The Southwest has a unique climate. Hot and dry for much of the year. But pests still find a way to survive. In fact, many pests thrive in the desert heat. If you live in Arizona, Texas, Nevada, or New Mexico, here is what you need to know about local pests.
Ants are everywhere in the Southwest. Fire ants, harvester ants, and carpenter ants are all common in Texas and Arizona. Fire ants are especially dangerous. They sting and their venom causes painful welts. In Texas, fire ant mounds can be huge. They damage lawns and can get into electrical boxes. In Arizona, ants often come inside looking for water during dry periods. Keeping your home clean and sealing cracks helps keep them out.
Cockroaches love the heat. The large American cockroach is very common in the South and Southwest. In Texas and Arizona, they are often called water bugs. They come inside looking for moisture. They can enter through pipes, drains, and gaps under doors. In the desert, any source of water attracts them. Fix leaky faucets and keep your bathroom dry.
Rodents hide from the heat. In the desert, rats and mice look for cool places during the day. Your attic is a perfect spot. Roof rats are common in Arizona and Texas. They climb trees and jump onto roofs. They chew through wiring and can cause fires. Trim trees away from your roof and seal any holes in your attic.
What you can do. Seal all cracks in your foundation and around pipes. Keep your home dry inside. Trim trees and bushes away from your house. Store firewood away from your foundation. If you see fire ants, cockroaches, or signs of rodents, call a professional. USPC helps homeowners across the Southwest.
