Effectively managing pests is a key way to prevent individuals from experiencing vector-borne diseases and microbial diseases and infections, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Thankfully, there are very few deadly pests lurking around Arizona. But the ones that do live among the Arizonian population can be very dangerous. So, which pests in Arizona should you be the wariest of?
Africanized Honey Bees
Africanized Honey Bees are also known as Killer Bees. It’s estimated that 90% of all Honey Bees living in Arizona are Africanized. It’s hard to tell whether a bee in Arizona is a simple Honey Bee or an Africanized variety as they look very similar. The only difference is that Africanized Honey Bees are slightly smaller. Africanized Honey Bees are very aggressive, particularly when they feel that their hive is under threat. They also tend to swarm in large numbers which can result in thousands of bee stings. In 2021, an Arizonian man lost his life after Africanized Honey Bees from a 100 lb hive attacked him. Multiple other people were stung too. These bees should only ever be removed by a professional bee service. You should also regularly check your landscape for signs of a bee nest as it can take just days for them to build a home.
Dangerous arachnids
Arizona is home to many species of spiders, including the Brown Recluse Spider, Western Black Widow, Wolf Spider, and Tarantula. One of the most dangerous spiders in Arizona is the Black Widow Spider. Every year, around 2,500 Americans have to visit poison control centers for treatment following a bite from one of these creatures. You can keep Black Widows out of your home by keeping a clean and tidy kitchen, minimizing clutter, and sealing up entry points to your home, such as cracks and holes. The Arizona Brown Spider is another spider to be on the lookout for. A bite from one of these can result in permanent tissue death if treatment isn’t quickly received.
Venomous snakes
21 venomous snakes can currently be found in Arizona. These include the Rattlesnake, Arizona Coral Snake, and Mexican Vine Snake. There are no recorded snake bite deaths in Arizona in recent years, which is good news. But, snakes are dangerous and can cause serious damage with just one bite. After being bitten by a snake, immediate medical treatment should be sought. A bite from a venomous snake can cause irreversible tissue damage, kidney failure, allergic reaction, blood loss, and amputation. You can deter snakes from your property by removing grass from your land. Keeping your garden neat and tidy will help, too. Other things you can do to keep snakes away include putting powdered sulfur down in your garden, spraying essential oils around, and removing water and pet food.
Dangerous and deadly pests are a common problem in Arizona. The chance of being seriously injured by a pest is low, but you do need to take precautions to keep yourself and your family safe.