Arizona’s wonderfully warm weather brings sunshine, heat, and unfortunately,spiders like the black widow. But don’t let the pests get you down! Blue Sky Pest Control is dedicated to controlling unwanted pests in and around homes and businesses.  

Back widows are considered to be one of the top pest concerns for homeowners in the Arizona area.  We’ve put together a mini guide on black widows to give you tips, tricks, and what to look for when encountering these pests.  We’ll also provide mitigation and control measures you can take to get rid of black widows in your home. 

Firstly, it’s important to know the differences between male and female black widows. Female black widows are more aggressive and known for their venomous bite. Of the two, females are well-known and easily recognizable. Measuring in at 1.5 inches long, their shiny, black bodies are marked with a red, hourglass shape. Adult males are about half the female spider’s size, with smaller bodies and longer legs.  

Facts About Black Widows

1. The back widow is among the most venomous spider in the United States 
2. Male and juvenile black widows are harmless
3. Black widow bites are rarely lethal because the amount of venom they inject is so small 
4. Black widows are nocturnal and will usually only attack if they’re disturbed or touched
5. The adult female black widow spider often hangs upside down in her web, making the red hourglass marking visible.  

How to Get Rid of Black Widows 

We recommend a pest control service for black widows and other pests, but there are a few ways to keep black widows out of your home:

1. Eliminate hiding spaces by keeping your space clean and free of clutter, especially in storage areas
2. Black widows prefer dark, hidden places, so frequently dust and vacuum around windows, corners of rooms, and under furniture 
3. Use gloves when handling piles of wood, leaves, or gardening
4. Regularly check cool, dark places, like your garage, for webs 
5. Seal openings and install screens and door sweeps to prevent pests from moving indoors. Black widows prey on insects like crickets and roaches, so getting rid of other insects will help you eliminate them
6. Check inside your shoes before you put them on, especially if they’re stored somewhere dark 

What to do if a Black Widow Bites You 

It’s important to note that bites from black widows are rarely fatal and are treatable.  In the United States, there has not been a death from a black widow spider in over 10 years. They are usually not aggressive, so most bites occur because a spider is trapped or unintentionally touched. Often, the black widow will not inject any venom into the bite and no serious symptoms will develop. However, there are some precautionary measures to take if you think you have been bitten.  

If you’re bitten by a black widow and you are experiencing a reaction that’s more than mild pain, you should contact your doctor, go to the emergency room or urgent care, or call 911 for help. If your child was bitten, go to the emergency room immediately.  Black widow bites can be fatal for young children. 

There are a few steps you can take immediately before leaving or on your way to the hospital to ease your pain and prevent further infection: 

1. Wash the area with soap and water
2. Apply a cold washcloth or ice pack wrapped in cloth 
3. If possible, elevate the bite area to prevent swelling
4. Apply an antibiotic cream or lotion to the bite 

If you have concerns or need additional help in dealing with black widows, contract a trusted pest control service for spiders. 

Phoenix’s warm and sunny climate provides a hospitable environment for residents — and is equally attractive to pests. In addition to roaches, ants, bees, rodents, and termites, Phoenix attracts scorpions and even black widows that may pose a serious health risk to you and your family.

How often should you have your home treated for pests in Arizona? That depends on your location, the type of pest, and other conditions that a specialist will evaluate during an initial consultation. While a quarterly pest control schedule may be appropriate in other parts of the country, Arizona residents typically need more frequent treatment.

Pest Control Starts With a “Clean Out” Service

To determine how often you need pest control, your first step will be to consult a professional to help identify any pests or risk factors in or around your property and determine the best treatment option.

After the consultation, your technician will do an initial “clean out” of your home, yard and garage to eradicate any pests already in your home. A professional pest control service will recommend a multi-tiered approach that includes eradicating pests and taking preventative measures to ensure pests don’t re-enter your home.

You should consult with your technician to identify any cracks or crevices that allow bugs and other pests to enter the house and ensure they are properly sealed. Take particular care that there are no gaps in the weather stripping around your doors to prevent small insects and other pests from invading your home.

Maintaining a Pest-free Environment

Once you have eradicated pests from your home, you probably want to keep it that way. There are frequency offerings will vary depending on the pest control provider, and what you’ll need should be based on the needs of your individual home.

• For effective prevention, bi-monthly (every-other-month) pest control service is recommended for most homes and needs. Applications are designed to last up to two months, ensuring your home stays pest free.  Look for a pest control company that offers a policy that allows for follow-up treatment between services in case you see an occasional live pest scurrying around the house in between regularly scheduled services. Blue Sky Pest will come back and provide additional interior or exterior service at no extra charge as part of our Blue Sky 365 program.
• Some homeowners opt for a monthly or quarterly pest control service depending on pest pressure around their property. Certain pests and homes that are adjacent to open land may need monthly services to keep pests to an acceptable level. Conversely, quarterly services may be all that is needed for homes with less activity. However, because treatments will not last between service intervals, if you choose this option, you’re more likely to see the occasional pest around your property.

Protecting Your Home from Black Widows

Given that a single black widow spider can produce multiple egg sacs in a summer, each containing up to 400 spiderlings, black widows are a special focus of pest control services in Arizona. While most adults can survive a bite with prompt medical attention, a black widow’s bite can cause serious illness in children, seniors and those with existing health issues.

• Blue Sky Pest recommends treatment every other month (in most cases) as the best way to protect your home from black widows. Remember that additional visits are no cost with any Blue Sky 365 program, so if webs or spiders appear in between your regular scheduled services we’ll happily return to take care of them.

Protecting Your Home from Scorpions

With an average of 126,000 stings reported each year between 2005 and 2015, Arizona leads the nation in scorpion stings, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.  Bark scorpions are most active in Arizona during the warmer months.

• If scorpions have been sighted on your property, your yard and the exterior of your home should be serviced regularly. With moderate scorpion activity, often every other month treatment will be sufficient but sometimes with heavy scorpion activity a monthly treatment plan can be necessary. Your technician will target scorpions at their source, where they nest and breed. Pest control products are designed to remain active under a regular treatment plan. The treatment will create a protective barrier around your home and yard, providing you with peace of mind. 

For advice on ways to reduce entry points into your home, be sure to download our free report: 5 steps to Help Scorpion Proof your Home.

Taking a multitiered approach is the most effective method in pest control. Blue Sky Pest Control utilizes a systematic approach to address the primary sources of pest issues so it can deliver the best pest management solutions.

The use of products to eliminate pests such as scorpions, ants and cockroaches are an important tool that exterminators can use. To obtain best results, other forms of control should be considered and implemented to reduce pest populations around a home, warehouse, school, hospital, food processing facility and other critical areas where pests need to be controlled.

At Blue Sky Pest Control, this fight against bugs is broken down into different methods, known as the Four Levels of Control. These controls act as a guide for technicians to personalize a pest control plan for clients because no two situations are the same.

Let’s break down each level of control and what role they play in fighting the unwanted pests in your home.

1. Access Denial and Exclusion

Cutting off access is the best way to keep bugs out — they can’t bother you if they can’t get inside in the first place. The problem? We often don’t realize how easy is can be for scorpions, cockroaches, crickets and mice to squeeze through tiny holes. With this approach, cracks and entry areas around the home are identified and recommended to be sealed. Weather-stripping around doors and windows are checked for gaps and wear. Fixing or replacing worn or missing weather stripping is an excellent way to eliminate a common entry point for many Arizona pests. . Other common entry points can be identified with proper inspection.

2. Habitat and Harborage Modification

The natural climate of Phoenix, Arizona combined with landscaping and watering needed to maintain trees, bushes and flowers provide an excellent environment for many pests to thrive. With Habitat and Harborage Modification, yard and garden surrounding the house is modified to make it as unwelcoming to pests as possible. Any standing water, leaf litter and unnecessary waste is removed (pests love water and garbage). Excessive weeds and tall grass are cut down, plants that attract certain types of pests are moved further away from the house and any garbage containers are tightly closed and clutter and debris around the home is cleaned-up and moved. Outdoor lighting should also be inspected, as many pests are attracted to the bright bulbs, especially at night.

3. Physical and Mechanical Controls

Traps and other physical methods of controlling pests is necessary and can complement the use ofproducts.Physical control is removing the pest from the area. Using mechanical traps can assist us with physical control. For example, if one is experiencing an active rodent infestation, mechanical controls can be used to reduce the rodent population by catching and removing rodents from the home or property. Another example of a physical control would be inspecting for and removing identifying scorpions found around the home. The use of physical controls can greatly reduce pest populations effectively and quickly.

4. Judicious Use of Materials

Materials are an important tool used by licensed pest management professionals. A proper inspection will guide the pest management professional on placing the right materials in the right places in the right amount. This judicious use of materials used in combination with the other levels of control helps us achieve the best results. Our number one goal as Arizona pest control experts is to get rid of insects and other unwanted guests in and around your home. Blue Sky Pest Control’s scientific approach to pest management using all Four Levels of Control gets results while also reducing the unnecessary use of materials around your home.

No two pest problems are the same, but what stays the same is our scientific approach to pest control. We work with you to devise a plan using one or more of these levels of pest control to accomplish our goal —to control the pests around your home.

How do I find a pest control company in Phoenix, Arizona that will solve my pest problems

Question: I need to hire a pest control company that will solve my pest problems, how do I find the right one?

Answer: This is a great question. We will answer this in 2 parts:

1. General recommendations for common customer needs in Phoenix, Arizona
2. The steps to take to find a pest control company.

1. Determine what your needs are

The great majority of calls that we receive revolve around 2 main categories: General Pest Control and Termite Control. We will briefly address the common considerations around each.

General Pest Control
General pest control service is most often is used for controlling common Arizona pests such as ants, crickets, black widows, scorpions, rodents, ticks, fleas, earwigs and other common pests. There are a few things to consider when deciding the type of care or treatment options best for your situation. These will help ensure your service adequately matches your expectations and provides the best solution for your particular needs.

• What type of pest pressure are you experiencing? Are you ok with a certain level of activity or are you more comfortable with some activity in and around your home? Answering these questions will help to determine what type of program will best fit your needs.
• Generally, for someone looking for control, a fully guaranteed every other month program is the most popular customer choice. Every other month is a lower annual investment than monthly service and excellent control can generally be obtained. A fully guaranteed treatment program will also provide you with service in between treatments at no charge if you are experiencing unusual activity.
• If you are experiencing a heavy infestation, have low tolerance for pest activity and/or experience constant pest pressure you may want to consider a monthly service.
• The best results in getting control and keeping control of unwanted pests is by using several types of control methods. This multi-step approach is referred to as Integrated Pest Management. Eliminating pest nesting and breeding areas, preventing pests from getting inside in the first place by not allowing them easy access to the home are effective control tools that can be used with products to keep pest activity to a minimum. This scientific approach to pest management provides better control and does not rely solely on the use of products to obtain control.

Termite Control
Termites are very prevalent through the Phoenix metro area. When looking into how much does a termite treatment cost, there are a few factors which can affect the treatment cost which primarily depends on the size of the infestation and the size of the treatment area. In most cases, a liquid termite treatment is preferable to a “bait” approach for the specific types of termites we find most often in Phoenix, Arizona. A proposal from a reputable termite company should clearly identify the following:

• The license number of the company and the license number of the individual performing the inspection.
• A detailed sketch that clearly documents the recommended treatment approach.
• Documentation on the type of product that will be used.

2. What to Look for In a Company

When looking for an exterminator, the following is a list of specifics you may want to consider to help ensure that they are knowledgeable, experienced and capable of meeting your expectations.

1. Reputation – What is the reputation of the company? Does it achieve validation from respected third parties such as Angie’s list, the Better Business Bureau and Rosie on the House?
2. Guarantees – Does the company back its work with guarantees that provide you the confidence that the work will be done correctly?
3. Personnel – Does the company perform the basics in hiring its staff such as performing back ground checks, requiring the proper licensing with the State of Arizona and provide regular on-going training?

We hope you have found these tips on understanding what types of pest control services are going to best meet your needs useful. If you have additional questions that we may be able to help with let us know.

Integrated pest management, or IPM, is an approach to pest control that focuses on the long-term prevention of pest infestations by using a variety of control methods instead of a single blanket pesticide application. These control methods can include:

• Access denial and exclusion: Stop pests from entering homes. For example, fixing weather stripping to stop easy access into a home or building.
• Habitat modification: Reduce the availability of food, water, and harborage for pests. For example, trimming landscaping back six inches from the building and cleaning up leaf litter.
• Physical and mechanical controls: Block access to home using barriers and the use of mechanical traps.
• Sanitation: Ensure the area is clean. For example, making sure that a commercial kitchen is clear of food debris that would attract pest activity.
• Judicious use of materials: We will use pesticide products only when absolutely required, and use only those that offer the lowest potential impact to humans and the environment but the highest impact on pests.

A key element to IPM is continual monitoring so that a pest control expert may proactively determine the type and severity of an infestation, or determine if conditions are conducive to a potential infestation.

Using these findings, we conclude which control method or combination thereof will most effectively eliminate a current infestation or prevent a future one. Generally, materials like pesticides are used only after it is established that they are needed in combination with the other control methods.

Pest Control vs. Pest Management

Purdue University’s Urban and Industrial Integrated Pest Management course says that the terms “pest control” and “pest management” are often used interchangeably both by the public and industry professionals. However, there are specific and important differences to the two approaches.

• Pest management is properly defined as the detailed process a pest professional follows to address current or possible pest infestations. This process includes four steps: inspection; determination of pest thresholds; application of pest management procedures; and monitoring pest populations, reapplying procedures as necessary.
• Pest control generally refers to the one-dimensional material approach, i.e. the use of pesticides, to addressing pest challenges.

The Complex Requirements of Commercial Infestations

Food-processing facilities, hospitals, high-rises, restaurants, multi-tenant properties, and other commercial properties often have challenges that require a multifaceted approach to pest management.

An effective IPM program, however, can be customized to target the needs of each specific commercial client.

IPM in Action: A Blue Sky Case Study

The Challenge A client that manages a high-rise building in the Phoenix area had cockroaches in some bathrooms. The client had a pest control provider, but was still experiencing cockroach activity and had received complaints from tenants.

The Approach Blue Sky proposed an IPM program, which was new to the building, that fully embraced the four steps of pest management outlined above.

Step 1: Inspection

We thoroughly inspected the bathrooms and other areas of the building where the cockroaches had been seen. We identified the cockroach as an American cockroach, which is also called the sewer roach. The identification gave us specific information as to where the cockroaches were likely coming from. /

Step 2: Determination of Pest Thresholds

For our client, the cockroach activity threshold was low. They wanted minimal to no activity since it was disturbing to tenants. In addition, the building was a LEED building, which imposed strict guidelines on when and how materials could be applied in and around the building.

Step 3: Application of Pest Management Procedures

We determined that the way the American cockroaches were entering the bathrooms was most likely via the drains. The drain openings were fairly large, allowing any size of American cockroach to enter the bathrooms. We procured a mesh liner that minimized the opening of the drains, but still allowed proper drainage.

Step 4: Monitor Pest Populations and Reapply Procedures as Necessary

Blue Sky keeps detailed records on pest activity by location, so we have accurate, real-time information to determine the effectiveness of the current control approach. We also use this information to determine if we need to reapply procedures or introduce new procedures to gain control over an infestation. Over several months, the appearance of the American cockroaches in this client’s bathrooms returned to zero.

Fever. Headaches. Muscular weakness.

All of these are symptoms of the West Nile virus, a mosquito borne illness that can cause serious pain, discomfort and sometimes even death to those who are infected. If you think that the West Nile virus is something you don’t have to worry about, think again. According to the Liberty Voice, West Nile virus has been found in mosquitos in a number of areas in Arizona. With all likelihood, this dangerous virus could spread further through the southern United States.

The presence of mosquitos in your area will greatly increase the risk of contracting the West Nile virus and other mosquito borne illnesses. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a passive bystander in regards to the spread of this disease. By preventing the mosquitoes from breeding and spreading, you can limit the likelihood of catching this disease—or even just reduce the occurrence of itchy mosquito bites. Here are a few tips on preventing mosquito invasion in your area:

• Remove items from the yard that inadvertently collect water: Items that inadvertently collect water such as old tires, buckets and other containers provide a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Ensure that these are stored in a dry place where water cannot sit and become stagnant, allowing mosquitoes to breed. Even small amounts of water can provide a spot for mosquitoes to reproduce, so make sure that your yard is free of water-collecting containers.
• Clean/maintain items that do collect water: If you have areas or items that intentionally collect water, such as birdbaths, pools, ponds, or other bodies of water, ensure that the water is well maintained and kept clean. You can purchase devices to keep water moving to disrupt mosquitoes from breeding, or use chemicals that will stop mosquitoes from breeding in that water.
• Keep gutters and drains clean: According to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health, gutters and drains are a prime mosquito breeding area. These can quickly become clogged or blocked, giving mosquitoes prime real estate in which to lay their eggs. Cleaning these on a regular basis will ensure one less area for these pests to reproduce.
• Use natural mosquito repellent: Another good idea is to grow plants that naturally serve as deterrents to mosquitoes. These include catnip, lavender, marigold, peppermint and basil. This non-toxic method will allow you to beautify your surroundings (and provide some herbs for the kitchen!) while keeping the mosquitoes at bay.

An infestation of mosquitoes can quickly raise the likelihood of having you or your loved ones contracting West Nile virus or other deadly mosquito borne illnesses, as well as a number of nasty bites. However, by following the tips above, you can reduce the likelihood of mosquito infestation and remain healthy and bite-free.

You’ve finally decided to make your way to the attic. Your daughter no longer has need for the books that enchanted her just a few years ago, and her bedroom is running out of space with her new teenage things. You push the dusty door open to hear what seems like a thousand creepy crawlies running all over, having taken up residence among your things.

Of course, nobody wants their house infested with bugs. Spaces like attics and basements are low-traffic areas, which often store items these bugs like to eat or nest in; these areas are perfect places to call home for them.

It is therefore important to first prevent the bugs from infiltrating your home or finding it comfortable, by storing your household belongings properly. Follow these storage tips to keep your attic or basement bug free:

• Eliminate moisture: Eliminating moisture in your attic or basement is paramount in keeping these areas free from bugs such as silverfish, cockroaches or mosquitoes. Many pests use water for both breeding and sustenance, and will quickly multiply if there is moisture in the area. You can reduce moisture simply by sealing or fixing leaking pipes, or installing a dehumidifier.
• Reduce entry points: Sealing gaps can help to reduce pest infestation. Often times, broken windows or cracks may be the entry that bugs need to enter your home. Even small gaps in your windows or doors may allow these pests a way in. Holes made from installing utilities or plumbing are also especially vulnerable. Ensure that you seal all cracks or weak areas with caulk or similar material to keep bugs out.
• Protect vulnerable items: Items stored in your basement or attic such as wooden furniture, cardboard boxes and books may actually become a food source and habitat for some insects. Consider storing these items in plastic containers or covering them with plastic to stop insects from getting to them.
• Keep rugs/carpets clean: If you have a rug or carpet in your basement or attic, it’s important to keep these clean. Regularly vacuum these areas and consider properly steaming the carpets or having a commercial cleaning company service the rooms. This will remove any insects living inside, while making it more difficult for them to breed and live there in the future.
• Regular checks and maintenance: Don’t leave your items in your attic or basement and just forget about them! You should check your items regularly to ensure that there is no damage or infestation. Schedule a regular check of your basement or attic to catch any damage before an infestation gets out of control.
• Plan your space: By planning out how you will utilize your basement or attic for storage, you can reduce the risk of pest infestation. For example, by putting books and documents in one particular location instead of spreading them around, you will make any infestation easier to control due to it being in a smaller area. You can also save space, providing ventilation and reducing breeding areas.

If you’re storing items in an attic or basement, these spots may become vulnerable to bug infestation and ultimately put your items and your health at risk. However, by following these steps and practicing proper storage etiquette, you can keep your basement and attic free from insects and other pests.