Termite Damage Scorpions
Ants
Cockroach
Termites Damage More Homes than Fires & Storms
Few insects strike as much fear in the hearts and the bank accounts of home owners in the U.S. than the lowly termite.
Termites account for more than $1 billion in property damage to over 600,000 homes a year, more than the annual dollar damage value from fires and storms. There are more than 2000 termite species in the U.S. Different treatments are used to deal with specific kinds of termites as well as the stage of their development.
Termite control in the homes has three basic facets: prevention, barrier application or baiting and elimination. You, as a home owner, can easily discourage termite infestations by never stacking old scraps of lumber or firewood next to a home and by calling a pest management professional once a year to make sure the termites haven't gained access.
Always ask your pest control
professional as many questions as possible in order to fully understand the
treatment and your role in preparing for it.
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| We Have Scorpions in Arizona! |
Scorpions have four pairs of legs. They also have pincers, called pedipalps, which look like lobster claws. Adult scorpions are usually pale gold or tan in color. They are between 2 and 6 inches long and have a venom bulb at the end of a long tail.
There are 90
species of scorpions in the United States and 1,500 species worldwide. There are over 30 species in Arizona.
Scorpions hide
under rocks or debris. They live in crawl spaces.
They hide during
the day. Check your shoes and clothes before putting them on if you live
in an area where there are likely to be scorpions.
If you live in an area where there is a lot of construction, you may be more likely to find scorpions inside because their outdoor habitat has been disturbed.
They can live for
months on just water. Because they are looking for water, you may find them
in or under sinks or tubs.
Scorpions sting. But you knew that, or you wouldn't be reading this! A
scorpion sting may result in some pain, itching, swelling, or tenderness of the
area. If you are stung by a scorpion,
here's what you do.
Ninety percent of all scorpion stings
occur on the hands. Only one species of
scorpion venom is considered dangerous to humans. Yup, it's right here in
Arizona.
It is called the Bark Scorpion. It is straw colored
or opaque and less than 2 inches long. The Bark Scorpion is most dangerous if the person stung has an allergic
reaction.
Bad news: every year many people die from scorpion stings. Good news: hardly anyone ever dies in Arizona, because antivenin is readily available.
and each other.
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- Recognize scorpion sting symptoms: immediate pain or burning, very little swelling, sensitivity to touch, and a numbness/tingling sensation. A Bark Scorpion is poisonous.
- The Bark Scorpion sting may have additional symptoms such as numbness or tingling of extremities or face, blurry vision, or muscle twitching.
- When stung by a Bark Scorpion, children may start to exhibit hyperactivity and have roving eye movements.
- If you are victim of a scorpion sting, wash the area with soap and water. Apply a cool compress on the area of the scorpion sting.
- Call the Poison Control Center at (800)
362-0101 or (602) 253-3334. If you develop symptoms of a Bark Scorpion sting, go to the nearest emergency
room.
Keep your tetanus shots and boosters current.
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They're
everywhere. They eat almost anything! They have few natural predators. Home
owners find that Ants
are among the most difficult-to-control pests in the world.
The National Pest Control Association says pest control experts list 27 common varieties of house-infesting ants in the U.S. In most cases, ants are merely a nuisance, but some species can cause damage. This damage includes contaminating food, destroying seeds, damaging plants, and attacking and injuring (sometimes killing) animals, including humans. Fire ants, common throughout the south, attack and produce a painful sting.
Structural damage by insects is not limited to termites. Carpenter ants can damage structures sometimes to a greater extend than termites. They can excavate wood and create smooth flowing tunnels, weakening a structure.
Ant control in a home depends on the species since their behavioral patterns, likes and dislikes often differ. Various insecticides and baits are available over the counter, however, their effectiveness is sometimes limited. Professional pest control companies employ and train technicians in this complex art of ant control. [ Top ]
The American Cockroach
The
adults are about 1 ½ inches long and shiny, chestnut brown. There are yellow
marking on the region behind the head. The immatures are uniformly dark brown
and lack wings. The egg case is about 3/8 inch long and dark brown.
Periplaneta americana) This cockroach occurs outdoors and indoors, and often infests basements and sewer systems. These large cockroaches are capable of flying, but usually remain on the ground. The female produces an egg case every month for about 10 months; there are about 16 eggs per egg case.
Limiting the movement of these
cockroaches from sewer systems to basements may be done with screens placed over
drains. Sticky traps may help to locate infested sites. Chemical control in the
form of aerosols, dusts or baits directed at these infested sites will provide
control.
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