Arizona and Scorpion Management

As a pest management professional, I get a lot of questions about scorpions in Arizona. Scorpions can be scary for many people because they can cause quite a bit of pain, muscle twitching and even foaming at the mouth. Death is even possible in rare circumstances here in the Western United States.

Because scorpions can be so intimidating it is best to understand the best ways to keep them out of your home. I will quote the Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at The University of Arizona on their suggestions on what to do about Scorpions.

"High numbers of scorpions can become a problem under some circumstances. If a reduced population is desirable several steps can be taken.

Scorpions are difficult to control with insecticides alone. Therefore, the first control strategy is to modify the area surrounding a house or structure:

1. Remove all harborages such as: trash, logs, boards, stones, bricks and other objects from around the building.
2. Keep grass closely mowed near the home.
3. Prune bushes and overhanging tree branches away from the structure. Tree branches can provide a path to the roof for scorpions.
4. Minimize low growing ground cover vegetation.
5. Store garbage containers in a frame that allows them to rest above ground level.
6. Never bring firewood inside the building unless it is placed directly on the fire.
7. Install weather-stripping around loose fitting doors and windows.
8. Plug weep holes in brick veneer with steel wool, pieces of nylon scouring pad or small squares of screen wire.
9. Caulk around roof eaves, pipes and any other cracks into the building.
10. Keep window screens in good repair. Make sure they fit tightly in the window frame.
11. By managing the scorpion food source, you will manage the scorpion population."

At Eastern Arizona Exterminating, we are happy to help you manage your scorpion problems by assisting you in implementing strategies to keep them out of your home and hopefully off your property. Visit our website at http://www.easternarizonaexterminating.com/, email us at eaepest@gmail.com or call us at 480-209-6266.

Controlling pests by killing weeds and maintaining your lawn

One look outside and it is easy to see that weeds are enjoying the weather and growing quickly. It is good to stay on top of those weeds and keep your lawn in good condition. Not only does it look better, but when weeds, grass and plants are left to grow out of control, they provide harborage for bugs.

When pests are controlled and reduced with yard care, it is called “cultural pest control.” When cultural pest control is used in conjunction with other pest control methods, it greatly reduces a homes chance of pest infestations.

Here is a small quote about cultural pest control from Jeff Schalau, County Director, Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County.

“Many insects can also be controlled using cultural methods. For instance, aphid populations can be reduced by controlling weeds where they take refuge, controlling ants (they protect aphids to harvest the honeydew), and by not applying excessive amounts of nitrogen fertilizer which can create very succulent foliage. Spider mite populations can be reduced by taking steps to reduce dust and washing plant foliage during the growing season. Thrips can be also be knocked off plants with a spray of water and reducing weeds where they may find refuge. Whitefly populations can be reduced early in the growing season by using reflective mulches such as aluminum foil or plastic sprayed with silver paint. These should be removed before summer temperatures peak to avoid damaging the crop. Traps are also available for many insects.”

At Eastern Arizona Exterminating we will make sure your home is kept pest free through chemical and non-chemical treatments. Cultural pest control is just one method that we use to make sure your home stays pest free. If you live in the east valley of the Phoenix Metropolitan area, give us a call at 480-209-6266 or email us at eaepest@gmail.com and we will be happy to discuss your pest management plan.

Indoor Plant Pests

This information comes from the Urban Integrated Pest Management website and their newsletter that can be found at http://ag.arizona.edu/urbanipm/schoolipm/newsletters/2007/march_april.doc

"There are a few pests that are associated with indoor plants. While live plants can greatly enhance indoor areas, the pests can be a nuisance. How did the pests get there? Why did they choose that plant? And perhaps most importantly, HOW DO YOU GET RID OF THEM?"

Identification is the key to proper treatment, according to the newsletter, the pests can easily be broken down into the following:

- Fungus gnats
- Moth and phorid flies
- Deck and greenhouse plants (less common indoors)

How do you eliminate these pests?

"Regardless of the type of pest, preventive methods include those required to keep your indoor plants healthy. Healthy plants will be more resistant to pest infestations and will rebound more quickly after treatment. General guidelines include:"

- Choose appropriate plant and container types
- Pick an ideal location to promote plant health
- Exercise proper plant care

There are multiple ways to keep your home pest free, and we are happy to help you with your pest management needs. Sometimes a home can require more than just a simple pesticide application. It may require sealing up areas of entry or locating breeding areas and eliminating them. Call us anytime for your pest control needs in Arizona and we will be happy to help.
(480) 209-6266