Arizona is an amazing place. It is a place of extremes and such a place helps to create some amazing creatures. This article focuses on some of the deadliest pests around Phoenix.

Bark Scorpion

Centruroides sculpturatus is a small brownish scorpion in the 2-3 inch range. The sting of a bark scorpion is considered a life threatening event. These are agile creatures that can climb walls, and they don’t mind moving in with you. This is the deadliest bug living in the Phoenix area.

Brown Recluse Spider

Loxosceles reclusa  is a shy spider that likes to hide in “things.” Its venom is not usually deadly, but it can produce death. The CDC classifies the venom of a brown recluse spider as a necrotic toxin making this one of the areas most a dangerous bugs. If bitten seek medical attention.

Black Widow Spider

Latrodectus  mactans is another spider that has medical grade toxins and that is shy. You often find black widows in places where there is little disturbance. Wood piles, sheds, garages, and other places where we store things and do not disturb those things often. These spiders produce a neurotoxin. If bitten seek medical attention immediately.

Africanized Honey Bees

Apis mellifera is one of the deadliest bugs found in Arizona. Arizona does not have many deadly bugs, but this hybrid species of a honey bee can kill.  They are also known as “Killer Bees.” These are social bees and when disturbed they release an attack pheromone which signals the entire hive to go on the offensive. If you are allergic to bee stings, you are already in trouble, but these bees can kill adults who have no allergic reaction. They do so by stinging their victim as a hive in excess of a thousand times.

Arizona Coral Snake

Micruroides euryxanthus is a small, brightly colored snake not usually longer than 21 inches. The snake’s venom is comparable to that the legendary venom produced by cobras. The snake is often confused with non-venomous snakes. If bitten seek medical attention immediately.

Rattlesnake

Arizona is home to both the Western Diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) and the Mohave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus.) Both snakes are shy, but will not hesitate to strike and inject venom if threatened. If a rattlesnake is seen in your yard, call us immediately. There might be a colony of them nearby which a professional pest control company could locate. If bitten seek medical attention for treatment. The bite of a rattlesnake is not life threatening if treated immediately.

Gila Monster

Heloderma suspectum is not only a cool name, it is a cool lizard that has a remarkable ability among lizards found in American. It is venomous. Gila Monsters are considered near threatened and have legal protection. Do not kill them. Call us remove the little monster and relocate it. The venom of the Gila Monster is on the same level as a coral snake. They do not inject venom, but secret it while they bite. If bitten you should seek medical attention. Their venom is consider a necrotic toxin.

Many of these pests wander the desert looking for food or mates. It is not uncommon that they will cross paths with humans. Do not attempt to capture any of these creatures. For pest management services in Phoenix and throughout the surrounding areas, call Preventive Pest Control in Phoenix. Get a FREE Quote now!