The Sphinx Moth Caterpillar Guide: Are They Dangerous? December 6, 2023 - By: Nathan Woolf One look at a sphinx moth caterpillar and it’s easy to picture a terrorizing menace in your garden, devouring every cherished plant in its path. Though, the real story behind these boldly adorned larvae is a little different. While there is no doubt their hearty appetite can create agriculture issues, these caterpillars aren’t the troublemakersRead more
The Millipedes in Arizona Guide: Are They Poisonous? October 3, 2023 - By: Nathan Woolf Millipedes in Arizona may not be the first creatures that come to mind when thinking about the state’s diverse wildlife. However, these multi-legged arthropods are both intriguing and misunderstood. While they might seem like something out of a science fiction movie with their numerous legs and elongated bodies, millipedes play a vital role in theRead more
Occasional Invaders: What Are They and What Can We Do About Them? August 16, 2023 - By: Bob Gilbert, Board Certified Entomologist What is an occasional invader? Seems simple enough, a bug that randomly wanders into your home. Well, that may be true but it’s a bit more complicated than that. Here we are going to look at what exactly is meant by “occasional invader” and what pests in Arizona are common invaders. We will also lookRead more
How to Kill Scorpions the DIY Way July 24, 2023 - By: Nathan Woolf Scorpions are ancient creatures, dating back over 435 million years. They were possibly the first animals to colonize the land which makes them far, far older than the dinosaurs. In all that time they have adapted extremely well to survive both harsh conditions and predators, including humans, which makes them a challenging pest to control.Read more
Pack Rats in Arizona: How to Get Rid of Them June 13, 2023 - By: Nathan Woolf In the scenic landscapes of Arizona, amidst its breathtaking deserts and majestic mountains, a silent invader lurks within the shadows – the pack rat. These resourceful rodents, known for their hoarding tendencies and stealthy nature, have adapted to survive in the arid terrain of the Southwest. However, their relentless search for shelter and sustenance canRead more
What Sort of Damage Do Rodents Cause? May 4, 2023 - By: Nathan Woolf Rodents are a headache for homeowners across the globe, and Arizona is no exception. From rats and mice to gophers and ground squirrels, these small creatures can cause significant damage to homes, gardens, and other property. Not only do rodents cause structural damage, chewing through walls and electrical wiring, but they spread diseases and contaminateRead more
The Guide to Arizona Desert Hairy Scorpions: Are They Venomous? March 27, 2023 - By: Nathan Woolf A giant hairy scorpion…sounds like the thing of nightmares. The Arizona desert hairy scorpion, also known as the giant desert hairy scorpion, is actually more fascinating than scary. Found in the southwestern United States and Mexico, these scorpions have an impressive size and a distinctive ‘hairy’ appearance. While many have heard of these scorpions, thereRead more
A Guide to Mosquitoes in Arizona February 17, 2023 - By: Nathan Woolf In Arizona, mosquitoes are thought of as a nuisance. Worldwide, mosquitoes are known as the number one cause of death, killing hundreds of thousands of people annually. Thankfully, in Arizona, mosquitoes don’t have the same impact as they do in third-world countries, but they do have the potential to carry diseases like Yellow Fever, St.Read more
The Guide To Wolf Spiders In Arizona: Are They Venomous? December 22, 2022 - By: Nathan Woolf One wolf spider in Arizona is considered the largest species in North America: The Carolina wolf spider, Hogna carolinensis, which can reach up to an inch in length! These nocturnal arachnids are quite hairy and can be identified by the dark marks along their legs and body. Keep reading to discover how to identify wolfRead more
What are Termite Mud Tubes? November 21, 2022 - By: Nathan Woolf People often ask, “What are termite mud tubes?” Unfortunately, termites are extremely common in the Phoenix area. Mud tubes are pathways termites use to connect colonies in the soil to food sources above ground. Tubes work as a shelter to protect termites from predators. In addition, these tunnels lock in moisture needed for termites toRead more