The Millipedes in Arizona Guide: Are They Poisonous? October 3, 2023 - By: Nathan Woolf Millipedes in Arizona may not be the first creatures that come to mind when thinking about the state’s diverse wildlife. However, these multi-legged arthropods are both intriguing and misunderstood. While they might seem like something out of a science fiction movie with their numerous legs and elongated bodies, millipedes play a vital role in the desert ecosystem. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of Arizona’s diverse collection of millipedes, exploring their biology, and behavior, and find out if they’re poisonous. If you live in the Phoenix area and you need pest control, we can help! We have offices in Phoenix and Gilbert that make it easy for us to We serve the entire area including Scottsdale, Mesa, Peoria, and Wickenburg. Call us at (480) 635-8492 to get your free quote!Millipedes in Arizona Millipedes in Arizona inhabit a variety of ecosystems, from arid deserts to lush forests, making them incredibly adaptable creatures. Their ability to thrive in such diverse environments is a testament to their remarkable survival strategies. Millipedes are thought to be one of the world’s first animals to colonize land from the oceans along with scorpions. These very successful arthropods are often found in dark and moist microhabitats, like leaf litter, decaying logs, or underground burrows, where they can seek refuge from the scorching Arizona sun. One of the most striking features of millipedes is their segmented bodies, which can be quite long, with up to 400 or more individual segments, each bearing two pairs of legs. Despite their name, millipedes don’t have a thousand legs, but they do have an impressive number, which can vary depending on the species. This unique body structure allows them to move with a characteristic undulating motion, offering both flexibility and stability. Related: Common Centipedes In ArizonaWhat Do Millipedes in Arizona Eat? In terms of diet, millipedes are primarily detritivores, meaning they feed on decomposing organic matter. In Arizona’s arid landscapes, dead plant material can accumulate rapidly. Millipedes play a crucial role in breaking down this organic debris. They are nature’s recyclers, helping to return nutrients to the soil and contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem. Their feeding habits also have the added benefit of helping control potential pest populations and maintain ecological balance. Life Cycle of Millipedes in Arizona The life cycle of millipedes in Arizona follows a pattern common to these arthropods. It begins with the laying of eggs, often in soil or decaying organic matter, where nymphs hatch. These nymphs undergo several molts as they grow into adult millipedes, characterized by their segmented bodies and numerous legs. Adults engage in courtship rituals, mate, and lay eggs, continuing the life cycle. On average, millipedes can live for a few years, but some species have been known to survive for over a decade in the right circumstances. Their ability to live for an extended period is one of the factors that contribute to their crucial role in the ecosystem. Are Millipedes in Arizona Poisonous? Millipedes in Arizona are not considered poisonous in the true sense of the term. Instead, they are often said to be “chemically defensive.” This means that they possess various chemicals such as hydrogen cyanide, phenols, and various acids among other compounds that can be irritating or even harmful to potential predators or threats. Large millipedes can spray these compounds up to 32 inches, and other arthropods frequently die from exposure to them when contained with a millipede and no ventilation.The key difference between “poisonous” and “venomous” lies in how these chemicals are delivered and their intended purpose. Poisonous: A creature is considered poisonous when it contains toxins or harmful chemicals that can be ingested, touched, or otherwise come into contact with and can harm an organism that interacts with it. In the case of millipedes, they have specialized glands that can produce and release these chemicals as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened. If a predator or curious human handles a millipede and the chemicals come into contact with their skin or eyes, it can cause irritation and burning sensations. However, these chemical defenses are not actively injected or delivered into a potential threat. Venomous: In contrast, a creature is considered venomous when it actively delivers venom into its prey or a potential threat. Venomous animals, like certain snakes or spiders, have specialized structures such as fangs or stingers to inject venom directly into their prey or attackers, often for the purpose of immobilizing or incapacitating them. Are Millipedes Dangerous? Millipedes in Arizona are generally not considered dangerous to humans or large animals. However, below are a few things to consider when it comes to millipedes: Skin Irritation: Millipedes possess defensive secretions that can cause skin irritation in some individuals. If you handle millipedes and their secretions come into contact with your skin, it may lead to redness, itching, or a burning sensation. To avoid this, it’s advisable to handle millipedes with care and wash your hands thoroughly after contact. Allergies: While rare, some people may be allergic to the substances in millipede secretions. Allergic reactions can range from mild skin irritation to more severe symptoms. Eye and Mouth Irritation: Millipede secretions can be especially irritating if they come into contact with sensitive areas like the eyes or mouth. So, remember to be cautious and avoid touching your face when handling these creatures. Pets: Millipedes are generally not a significant threat to larger animals like dogs or cats. However, if a pet ingests a millipede, it may experience gastrointestinal upset or discomfort due to the chemicals in the millipede’s secretions. It’s a good idea to discourage pets from playing with or consuming millipedes. Are Millipede Bites Painful? Millipedes are not known for biting. They actually lack the mandibles or fangs that many other arthropods, such as insects or spiders, use for biting or stinging. Instead, millipedes have mouthparts designed for grinding and chewing plant material. These mouthparts are generally not adapted for biting or inflicting harm on humans or animals. So, while a millipede does not possess the physical means to bite in the way that insects or spiders do, it’s important to be cautious when handling them. Most Common Types of Millipedes in Arizona Arizona is home to several species of millipedes, each with its own unique characteristics and adaptations to the desert environment. Here are some of the most common types of millipedes found in Arizona: Giant Desert Millipede (Orthoporus ornatus): Perhaps one of the most iconic millipedes in the region, the Giant Desert Millipede is known for its impressive size. It can reach up to 6 inches or more in length. Giant Desert Millipedes vary in color depending on their locale and age. Colors include black and brown, with golden-yellow or reddish bands. These millipedes are often encountered in desert habitats, where they burrow into the soil during the day to escape the heat and emerge at night to feed on decaying plant matter. American Giant Millipede (Narceus americanus): This species is found in various regions of North America, including Arizona. It’s a large millipede with a shiny black exoskeleton and red-brown legs. American Giant Millipedes prefer damp environments and can often be spotted in forests, near streams, or in areas with high humidity. They feed on decaying leaves and wood. Yellow-Spotted Millipede (Harpaphe haydeniana): While not exclusive to Arizona, the Yellow-spotted Millipede is commonly found in the southwestern United States, including Arizona. It’s characterized by its black body adorned with bright yellow spots along its segments. These millipedes are known for their chemical defense mechanism, secreting a substance that can be irritating to potential predators. Green-Striped Millipede (Apheloria virginiensis): Although not as well-known as some other species, the Green-Striped Millipede can be found in various parts of Arizona. They have a greenish-black body with distinctive red or orange stripes running along their segments. Like other millipedes, they are detritivores, contributing to the decomposition of organic matter on the forest floor. Flat-Backed Millipedes (Polydesmida spp.): This is a diverse group of millipedes with flat, oval bodies. While not a single species, they collectively inhabit various parts of Arizona and can be recognized by their flattened appearance. Many flat-backed millipedes exhibit striking patterns and coloration, serving as a visual deterrent to potential predators. Millipedes in Arizona Guide Conclusion So, whether you find yourself contending with millipedes, ants, scorpions, or any other common pests in Arizona, rest assured that Blue Sky Pest Control is here for you. Our team is well-equipped to address your specific pest control needs with tailored solutions. We understand the unique challenges presented by Arizona’s environment and the importance of maintaining a pest-free living space. With our expertise and commitment to effective pest management, we can customize a treatment plan that works for you. Say goodbye to unwanted visitors and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a pest-free home or business. Contact us today and let us help you reclaim your space from any pest-related concerns.
Are There Ticks In Arizona? May 18, 2022 - By: Nathan Woolf Are there ticks in Arizona? SPOILER: The Answer Is YESFrom large to small and brown to black, there are an estimated 850 different types of ticks worldwide, 90 of which are found here in the states – and yes, that certainly means there are ticks in Arizona as well. In fact, not only are there ticks in Arizona but there are more than 25 types of ticks in Arizona alone. Now, the good and bad news is that of those 25ish species, only a select few bite and transmit disease to humans. And you guessed it, can become the catalyst for various critical health concerns ranging from Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever to Lyme disease. That said, if a tick is found on your skin, remove it immediately (and properly) before any disease or infection can be transmitted in the first place. To help you along with that, below is a comprehensive overview concerning all things ticks in Phoenix AZ, and how to prevent them from becoming a problem for you, your family, and your pets. Related: What If I’m Still Seeing Bugs After Spraying?First Off, What Is A Tick and What Do They Look Like? Not nearly as cute and cuddly as a domestic dog or cat, that’s for sure. Overall, ticks are small animals (yes, animals) belonging to the arachnid family that feed on blood. Ticks have four stages in their life cycle: egg, larva, nymph, and eventually adult. After hatching, a tick must have a blood meal before it can grow and develop into the next phase of life. After molting, the larva will develop in the nymph stage, and later enter the adult phase where the female can begin laying eggs – up to 5,000 eggs before they die! Interestingly enough, ticks in Arizona (and everywhere else for that matter) can live for long periods of time without having a blood meal, up to 2 years. As far as size goes, the larvae have 6 legs while the nymphs and adults have 8 legs and range in size from ⅛ in. to ½ in. long. On average, they are around the size of a pencil eraser and grow bigger as they take in more blood. And while they are generally brown to reddish-brown in color, after feeding on a host, they can swell up as big as a marble and may turn a blue-green color. The goal is to get rid of them well before they ever reach that swelled stage. Types of Ticks in Arizona Out of the several different species of ticks found in the state of Arizona, the most common of which include the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick, the Blacklegged Tick, and of course, the Brown Dog Tick. Based on where you live here in Arizona will either heighten or lower your risk of coming in contact with certain ticks. For instance, if you live in the northern parts of Arizona, you are at higher risk of a Rocky Mountain Wood Tick bite than one from a Blacklegged Tick, as they have very limited distribution (higher elevations of the Hualapai Mountains and only in late winter and early spring). The Brown Dog Tick is by far the most common tick in Central and Southern Arizona. If you find a tick in the Phoenix metropolitan area, it’s most likely a Brown Dog Tick. As their name implies, these bugs prefer to bite canines over humans, although that doesn’t mean they won’t feed on you if the opportunity arises. They are known for transmitting Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), making them a very big concern for Arizonians. Even more, the Brown Dog Tick is unique in that they are the only species that can complete its entire life cycle indoors. This means if they find their way inside your home, they are there to stay and create an entire tick community. Bitten by a Tick in Arizona?Ticks prefer to bite areas of the body that are moist and warm. If a tick has chosen you as its target, it will more than likely migrate to a conspicuous body part like your armpits, waists, inside and around your ears, groin area, back of your knees, and even inside your belly button. PS: Don’t forget to check your scalp and hair! When a tick finds its preferred spot, it bites your skin and begins feeding on your blood, and unlike other bugs that bite and move on, ticks remain attached to your body. The worst part is that they, unfortunately, can start transmitting diseases in as little as a few hours upon embedding themselves in you. That is why removing a tick both properly and fast is so essential to reduce the likelihood of infection. If the thought of a tick becoming engorged with your blood is disturbing, you are right. However, it is even more unsettling knowing the diseases they transmit; with tick season year-round in our area, triple checking you and your pets is nothing shy of necessary every time you venture outdoors. Related: How Often Should Pest Control Be Done?Ticks In Arizona – Preventive Tips Once ticks show up around your home, they can be particularly difficult to get rid of; Multiple treatments are often necessary to completely eradicate them. However, there are some fairly simple steps you can take to be proactive in preventing ticks from moving onto your property. Because ticks thrive in wooded and grassy areas, maintaining or removing weeds, shrubs, and tall grasses from your property will help keep ticks away.Have all family pets routinely treated, groomed, and checked by a veterinarian for ticks. Perform tick inspections at home on your pets regularly. Be sure to check between their toes and around their ears. Limit wildlife activity in your yard to reduce ticks. Rodents, raccoons, deer, etc., are a particular threat when it comes to the spread of tick-borne diseases. The more creatures attracted to your property by birdseed and open trash cans, the higher your chance of ticks invading. Make sure your pets have tick collars. While they don’t guarantee tick protection, they certainly help. Avoid using collars with propoxur and follow directions carefully. Some collars can be harmful to puppies or cats. Ask your veterinarian which type of collar is best for your pet(s).Install fencing or barriers around vegetation in your yard if you have a pet that roams outside. This keeps them from picking up ticks from your landscaping. Always wear insect repellent with at least 20% DEET when hiking or walking in areas of vegetation. If you can comfortably, wear long-sleeved clothing and closed-toe shoes. Doing so helps limit skin exposure. Additionally, consider wearing light-colored and/or bright clothing to help spot ticks easily. After spending time outside, always check yourself for ticks before heading inside. Don’t forget to check your dog(s) as well!A big part of tick control is routinely treating the pet. Because of that, it is recommended by ASU Extension that pets get checked annually, as ticks can be brought back to the home/yard (even after pest control is issued) if the pet isn’t treated. Tick Bite Treatment Oftentimes ticks can latch onto you without being detected. But once you eventually discover a tick on you, it is important to remove it immediately as an infected tick can begin transmitting pathogens to you or your four-legged friends in as little as 2 hours after biting. If you come across a tick on your skin, immediately follow the steps below for safe removal: Pull back any hair that may be covering the tick so it is completely exposed. Using a pair of tweezers, firmly grasp the tick’s head as close to your skin as possible. Be careful not to grasp its body, as this can cause the tick’s saliva to be injected into your body. Carefully pull the tick straight up and out of the skin. Don’t pull too hard, jerk, twist, or wiggle the tick, as that can tear it apart and leave a portion of the tick in your skin. After the tick is completely removed, place it in a small closeable jar or Ziplock bag with rubbing alcohol. This is in case it is needed later for IDing or is requested to be seen by your doctor. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Call a doctor if you notice any redness around the bite wound or develop a fever. Conclusion: Are There Ticks In Arizona? Are there ticks in Arizona? Yes. Is there a chance you could find one on yourself or on your dog? Also yes. In summary, there are several types of ticks in Arizona, with a select few to be on high alert for, such as the Brown Dog Tick. However, with the right actionable/preventative measures set in place by a pest control company you can trust, this often-scary situation can quickly turn into a fast-remediating one.Built on a foundation of integrity, we here at Blue Sky Pest Control are state-wide pest control professionals with a core objective to keep you and your family as safe, healthy, and protected as possible. Driven by both passion and mission excellence, we are a dedicated team of experienced technicians renowned for customized treatment plans that free homes of ticks and other unwanted pests. In the end, ticks in Arizona may be a thing, but it doesn’t have to be a problem for you. And when you are ready to improve life quality and step outside without that contingency fear, then give us a call today so we can make that happen for you. We serve the entire Phoenix area and have offices in Phoenix and Gilbert. If you live anywhere from Scottsdale to Surprise, Wickenburg, or Peoria, we can give you high-quality pest control. Give us a call to get your free quote or contact us through the form on this page.Original ReferencesThe Brown Dog Tick and Epidemic Rocky Mountain spotted fever in Arizona and northwestern Mexico. Walker et al., 2018. The University of Arizona College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Cooperative Extension. Chromeextension://oemmndcbldboiebfnladdacbdfmadadm/https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1769-2018.pdfTicks in Arizona, Backyard Gardener. Schalau et al., The University of Arizona College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County.https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/archive/ticksinarizona.htmlRegions Where Ticks Live: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/geographic_distribution.htmlAdditional References Usedhttps://www.pestworld.org/ticks-by-state/arizona/https://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/ticks/brown-dog-ticks/
Are Landlords Responsible for Pest Control? March 7, 2022 - By: Nathan Woolf We frequently get the question, “are landlords responsible for pest control?” The less-than-straightforward answer is, “it depends.” The laws associated with pest control and rental properties vary from state to state and can be a bit confusing. Adding to the confusion, it’s often difficult to determine who is responsible for causing the pest control issue. Did a tenant bring in unwanted pests? Did the landlord fail to provide a safe and habitable property? There are many variables and differing opinions, so let’s learn the facts about who pays for pest control in Arizona.If you live in the Phoenix area and need pest control at your apartment, we’ll give you a free quote! Whether you’re a tenant or landlord, we serve the entire area including Mesa, Peoria, Chandler, and Scottsdale.Related: How To Choose A Termite CompanyDo Landlords Pay for Pest Control? It Depends. Apartments Generally, an apartment complex landlord will pay for pest control for general pests (ants, scorpions, cockroaches, crickets, etc.). Exterior service for general pests is often provided on a monthly, every other month, or quarterly basis. And inside service is often provided for certain pest infestations and at times simply based upon request. An apartment lease agreement typically explains which pests are covered and which pests are not covered. However, pests not covered under your agreement or recurring inside treatments may be your responsibility as the tenant.That said, if a tenant’s behavior or living conditions are causing a pest problem and that is not corrected, a landlord may not be able to assign treatment responsibility to the tenant. Single Family Homes Generally, for single-family homes, pest control is not provided by the landlord. So typically, pest control is the tenant’s responsibility. There are certain situations where the landlord covers pest control, so refer to your lease to look for those details. There are situations where there is an active infestation prior to moving into the home and/or an infestation that arises from conditions around or in the home that is a landlord’s responsibility. In these instances, a landlord may be required to provide the necessary pest control services to get the home “safe and habitable”. With this in mind, let’s take a look at who is responsible for what according to the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.The Landlord’s Responsibilities Relating to Pest Control are to:Comply with the requirements of applicable building codes materially affecting health and safety.Make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition.Keep all common areas of the premises in a clean and safe condition.Provide and maintain appropriate receptacles and conveniences for the removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste incidental to the occupancy of the dwelling unit and arrange for their removal.The Tenant’s Responsibilities Relating to Pest Control are to:Comply with all obligations primarily imposed upon tenants by applicable provisions of building codes materially affecting health and safety.Keep that part of the premises that he occupies and uses as clean and safe as the condition of the premises permit.Dispose of his dwelling unit all ashes, rubbish, garbage, and other waste cleanly and safely.Promptly notify the landlord in writing of any situation or occurrence that requires the landlord to provide maintenance or make repairs or otherwise requires the landlord to take action.Related: Recluse Spiders in ArizonaSo, Who is Responsible for Pest Control in a Rental Property?Ideally, a lease agreement would clearly define who is responsible for pest control services of a rented property. Lease agreement aside, the Landlord and Tenant Act provides some general guidelines as to who is responsible for pest control. Landlords typically take responsibility for pest control issues in a rented property when an infestation of insects or rodents can be a condition that affects health and safety, that is not being caused by the tenant’s actions. However, if the tenant’s actions or lack of action leads to an infestation (not taking out trash attracts rodents) then the responsibility for pest control may revert to the tenant.Breaking Your Lease Because of Rats and Other PestsSigning a rental contract on a new place can be both exciting and stressful. Excitement will quickly turn to dread should you discover rats, cockroaches, scorpions, ants or other pests will be your new roommates. So, does finding pests in your rental give you legal cause to break your lease? If the infestation is serious enough that it can be considered a health concern, you may have grounds to terminate your lease due to the landlord violating the obligation to “maintain fit premises.”After discovering a pest issue, your first step should be to contact your landlord, giving them a chance to resolve the problem. Most pest issues can be remedied quickly as the tenant, landlord, and a licensed pest control provider work together. Documenting steps taken to resolve the pest issue is always good practice should a disagreement arise in the future.Related: How Do Cockroaches Get In? Are Landlords or Tenants Responsible for Bed Bugs?When bed bugs are involved, there can be quite a debate concerning who pays for treatment. Because bed bugs can be brought in by new tenants, or a pre-existing infestation may go undiscovered by the landlord, who is responsible to get the bed bugs treated? If you are in an apartment and have bed bugs, odds are you won’t have a very hard time getting your landlord to cover treatment. Bed bugs spread easily between apartments, so landlords usually prefer to address the problem early. Conversely, landlords of stand-alone homes usually don’t cover bed bug treatments, unless there is a known issue of bed bugs prior to a new tenant moving in. Bed bugs don’t come from the outside and are often unknowingly moved into the home by a new tenant. Because bed bugs can create an opportunity for landlord/tenant frustration, avoid such by always getting a clear understanding of pest control responsibilities when signing a new lease.Are Landlords Responsible for Pest Control ConclusionOur answer to the question, “are landlords responsible for pest control” is still, “it depends.” In general, the landlord is responsible for pest control treatment when an infestation causes health or safety issues. The tenant is responsible when their action, or lack of action, is the cause of the infestation. In addition, your lease agreement may have further clarification in defining pest-control responsibilities. If you’re having issues with unwanted pests in your home or rental properties in the Phoenix metropolitan area, contact Blue Sky Pest Control. Let us use our years of Arizona-specific experience to prevent pest and rodent damage. Be worry-free because your home is pest-free. Click here to get your free estimate. We serve the entire Phoenix area including Gilbert.Related: Scorpion Control in Phoenix