Common Centipedes in Arizona January 7, 2020 - By: Nathan Woolf Did you know that there are thought to be over 8,000 varieties of centipedes worldwide? While most of them range from 4-152 mm, there are some real giants out there – the largest species is the Peruvian giant centipede, which can grow to be up to two and a half feet long! Luckily we don’t have anything that big in Arizona, but our state is home to three species that are commonly found in our homes and property – the house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata), the common desert centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha) and the giant desert centipede (Scolopendra heros).Most centipedes have a few common characteristics. Unlike millipedes, centipedes have only one pair of legs per segment, while millipedes can have two to four pairs per segment. In spite of their name (centipede means “100 legs”), the number of legs they have varies by species from around 20 to over 300.Centipedes are nocturnal animals, and are rarely seen during the day. They do all their hunting at night, and typically hide out in damp, dark places during the daylight hours. You may see them in window wells, under logs or rocks, or hiding in damp mulch along the foundation of your house. Indoors, centipedes prefer dark and damp areas. They lay their eggs in damp and secluded places, and centipedes are devoted mothers – they curl up around their eggs and groom them until they hatch to keep them free of mold and bacteria.Centipedes are predatory insects that eat other insects, or, in the case of giant centipedes, small vertebrates like lizards and small rodents. They do not actually “bite” their prey – instead, centipedes have a pair of modified legs that they use as pincers, called gnathosomes or gnathopods. These venom-filled appendages inject venom into their prey. Venom from a centipede sting is not harmful to humans, though it can be painful and cause irritation. $50 Off Your Initial Service CALL NOW GET QUOTEOffer valid when you start any Blue Sky 365 programCommon Desert CentipedeThe common desert centipede typically grows 4-5 inches long. It is brown and tan, with dark striped between each body segment, which lends it another nickname – the tiger centipede. Its colors are highly variable, and can range from olive brown, to yellowish, to bluish tints. Like other centipedes, they are venomous and can be aggressive if handled. However, their venom is not harmful to humans.Giant Desert CentipedeThis centipede can be much larger than the common desert centipede, but rumors of it growing to over a foot long are inaccurate. Giant desert centipedes are typically 6-8 inches long, and have rust or orange-colored bodies with yellowish legs and dark black or bluish heads. The giant desert centipede, like some other centipedes, has a pair of modified legs on its last segment that mimic the antennae on its head. This makes it difficult to know head from tail when the centipede is at rest! Though some people keep giant desert centipedes as pets, their stings can be very painful – if you see one in your home or on your property, avoid handling them.House CentipedeA smaller, but more common, variety of centipede in Arizona is the house centipede. Many people recognize the house centipede as a beneficial creature that feeds on other insects in the home, such as silverfish, spiders and cockroaches. However, their distinct appearance gives most folks the creeps, and they’re killed on sight. The body of the house centipede is 1 to 1.5 inches in length, but its 15 pairs of long legs and long antennae give the appearance of a much larger creature. Their bodies are usually yellowish in color, with dark stripes running down the length. Like other centipedes, they are venomous, but very rarely sting humans. They can move extremely quickly, with their long and delicate legs allowing them to move up to .4 meters per second across surfaces and up walls.If you’re seeing more of these little guys that you’d like, give us a call and ask about our Blue Sky 365 program. Centipedes are one of many types of pests that can easily be kept out of your home with a regular treatment program.Stay tuned for more information about centipedes, and some of the best ways to keep them out of your home, in our next blog post!
How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Home November 30, 2016 - By: Nathan Woolf How to get rid of ants in my home? – Phoenix, ArizonaQuestion: Our home in Scottsdale, AZ constantly gets these little black ants in our kitchen. How can I get rid of ants and how do I keep them from coming back?Answer: Thanks for your question. This is a common question. Ants are one of the top nuisance pests in the Phoenix area and around the country. We have quite a few different species in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area. These different ant species can require different control approaches based upon the type of ant, age of the colony, area of infestation and other considerations. Here are some steps one can follow that apply to most ant species that can help to prevent them from getting into the home and kitchen.Before we go into the tips, a few additional facts about ants. Ants are great at creating more ants. They grow their colonies by sending out swarmers to start new colonies and other species bud, which means that a colony will split into other colonies. In Phoenix, Arizona, the natural conditions are great for ants to live, breed and thrive. Specific conditions in and around your home can also make it easier to get inside your home.Tips to Keep Ants from Getting Into My HomeSanitation outside your home. The far majority of ant infestations start outside. Inspect the outside for food debris. Food debris can be around a garbage can, barbeque and porch area. Clean these areas.Sanitation inside your home – Ants are great at finding food and telling the other ants about where they can find the food. Residue on counter tops, crumbs and other food debris under appliances, in corners and in cabinets are all food sources that can attract and support ants for a long time. Cleaning these areas thoroughly will assist in reducing food sources.LandscapingPrevent “Bridging” – Bridging is where ants get access to the home by using plants, trees and other vegetation that touches or overhang the home as a “bridge” for the ant highway. Cut back plants and vegetation at least 6 inches from the home. Make sure trees do not overhang the roof line too.Overwatering – Do not overwater.Properly care for vegetation that commonly has insects that create honeydew – Honeydew is a sticky liquid full of sugar that is secreted by aphids, scales and other insects that can be on certain plants and trees here in the Phoenix area. Honeydew is an excellent food source for ants and is a possible reason they are heading up a tree in your yard.Seal obvious cracks and crevices – seal obvious cracks and crevices around the home. These cracks and crevices can be around A/C lines, water spigots and weather stripping around doorways. Be mindful that even effectively sealing cracks and crevices will not eliminate them from getting into your home. Ants are small and there are cracks and crevices you may not be able to detect or see to seal.In Phoenix, Arizona, controlling ants in the home takes vigilance and constant effort. Best results often require the use of professional products to control various species. If you have ongoing problems with ants in the house, contact us for treatment to stop them.To rid your home of ants, contact Blue Sky Pest Control.
What You Need to Know about Zika Virus & Preventative Measures January 30, 2016 - By: Nathan Woolf The recent aggressive spreading of Zika Virus in Brazil and other select regions has been a top news story in past weeks, understandably so since it can have major health effects. The virus carries Zika fever, a disease that can cause such symptoms as fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis and is suspected of being linked to severe birth defects. Notably, people can be infected even if they’re not displaying symptoms, further heightening the concern over the virus’ potential effect on unborn babies if their mothers become infected. Zika virus is transmitted to humans through a bite of a virus-carrying Aedes mosquito.The Aedes mosquito is found on several continents, including North and South America. This particular species of mosquito has been linked to deadly outbreaks before. In the early 20th century scientists traced its connection to yellow fever outbreaks, however this connection now carries less importance with the creation of the yellow fever vaccine. The Aedes mosquito is now causing concern as a transmitter of Zika virus.Recent Outbreaks & What it Means to the United StatesLast year Brazil experienced a major increase of the Zika virus, with more than one million cases reported, according to NPR. While the symptoms of the virus can be quite mild, there are suspected links between the virus and about 4,000 cases of severe brain damage to babies as a result of their mothers contracting the virus during pregnancy.It’s important to note that despite this rising outbreak in South America the only recently reported cases of Zika virus in the United States have been in people who have recently traveled to infected regions and contracted the virus while abroad. Zika virus is not contagious. Still, many people in Arizona, where the Aedes mosquito is found, and throughout the U.S. are concerned about this new threat. Aedes mosquitoes are “city-dwelling” mosquitoes and are very common.Since virus-carrying mosquitoes could travel here from Latin America as a result of people and goods transportation, there is growing concern that the virus could spread to the U.S. – especially with the upcoming Olympics hosted in Brazil. While it’s important not to panic (especially since the virus hasn’t been found in any US mosquitoes to-date), it’s appropriate to monitor the situation and be cautious in areas prevalent with mosquitoes.How to Prevent the Zika VirusAccording to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in five people infected with Zika will become sick. Because there is no vaccine for Zika yet, those traveling to South America or who live in areas where mosquitoes are a yearly nascence, pregnant women in particular, can follow a few simple suggestions to be more mindful about preventing the transmittance of this, and any mosquito-borne, disease:Keep your body covered while outside, especially in the evening and at night, by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants. Even light weight clothing will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.If you have a baby or child, keep them covered in long clothing, as well. Furthermore, treat all clothing items with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated clothing items. Permethrin is an insecticide specifically formulated to protect against disease-carrying insects.Use EPA-registered DEET mosquito repellent. Be sure to follow the directions for usage of the repellant, including frequency and application guidelines.Be vigilant about standing water – do your best to rid your property of any standing water (like around a dripping hose) so that mosquitoes do not flourish there.Before the warm weather hits check all the window screens to make sure there are no tears or gaps where bugs could enter your home.If you have a sliding glass door, consider installing permanent or temporary screens for added insect protection.When possible, stay protected in air conditioned or screened-in areas to avoid mosquitoes altogether.
Fun Facts about Earwigs February 5, 2014 - By: Nathan Woolf The earwig, or pincher bug, is an insect that almost everyone is familiar with. Most people have moved a flower pot or piece of furniture to find an earwig hiding underneath, or discovered an earwig party while doing landscaping work. While they’re not dangerous to humans, most people find the sight of them disturbing or even frightening.Even though you probably don’t want them in your home, there’s no reason to be afraid of these little guys. That’s why we’re presenting some of our favorite facts about earwigs, and dispelling some of the most popular myths about these pests. You may never want an earwig as a visitor, but having some background knowledge can always come in handy!Fact No. 1: They have nothing to do with ears.Earwigs are especially popular in folklore because of persistent tales that they craw inside your ears to lay their eggs or feed on your brain. Their name probably originated from these tales, and from European names for the insect that meant “ear worm” or “ear wiggler.”Fortunately, this legend has no basis in fact. Earwigs do prefer tight, dark spaces, but wouldn’t choose your ear as a home. Earwigs lay their eggs in underground nests in the fall and winter. They’d never choose a human host for their eggs – we’re simply not a hospitable environment!As far as feeding on your brain goes, earwigs prefer to feast on decaying vegetation, like dying plants, mulch or composting yard waste. They can cause significant damage to seedling vegetables, annual bedding plants and soft fruits. Larger earwigs sometimes capture and eat smaller insects, and are sometimes beneficial in decreasing aphid populations.Fact No. 2: Earwigs have wings.When you think of an earwig, you probably immediately visualize the large pincers on their abdomen (more on those later). But did you know that most earwigs actually have two pairs of wings, and some can even fly?Fact No. 3: Earwigs are smelly creatures.In addition to producing pheromones to aid in their mating process, some species of earwig emit a noticeable foul odor when they are disturbed – it is a special chemical compound that earwigs use as a defense mechanism against larger predators.Fact No. 4: Earwigs are not dangerous to humans.Those big forceps on an earwig’s abdomen are used for defense, or, in the case of larger earwigs, for hunting smaller prey. If they are handled, they may try to use their foreceps, or cerci, to grasp your hand or finger, but it will be barely noticeable and will probably not break your skin.The earwig’s cerci are not poisonous, and earwigs do not have the ability to bite or sting people.Fact No. 5: Earwigs take good care of their babies.Earwigs are one of the deepest nesters in Arizona, so they can be difficult to control. Mother earwigs build their nests deep underground to protect the 20-300 eggs they lay twice a year from predators and cold temperatures. The female guards her eggs, and will feed and nurture the baby earwigs when they hatch, which is unusual for most insects. Once they are able to feed themselves, the young earwigs are out on their own.The immature earwigs (nymphs) look like tiny versions of adult earwigs, though they lack wings.Fact No. 6: Earwigs don’t like to live in your house.Because earwigs prefer damp organic environments, your home is not where they’d most like to spend their time. Many earwigs end up indoors by mistake while they are searching for food, or if they are looking for water during especially dry weather. Earwigs won’t breed in your home because it likely lacks the moisture and protection a mother earwig needs to lay her eggs.As with most pests, keeping your home clean and free of damp areas will help eliminate earwigs. Earwigs usually die on their own indoors because there is little for them to eat.Fact No. 7: Earwigs are night owls.Earwigs are most active and do their hunting and foraging at night. You might notice groups of them on your patio on summer nights, because they are attracted to lights. During the day, they prefer to hide out in burrows, in garden mulch, or in tight crevices under flower pots or furniture.It’s helpful to know that earwigs are most often found in your home by accident, and it’s not very likely that you’ll experience a full-fledged infestation inside your home. However, because of the damage they can do to your landscaping, it’s still a good idea to take preventative measures to decrease their populations outside your home. If you have questions about earwigs, and what you can do to prevent them, give us a call – we are happy to help!Sources: University of California Integrated Pest Management Program University of Illinois Integrated Pest Management Program Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
How to Prevent Centipedes January 17, 2014 - By: Nathan Woolf Now that we’ve discussed the centipedes that are most common in Arizona, it’s time to learn about the most effective ways to prevent centipede infestation. While it’s true that centipedes can help control other pest populations (they like to dine on crickets, cockroaches, silverfish and other insects), it’s not a very comforting thought to replace one pest with another. Their many-legged appearance and speed of movement can make them unsettling visitors, and the threat of their venomous “bite” makes most people want to keep them out of their homes.Before we go into how to centipede-proof your home, it’s important that we talk about centipede bites. While all centipedes are venomous, they generally do not bite unless they are provoked. Their “bites” are actually stings from a pair of hollow, adapted leg structures on the first segment of their bodies. These hollow gnathosomes or gnathopods are filled with venom and can impart a painful sting, similar to a bee sting. The stings are typically not dangerous, but they can be quite painful – in general, the larger the centipede is, the more painful its sting will be. Additionally, centipede legs are tipped by tiny claws that can leave venomous residue and small puncture wounds if they walk on human skin. These wounds are not dangerous but can irritate the skin.For this reason, we do not recommend that you handle a centipede if you see it indoors or near your home, especially if it is a large common desert centipede or giant desert centipede. If you wish to remove a centipede from your home, handle it as you would a snake – sweep it into a trash can or bucket, and deposit it outdoors. In the case of smaller house centipedes, you can scoop it into a jar and take it outside, or, if you’re like most people, you may prefer to stomp it on sight.While centipedes don’t present a major threat to your health or your property, and they don’t tend to heavily infest their habitats, you still want to take steps to prevent them from entering your home, since they are so common in Arizona. There are many tactics you can use to keep centipedes from invading your house, both indoors and outdoors.Outside the HomeCentipedes prefer damp habitats, so make sure that your landscaping drains away from your property. Check your property for areas where broken sprinkler heads or gutters are causing your landscaping to become too wet.Centipedes are nocturnal, and stay hidden in dark, damp places during the day. Clear your yard of piles of lawn debris and leaves, and keep wood piles away from the foundation of your home.Check your foundation for cracks that might provide easy entry for the centipede, and fill them with caulk or mortar.If necessary, call us to discuss effective pesticide barrier treatments that can be safely used around common entry points of your home.Inside the HomeCentipedes, and especially house centipedes, prefer damp environments in your home, as well. Fix any leaky faucets or pipes, and ensure that water is not seeping into your home’s foundation. You may even want to invest in a dehumidifier if an area is especially damp.Use sticky traps in areas where you frequently see centipedes, such as closets, basements and other areas where they like to hunt. Not only will this help you determine the number of centipedes in your home, it can also help you find out where their entry points are.Since centipedes feed on other insects, it is crucial that you remove their food sources. Treat your home for cockroaches, silverfish and crickets.Keep piles of clothing or bedding off the floor, and keep your home neat and tidy to cut down on the dark places where centipedes like to hide.The flat body of a centipede can fit through even the tiniest opening. Visually inspect door and window frames for cracks and entry points, and use caulk to fill them. For most situations, these tips will keep centipedes from having the run of your home. If you do notice a large amount of centipedes in your home and these methods are not effective enough, give us a call so we can discuss your options for treatment. In some cases, the problem might be solved if we treat your property for other insect infestations.Photo courtesy of Matt Reinbold
Four Myths About Ant Control November 6, 2012 - By: Nathan Woolf One of the things we hear frequently in the pest control business is that ant infestations are easy to handle on your own. While there are some methods that a homeowner can use to rid their home of ants temporarily, long term ant control is necessary to keep ants out of the home. In fact, in order to destroy the colony, the queen ant in a colony must be destroyed. At Blue Sky Pest, we’re experts in ant control in Arizona. Here are the top four myths we hear frequently about do-it-yourself ant control in Phoenix.Myth #1: Boiling Water Gets Rid of AntsThough boiling water will kill ants on impact, it only works while the water is still at a boiling temperature. Furthermore, this only handles the ants present at the time of the boiling water treatment, since the water doesn’t prevent the rest of the colony from moving towards your home.Myth #2: Cinnamon Will Control My Ant ProblemCinnamon won’t kill or repel ants. It’s true that ants don’t like cinnamon, but if you have an ant infestation in your home, cinnamon won’t solve the problem. $50 Off Your Initial Service CALL NOW GET QUOTEOffer valid when you start any Blue Sky 365 programMyth #3: Grits and Oatmeal Kills Ant PopulationsThis is inaccurate. Ants don’t eat solid food, so while they may take the grits back to their colony, ants will not explode by eating the grits.Myth #4: Vinegar kills antsVinegar doesn’t kill ants. It can remove the trace of ants to confuse ants about where to go to find the rest of their colony, but it won’t rid your home of ants.Successful ant control involves effectively identifying the colony entrances and putting a treatment plan into place. We find the colony entrances and then target ants in two key ways – using bait and non-repellent sprays. The key to this process is effectively identifying colony entrances and implementing a treatment plan. Our customers often assist us in finding colony entrances by simply telling us where they see the activity. The active ingredient in baits works very slowly, so ants take the baits back to their colonies, including the queen ant, and eventually the colony is destroyed. Non repellent sprays are also used to help destroy ant colonies. Ants bring the liquid back to the colonies on their bodies and eventually the liquid makes its way to the queen ant, destroying the colony. These can two methods can be used individually or they can work together. If you’re having an ant problem, give us a call and we’ll help determine the best plan of action for your home.
