As spring comes into bloom, so too come the spring pests. Ease your spring cleaning efforts by learning the pests that you need to prepare for in Albuquerque.

Black Widows/Scorpions

Spiders can sometimes become a problem during the spring awakening, but you really need to watch for the black widow. Black widows are potentially poisonous to humans because the venom of the female contains a neurotoxin known as latrotoxin. Although only the bite of the female is dangerous, you should not waste time trying to determine the gender – just get rid of them all!

You can identify a black widow by its dark brown or black exterior with an orange or red hourglass on the lower abdomen. The dorsal abdomen may have white or red spots. Pest controlling for all spiders will have a substantial effect on the black widow as well!

A scorpion is easily identified by its long tail. They usually come in packs. If you see one inside, you likely have more around your property. Call a professional immediately, as a scorpion sting can be fatal if you are allergic to their toxins!

Rodents

Albuquerque is known for “cute rodent” infestations that tend to cycle. One year may be cute white mice; another year may be squirrels; another year may be prairie dogs. However cute these rodents may be, they are potentially dangerous to the infrastructure of your home. They also tend to leave droppings around the house that can become unsanitary, and they are a real danger to your pets, who may become sick if they are bitten by a wild rodent.

You may be able to tell that you have been infested by rodents through a pungent smell. That smell is rodent urine, which is potentially as annoying an allergen as pollen.

Rattlesnakes

As rodents and small animals move into warm Albuquerque residential areas in the spring, the rattlesnake may follow. The main source of food for the rattlesnake is the small rodent, so they will naturally follow that food source and become a potential poisonous threat to your household.

If you see a rattlesnake, professionals advise that you do not approach it bodily. You may drive it into a hidden place and lose its location, and it may surprise you at a later time. Call a Albuquerque pest control company immediately in order to safely remove a rattlesnake from your home.