arizona bark scorpions are native to Arizona, California, New Mexico, and parts of Mexico. They are the most poisonous scorpion in the state, sending tons of humans to the hospital every year.

When it comes to pest control, scorpions are an unfortunate reality. If you aren’t prepared for possible scorpion infestations, your home may be vulnerable.

Spiders are one of the most abundant pests that homeowners have to deal with all year-round across the country. In the Phoenix, AZ area, the most common types of spiders that may be in your home or business are black widow spiders, brown recluse spiders, wolf spiders, and Southern house spiders.

This guide will help you identify these spiders and provide prevention tips that you can use on your own.

Termites fulfill an important role in our ecological system by speeding up the natural process of deterioration and helping turn dead wood into new soil. Unfortunately, termites don’t know the difference between a stump in your yard and the wood in your home.

Termites live in social colonies, typically found in the soil. While they are generally found foraging underground for fallen wood or plant debris, they can also enter homes, causing extensive damage if left untreated.

The most common types of termites in the Phoenix, AZ area are subterranean termites and dry wood termites.