July 28th, 2010
This season I am concerned about the Black Widow Spider. This species is by far the most notorious because of its toxic venom.
This spider prefers dark, quiet places to build their webs, such as garages, storage sheds, under bushes, in meter boxes or any kind of box, etc. When working in these areas, always wear gloves and be very cautious placing your arms and hands into places you can’t see. Her bite can be dangerous, so if bitten call Poison Control right away for advice and consider a trip to urgent care.
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July 15th, 2010
A successful monsoon season produces large numbers of termites, crickets, ants, flying insects of all kinds, and spiders. Most species of spiders are nontoxic and beneficial; they help control the bug population around our homes. The Orb Spider, Wolf Spider, and ever popular Tarantula always get attention. These spider species—ranging from colorful, fast, and large, respectively—can be intimidating to see in action but are actually harmless to people.
We find the fact that people fear the spider more than any other pest very interesting. Most are not dangerous, some are quite colorful, and yet the majority of us find them creepy and very uncomfortable. We guess movies depicting giant spiders attacking and invading us have not added to their appeal!
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May 19th, 2010
Scorpions are common and plentiful in Pima County, but there are some people who never encounter them. This is because they are very secretive and nocturnal. They are typically neutral in coloring, ranging from a translucent straw color to a striped brown, allowing them to camouflage easily on most natural surfaces. Adults may be just over one inch in length or may be up to three inches long, depending on the species. All true scorpions possess a toxic sting at the tip of the tail. The sting can be relatively harmless, much like a bee sting, or in some species, can be extremely toxic, causing severe symptoms in some people or even death in the elderly or in infants.
Scorpions are arthropods, related to spiders, with eight legs and a pair of pincers that are modified mouth parts. They are beneficial, feeding on cockroaches, crickets, and other pest insects. They are attracted to moisture and rocky hiding spaces. They will also hide in wood piles, wood construction, and behind loose bark. At night, scorpions come out to feed, mate, or just “porch sit” near their hiding spaces. They enter homes by accident in search of food, moisture, or shelter. Once inside, they can’t find a way out and generally do poorly, due to lack of food and other environmental conditions.
The best way to combat scorpions is to eliminate them before they get into the home. Prevent excess moisture and debris piles that may provide habitat. Eliminate loose rock piles that may provide crags and crevices for scorpions to hide in. The best way to identify existing infestations is through night inspection with an ultraviolet “black” light. Scorpions glow when exposed to this type of light! Your Conquistador Technician knows the habits and biology of scorpions. He is equipped to identify problems and to design a control and treatment program to keep your family safe from these harmful pests.
Want to take care of the scorpions once and for all? Our new program, “CONQUER ALL,” includes pest, termite, and weed services every other month for one annual fee. Give us a call at 520-624-5901 to get started.
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April 19th, 2010
One of the feared pest invaders we encounter in Southern Arizona is the scorpion. To most people, this creature appears to be prehistoric in nature and, indeed, they would be correct. Evidence suggests this arthropod has been around for millions of years; however, they used to be several feet long whereas now they are only inches long. Thank goodness!
There are many species of scorpion here in our community. The largest is the giant desert hairy scorpion, which actually has the least harmful sting. However, it can be a shock to find one in the house because of its size. The scorpion most commonly found in the house is the bark scorpion. It is smaller both in length and bulk than most species. Because its body is small and thin, it can enter a home more easily (see “help tips” below). Scorpions are more difficult to control; however, by utilizing the correct materials, properly placing such materials, and properly maintaining yards, these invaders can be controlled. We at Conquistador are privileged to provide these services to all who require it.
Some Tips on keeping your home Scorpion Free
Scorpions usually enter homes through loose fitting doors and window screens. Inspect the doors by checking them from inside the house. Look under and around the door; if you see light, a scorpion may enter. Weather stripping or a new door sweep should be installed. Window screens should also fit tightly. Lastly, keep lights off and change to yellow bulbs. This decreases other bugs’ attraction to the light, which also decreases the bugs that a scorpion could feed on.
Want to take care of the scorpions once and for all? Our new program, “CONQUER ALL,” includes pest, termite, and weed services every other month for one annual fee. Give us a call at 520-624-5901 to get started.
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March 18th, 2010
OK, while technically not a “critter,” weeds are definitely a pest! Before we know it, the hot days and warm nights of summer will make it specially difficult to keep up with their soon-to-be proliferation. Using herbicides in early spring is the best time to begin pre-emergent spraying for summer weeds, before they begin to sprout. Pre-emergent herbicide must be applied early, since it is not effective once a seedling has fully sprouted. Post-emergent treatment (as the name suggests) is applied after the weeds are visible above ground.
Staying one step ahead of the weeds increases the value of your individual curb appeal, and it’s part of a larger community effort to control invasive species that contribute to the decline of native species and to the prevalence of summertime wildfires. Invasive, non-native plants cause our beautiful wildflowers and other beneficial species to compete for our precious little water and soil nourishment. As for wildfires, Buffelgrass, once considered a harmless roadside weed, now rampantly grows throughout Tucson. “Buffelgrass is like taking a kiddie pool, filling it with gas, and putting it in your front yard,” says Kevin Kincaid, a fire inspector for Rural/Metro, a private emergency services provider. He now urges residents to spray and remove as much of the grass as they can, to help protect their homes and communities.
Want to take care of the weeds once and for all? Our new program, “CONQUER ALL,” includes pest, termite, and weed services every other month for one annual fee. Give us a call at 520-624-5901.
Tags: weed control tucson
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