Venomous Pests Control Albuquerque, NM
Let’s face it, some parts of the country get more than their share of venomous pests. For residents of Albuquerque, the threat of venomous species, from fire ants and black widows to giant desert centipedes and coral snakes, is a natural part of life in the desert. More than just a nuisance, several types of venomous creatures slithering or crawling in or near your home can present serious danger with painful bites and stings that can kill. A pest control company that doesn’t only eradicate venomous intruders to your home but also works to control their future populations is an invaluable peace of mind. Here are some of the major venomous threats found in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Fire ants
Although Albuquerque has many varieties of ants, the imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) and Southern fire ants (Solenopsis xyloni) are both extremely venomous and aggressive. Both species are small, red in appearance and attack in large numbers. Although the imported fire ants are more aggressive, resulting in 30,000 incidents each year that require medical attention, they are concentrated in large mounds and found outside homes. Southern fire ants are also venomous and while less aggressive, are known to infest homes. They are attracted to laundry areas and have been known to chew the insulation from electrical wiring.
Tarantula Hawk
Officially the state insect of New Mexico, the tarantula hawk is neither a tarantula nor is it a hawk. Instead, it is the largest wasp species of the Western hemisphere, growing to the size of an average person’s palm. Tarantula hawks don’t live in colonies but instead hunt tarantulas alone, injecting a powerful venom that paralyzes their prey before laying eggs on the still living spider. The tarantula hawk makes the list despite its less aggressive nature because its sting is second only to the South American bullet ant on the Schmidt Pain index.
Giant desert centipede
The giant desert centipede (Scolopendra heros) grows to approximately 20cm in length with a black head and red body. It is known to hunt crickets, lizards, insects, spiders and even mice. Though not usually fatal to humans, the painful bite of the centipede is not an experience that most people would like to repeat.
Rattlesnakes and coral snakes
Albuquerque is inhabited by two deadly species of venomous snakes. The rattlesnake is the most common venomous snake and can be easily identified by its warning rattle while the coral snake’s distinctive color pattern serve to warn people of its danger. Both snakes are highly toxic and can be lethal to their victims and it is highly recommended to call pest control experts when they are spotted nearby.
Black widows and brown spiders
Both the infamous black widow with her hourglass marking and the brown spider, cousin to the highly venomous brown recluse, can be found in Albuquerque. The black widow delivers a powerful bite with a venom that causes spasms throughout the body and which can be lethal to small children. Though less well-known, the three species of brown spiders also deliver a powerful venom in their bite that has killed children and care should be taken to avoid both and to consult professionals in removing them in and around homes.
Bark Scorpions and whip scorpions
Two venomous species of scorpions are common in Albuquerque, but the bark scorpion is the most serious threat. Lightly colored and only one and a half inches in length, the bark scorpion likes to hide in dark places and often comes out at night. Because it is particularly dangerous for children, parents should take steps to protect cribs from bark scorpions at night using netting and placing the crib legs into jars to prevent scorpions from climbing inside. Its bite can be not only extremely painful but can also cause slurred speech, rapid eye movements, muscle spasms drooling and respiratory problems. Experienced pest control experts can help to remove nesting locations before bark scorpions move in, preventing them from posing a threat.
Pest Control in Albuquerque
While living with numerous venomous species may be a fact of life, living in fear of them doesn’t have to be. Pest control experts have a range of tools in their arsenal as well as the standard poisons. In addition to traditional extermination, experts in pest control can locate and neutralize common nesting sites, employ natural ant remedies (such as diatoms) and erect specialized fences made to keep out snakes, as well as many other strategies to control venomous species. After all, preventing venomous species from entering in the first place is better than killing them after they’re already inside.