Arizona Bug Lady

Cockroach control in Phoenix Arizona

2012-01-02T14:59:00.006-07:00

Roaches in Phoenix Arizona

The three most common species of cockroaches found in Phoenix Arizona are the American cockroach or Sewer Roach, German cockroach and Oriental roach: of these, the American cockroach (Sewer Roach) is the most common found outside homes and apartments. American roaches prefer moist areas, food storage and preparation areas as well as basements, manholes, carwashes and steam tunnels of large commercial facilities such as restaurants, hospitals and grocery stores. German cockroaches are most frequently found inside homes and apartments. Oriental roaches are not commonly found in homes and is often referred to as a water bug. Cockroaches range in color from light brown to an oily black and can vary in size from ¼ inch to 2 inches long depending on the species.

Why do I have them?

Cockroaches like to hide in dark, moist, undisturbed places close to food and water which is why they are most commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms. They infest homes and buildings that provide suitable conditions for breeding and feed mainly at night. They will dash for shelter when the lights are switched on.

Are they dangerous?

Cockroaches carry viral and bacterial pathogens on their bodies and in their feces. When we unknowingly consume contaminated food or use utensils that have been exposed to the cockroach, we can become sick with asthma, salmonella poisoning and dysentery. These conditions are especially harmful to children.

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

Getting rid of cockroaches can be extremely difficult. These nocturnal pests are naturally hard to pin down and adapt extremely well to their environment. That’s why it is highly recommended for roach infestations to contact a professional pest control company. At Bill’s Pest Service we offer effective cockroach control to eliminate all cockroach problems.

Can I do it myself?

Do-It-Yourself cockroach treatments and products are not usually effective especially against large infestations and may contain pesticides that can be more harmful to your family and pets than they are to the roach.

How soon can you get here?

At Bill’s Pest Service, our goal is to help you in the shortest time possible, while resolving your cockroach problems in the most cost effective manner. We make every effort to be with you the same or very next day.

How can I prevent this in the future?

Cockroach problems can be difficult to prevent but reducing sources of water, food and proper sanitation will discourage these pests from moving into your home. If cockroaches have infested your home or business call Bill’s Pest Service @ 602.308.4509.

http://billstermiteco.com/phoenix-pest-control-quote

About Rodents

2011-12-06T12:20:00.000-07:00

All species of commensal rodents carry and spread various diseases. They include salmonellosis, plague, leptospirosis, hantaviriruses, and rickettsial pox.
Rodents are often infested with fleas which they often share with those with whom they live.
Rodents consume and contaminate significant numbers of the worlds food supply every year.
Rodents cause extensive damage to properties by gnawing on wood and wiring, often causing fires.
Commensal rodents are not native to the United States, they came from Europe with early explorers and settlers
Mice are excellent climbers and can run up most any roughened surface without breaking stride.
Mice Do not have bladders. They will relieve themselves at will anywhere.
Rodents can enter a structure from a hole as small as 1/4 inch in diameter.

To keep rodents out of a structure, exclusion is always the first and most important step. Mice can enter a structure through any hole 1/4 of an inch. Search your property and repair any holes. A good idea for holes around cables and telephone wires is to stuff them with steel wool prior to repairing them. If a rodent chews on steel wool it will cause internal bleeding and kill them. Pay careful attention to garage doors. The weather stripping at the bottom is often improperly installed with gaps at the corners, or just worn out. This is often the first entry point.

Sanitation is also very important. If you have mice all food products should be stored in containers that can be sealed. This is especially important in the garage. Often dog food or bird seed is stored in bags which mice can chew through. Kitchens need to be kept clean with no food products under sinks or ovens. This is especially important in commercial kitchens. Any water leaks must be fixed to take away a water source. Outside, especially around warehouses, should be weed free and kept clean around the parameter of the structure.

Once a structure is rodent proofed as much as possible the existing rodents must be eliminated and precautions taken to avoid future infestation. Often it is impossible to find and fix all entry points, or they may chew another entry so we bait them outside to be sure of no future entry.

There are two basic means of eliminating existing rodents: trapping or baiting. Standard mice traps are effective for a quick knockdown of a population. They are inquisitive and lured by peanut butter. Trapping them is fairly easy, but a baiting program should be incorporated with it to be sure all rodents are eliminated.

Devil Scorpions in Phoenix Arizona

2011-08-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

Hoffmannius spinigerus, commonly known as the Devil scorpion, are very common and widely distributed in Phoenix Arizona. Phoenix residents often mistake Devil Scorpions for their Arizona cousins the Bark scorpion.

Devil Scorpions are a medium-sized scorpion with large adult females reaching nearly 70 mm. It can be differentiated from our Arizona Bark Scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) by the brownish-tan stripes on the back of its tail along the keels or ridges; the tail is typically thicker than the hands and pedipalps, both of which are quite slender in the bark scorpions. The name spinigerus is derived from the spiniform granules at the ends of the dorsal keels of the tail. It may be found on sandy soil in a variety of habitats, from desert floors to rocky hillside. Typically, it is found under any convenient surface object, including boxes, shoes, etc., where it builds a short burrow for protection. It seeks the most humid areas it can find usually in and around water sources.

Devil Scorpions are predators and feed on the insects found around most Phoenix area homes such as crickets, roaches etc. Devil Scorpions will feed on other scorpions including the Arizona Bark Scorpion.

Control methods for Devil Scorpions consist of establishing a continuous barrier around your home with special attention to harborage areas nearby. Monthly service is important to maintain the exterior barrier. Interior service and/or night service may be necessary for heavy infestations.

For more information visit us @ Phoenix Pest Control or call 602.308.4509

Palo Verde Beetle Season - 2011

2011-07-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

Palo Verde Beetle Season 2011 underway

Homeowners across the Metro Phoenix Arizona valley are reporting Palo Verde Beetle activity or more specifically the Palo Verde Root Borer (Derobrachus geminatus).

Each July millions of Palo Verde Beetles leave 1 inch diameter holes across the desert floor as the burrell to the surface during evening hours. They can be up to six inches in length and are capable of short flight.

Young Palo Verde Beetles feed on roots of distressed desert trees and shrubs, particularly Palo Verde trees. Large infestations have been known to kill Mexican Palo Verde trees.

Phoenix Pest Control options are limited as the season is short lived and active beetles usually feed 2-4 feet below the surface.

More more information visit us @ Phoenix Pest Control or email us @ Pest Control Phoenix

Bark Scorpion Alert - Phoenix Arizona

2011-06-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

Phoenix area homeowners should be on alert for the Arizona Bark Scorpion.

Loretta Schrader of Bills Pest and Termite in Phoenix Arizona reports call for Bark Scorpion infestations are dramatically up this year.

“In over two decades of servicing homes in the Phoenix area I have never seen so many scorpions.” “Scorpion calls are up 60% and they (scorpions) are showing up in places not normally associated with scorpions” reports Schrader. “It’s amazing!”

While Arizona is home to more than 40 species only one is considered dangerous the Arizona Bark Scorpion. It is straw colored or opaque and usually less than 2 inches long. The Arizona Bark Scorpion is most dangerous if the person stung is an infant, elderly or has an allergic reaction.

Scorpions hide under rocks or debris. They live in crawl spaces.

They are active and feed at night. The scorpions that are native to Arizona typically eat spiders, insects and each other, if they are hungry enough.

They hide during the day. Check your shoes and clothes before putting them on if you live in an area where there are likely to be scorpions.

If you live in an area where there is a lot of construction, you may be more likely to find scorpions inside because their outdoor habitat has been disturbed.

They can live for months on just water. Because they are looking for water, you may find them in or under sinks or tubs.

Scorpions can live to be over 6 years old.

A scorpion sting may result in some pain, itching, swelling, or tenderness of the area. If you are stung by a scorpion, go to the nearest hospital or consult your physician

Most scorpion stings occur on the hands and feet. Watch where you step with bare feet, and watch where you reach with your hands.

In the past 20 years there have been no reported fatalities in the U.S. due to scorpion stings." Certain people may be allergic to scorpion venom just like some people are allergic to bee stings (or strawberries or peanuts...) although according to the same source no cases of that type of allergic reaction has been reported in Arizona.

http://billstermiteco.com/2011%20bptc_011.htm

Phoenix Arizona Bug Control August

2010-08-09T13:29:00.001-07:00

If you have questions about Arizona bugs or need pest control services call us direct @ 602.308.4509 or visit us @ Bills Pest & Termite Co

Experts Warn Scorpion Stings On the Rise as Weather Heats Up

2010-04-01T08:56:00.001-07:00

Phoenix, AZ -- Scorpion stings are on the rise as Valley temperatures heat up.
Banner Good Samaritan Poison and Drug Information Center reported 66 calls for scorpion stings in the past week.

That's up from 49 calls in the previous week.

Poison Control officials say the warmer weather is bringing out the creepy crawly desert creatures.

"They like to hang out in the walls and attics of homes where it's 90 degrees in the winter time and once it gets above that then that's when they want to come out and look for food and water, " said Karen Long with Bills Pest and Termite Co

Long adds recent rains are also a contributing factor, increasing the insects that scorpions feast on, which means more calls from homeowners looking for help.

"We get more calls everyday as the tempeture rises," said Long.

"I see 2-4 scorpions each day since the break in cold weather," said Lisa Miller, a Phoenix homeowner who finds herself looking out for scorpions instead of relaxing after a days work.

"It completely changes the way you do things, you don't walk around barefoot, I leave my shoes up and shake them before wearing...you're always on the look out for scorpions," she explains.

Miller called Bills Pest and Termite to address her infestation.

"Establishing an outside barrier, eliminating entry points, and treating harborage areas put a real dent into Miller's scropion infestation." reported Long. "We educate our customers as to the habits of their invading pests, in this case scropions and the importance of controling their food source...other bugs," explained Long a native Arizonan.

Since Bills Pest and Termite treated her home she said she has not seen even one scorpion indoors.

"It definitely gives you peace of mind knowing the scorpions are under control."

Pest experts like Long also recommend homeowners check their water boxes.

"There is often water in there that attracts insects which in turn attracts scorpions to your home."

Karen Long can be reached @ Click here to email

Arizona’s Pest Experts forecast Busy Bug Season

2010-02-26T16:34:00.002-07:00

Arizona’s Pest Experts forecast Busy Bug Season

Local Pest Expert Loretta Schrader predicts the Metro Phoenix area will see larger than normal bug activity once temperatures hit the 75-80 degree levels.

“Winter rain levels… well above normal… should make conditions conducive for our desert pests this spring.”

Last summer proved to be the “Year of the Ant” as increased service calls were noted for Foreign Crazy ants in yards and “black ants” inside homes and businesses.

Already we are seeing increased ant activity that is usually followed by the flying pests…such as bees and flies.

Schrader notes that increased water levels in Phoenix sewers have driven American roaches (Sewer roaches) out and into outside harborage areas. As temperatures warm these roaches will be more active and visible

Homeowners are advised to keep their lawns cut short and remove weeds this spring. Plants, bushes, and stored items around your home provide the harborage areas that most desert pests thrive in.

For more information visit: http://www.billstermiteco.com/

Or email: retta6961@cox.net

Is what you spray on the inside harmful to my pets and or children?

2010-02-01T11:41:00.005-07:00

Is what you spray on the inside harmful to my pets and or children?

Through years of research combined with the latest technology our service technicians use the safest and most effective products available. Our
low-oder crack and crevice spray is applied to area(s) of infestation and/or haborage areas. We focuses our service which means the materials are sprayed in areas such as entry points like door thresholds, window sills, and plumbing traps,cracks and crevices, and voids under cabinets where pests can hide. Therefore no materials left in areas where children or pets have access.

How often should we have pest control services?

2010-01-28T22:27:00.002-07:00

How often should we have pest managment services?

That depends on your situation and type's of pests involved. Some pests can be controlled by a single service, will call when needed, or a bi-monthly service . With some pest's like german roaches, ants, ticks, scorpions, etc. they may take several services to gain control. Once the pests are under control a maintenance program would be recommended. A maintenance program would involve a thorough inspection and the exterior service performed to keep up a barrier to protect the home from unwanted pests and if needed the interior of the home serviced in areas of concern.