It’s officially the first day of spring here in Las Vegas, meaning warmer weather is headed our way. Increasing temperatures and rainy weather in the springtime encourage a variety of insects and pests to emerge after spending most of the winter in a dormant state. The best way to prepare for spring pests is to know what types you should expect to see as spring progresses. The top 5 springtime pests in the Las Vegas Valley are as follows:

Bark Scorpions in Las Vegas

Not only is the bark scorpion the most common scorpion in the nation, it is also the most venomous and will attack if threatened. A few things to remember about bark scorpions include:

They are tan in color, have 8 legs, grow up to 3 inches in length, and have a thin tail with a curved stinger.
Bark scorpions prefer to make their home under rocks, in crevices, and in trees outdoors. Inside, they can be found trapped in sinks or bathtubs when not climbing walls.
Their sting is highly venomous and should be considered a serious health risk that should be attended to by a medical professional as soon as possible.

The Prevalence of Sugar Ants

Also known as odorous house ants, sugar ant infestations are notoriously difficult to manage. Sugar ants are either black or brown in color, grow to no more than 1/8″, and, true to their name, emit a strong odor when smashed. While sugar ants don’t pose a serious health risk, it’s important to know the following facts:

They are capable of contaminating food in your home as they forage.
Odorous house ants do not bite people.
They are known to be one of the most difficult pests to eliminate.

Africanized Honey Bee Facts

Africanized honey bees are a hybrid species of the western honey bee, and they are frequently found in the Las Vegas area. A few facts to remember about Africanized honey bees include:

Often known as “killer bees”, these bees are fiercely aggressive and known to attack anyone they feel threatened by.
They closely resemble European honey bees, but their aggression makes them stand out as more dangerous.
Nests can be found anywhere and everywhere around your home, often in places common to human activity.

The American Cockroach Dilemma

American cockroaches are large red-brown roaches in the southwest, and adults can grow to be 1½ inches in length. American cockroaches exhibit some of the following behaviors that separate them from other types of cockroaches:

They are found in large numbers in restaurants, family homes, and hospitals.
American cockroaches do not cause structural damage but can contaminate food and can be vectors of disease as they carry around germs and bacteria.
They can be extremely difficult to get rid of especially when the infestation is large.

All About Roof Rats

Roof rats are smaller than Norway rats, but possess a longer tail and bigger ears. True to their name, roof rats nest in high areas such as trees or attic spaces. Some of the threats of roof rats include:

They have a fast reproduction rate.
They are carriers for a variety of diseases and bacteria.
Roof rats can quickly damage their environment by chewing through wires, wood, and food, leaving destruction in their wake.

Professional Help With Springtime Pests

If you notice any of the aforementioned pests this spring, it’s smart to call a professional who can check for signs of nests and populations. At Western Exterminator, we are dedicated to helping our customers stay pest-free throughout every season.