Ever wonder how insects survive the brutal summer temperatures in Las Vegas? In fact, many types of insects don’t only need warm temperatures to survive—hot weather helps them thrive! Many pests are less active in the winter, and rising temperatures typically signal the beginning of pest season. It goes without saying, then, that Las Vegas summers are ideal for a number of insects who enjoy the temperatures that reach well over 100 degrees on a daily basis. At Western Exterminator of Las Vegas, we want to help our neighbors learn which insects and pests are most common in our extreme desert heat.
Common Summertime Pests in Las Vegas
Higher temperatures encourage pests to breed more rapidly, especially when the warm season begins in the spring. This typically leads to an increase in insect population and a sped-up life cycle. Some of the pests and insects you’re likely to see more often in the summertime include:
- Cockroaches
- Scorpions
- Wasps
- Mosquitoes
- Ants
- Termites
- Silverfish
- Crickets
Bark Scorpions in the Summer
During the winter in Las Vegas, which sees surprisingly cold temperatures, bark scorpions enter into hibernation. While they are rarely seen between September and April, there’s still a chance to notice one or two. That said, the summer is their peak season. Because there are so many insects that thrive in the desert heat, bark scorpions are all the more likely to seek out areas full of them, including near or in your home. For this reason alone, it’s essential to receive regular pest control services that can prevent bark scorpions from finding reason to be near your home.
Preventing Summertime Pests in Las Vegas
If you live in Las Vegas, you probably already dread days that exceed 100 degrees, which are often. The abundance of insects and pests during this time of year doesn’t make it any better! Because these pests and insects are inevitable during this time of year, it’s important to enlist the help of a professional pest control company who can better prepare you for the onslaught of cockroaches, wasps, and bark scorpions during warm months. Western Exterminator of Las Vegas has more than 20 years of experience providing relief from pests in the summer throughout the valley—call us today to find out more about our prevention methods!
Some species of cockroaches, especially the American cockroach, are often mistaken for water bugs, and it’s easy to see why. Water bugs share many of the same physical characteristics as cockroaches, but there are key differences between the two insects that are important to take into account. Cockroaches are unfortunately quite common in the Las Vegas area, with four species in particular being the most common: American, brown-banded, German, and oriental cockroaches.
American cockroaches are the type most commonly misidentified as water bugs. While both the American cockroach and the water bug are reddish-brown in color, their similarities stop there. Water bugs are typically larger than cockroaches (2 or more inches), prefer to be in the water, and are avid hunters that subdue their prey with a powerful enzyme. American cockroaches, on the other hand, will eat anything they come across and are not hunters by nature; in fact, they are known to be shy pests that will scamper and never bite people. The main difference between these two is the conclusion that cockroaches are pests that can carry diseases and germs, while water bugs are not considered to be pests.
In addition to the American cockroach, there are three other types that are frequently seen in the Las Vegas area: brown-banded, German, and Oriental cockroaches. Some of their identifying characteristics and habits are as follows:
Oriental cockroaches: This type of cockroach is nearly black in color with a shiny exterior, making them look much different from other cockroaches. Also often called water bugs, they prefer to live in sewers or other damp, dark areas.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
