Whether you’re playing in the woods, working at home, or sitting in your yard, there’s a whole slew of summer-loving bugs you’re likely to encounter in Arizona.
Many of these insects are brought in greater numbers by monsoon weather. Some are a nuisance; others are just plain icky. But you don’t have to worry – most of them are harmless to people and pets. The majority are even good for the environment.
But if you’re concerned or just don’t like creepy crawlies, here are some precautions you can take to keep them out of your living spaces, along with fun facts about common insects in metro Phoenix and across the state in the summer.
Mosquitoes in Arizona:Why are there so many? What diseases do they carry?
Mosquitoes
What is the purpose of mosquitoes? Mosquitoes are annoying, but they play a role in the ecosystem. They are natural pollinators, and they are part of the food chain. They are eaten by aquatic insects and fish in their larval stage and by bats and birds in their adult stage.
Can mosquitoes hurt you? In addition to inflicting itchy bites, mosquitoes spread West Nile and other viruses. Eight out of 10 people infected with West Nile virus develop no symptoms. Those who do may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.
Should you try to kill them? You don’t have to kill mosquitoes, but you do have to prevent them from breeding. Eliminate sources of standing water, especially after storms. Larvae live in water, so the best way to get rid of them is to reduce the number of places where mosquitoes can breed. Adult mosquitoes can be managed by using traps or spraying pesticides, although these can affect people and pets, so research whether they are suitable for your situation.
Mosquito season in Phoenix:How bad is the summer of 2022 likely to be?
Moths
What is the purpose of moths? According to Gene Hall, insect collection manager at the University of Arizona in Tucson, moths are an important food source for birds, bats and some reptiles and amphibians. Moths are also considered natural pruners as they eat plants. Hall says moths generally don’t do enough damage to a plant to kill it.
Can moths hurt you? Moths don’t bite. They do not have chewing mandibles like other insects.
Should you try to kill them? There is no need to use pesticides or chemical controls. Adjust your environment to stop moths from swarming if they bother you. Turn off exterior lights when not needed. Consider replacing bright lights with yellow bulbs, which are less attractive to moths.
Moths:Are you seeing more of them in Phoenix? Here’s what’s going on
Palo verde beetles
What is the purpose of palo verde beetles? These large black beetles with long antennae are food for predators such as coyotes and birds, says Shaku Nair, an entomologist and integrated pest management expert at the University of Arizona.
Can palo verde beetles hurt you? If left alone, palo verde beetles will not hurt you. They may bite if you pick them up, as a way to defend themselves or escape. Worried about your furry friend? Don’t be. Palo verde beetles are also not poisonous.
Should you try to kill them? There is no need to kill them – adult beetles only live about one month. If you want to get rid of them, pour a bucket of soapy water on them.
This is palo verde beetle summer:Here’s what to do besides feeling out
Ants
What is the purpose of ants? Their main task is to recycle dead flora and fauna. They eat a variety of organic matter which then becomes food for many other organisms. Ants also aerate the soil, so that water and oxygen can reach plant roots.
Can ants hurt you? There are over 12,000 species of ants and not all of them bite. But Arizona does have biting ants. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a stinging ant will grab you with its pincers and release a chemical irritant called formic acid into your skin. Bites are itchy but rarely dangerous.
Should you try to kill them? Insecticides kill ants, but can be dangerous to humans and animals. Help control ants by removing things that attract them. Don’t leave food out, seal your trash and wash counters and other surfaces with equal parts vinegar and water.
Crane flies
What is the purpose of crane flies? In a 2020 interview with the University of Arizona, Michael Bogan, assistant professor of aquatic biology at UA, discussed the importance of crane flies to the environment. Bogan said that during their larval stage, crane flies decompose organic matter. They eat leaves, plants and material in the soil or water where they live.
Can crane flies hurt you? Crane flies are gentle giants. These large mosquito-seeking insects do not bite, nor do they sting. Their only purpose as adults is to fly around, mate and lay eggs.
Should you try to kill them? No need – they won’t be long. Adults have a lifespan of 10 to 15 days. Shoot them outside if they come into your house.
More:Those bugs that look like giant mosquitoes? Here’s what they are
Ground beetles
What is the purpose of ground beetles? According to eorganic.org, carabids like ground beetles help reduce weeds and insect pests.
Can ground beetles hurt you? Ground beetles are not harmful and do not bite humans.
Should you try to kill them? If you see large numbers, don’t worry, they will decrease as the rainy season passes. To keep them out of your home, seal entry points such as windows, doors, screens, cracks and crevices. You can also cut off their food supply. Ground beetles mostly hunt at night. Turn off lights that you are not using so that insects will not be attracted to them.
Black beetles:Here’s why they’re swarming in Phoenix right now and how to get rid of them
Scorpions
What is the purpose of scorpions? Scorpions are not insects, they are arachnids. But you’ll probably see them in the summer, so we’re including them. Scorpions are predators and feed on spiders, centipedes and even other scorpions.
Can scorpions hurt you? There are over 50 species of scorpions in Arizona and all are venomous. But they only sting when they feel threatened. Stitches are painful but not usually dangerous. However, bark scorpion venom can be dangerous for young children or people with health problems. Seek treatment if you have a bad reaction to a sting.
Should you try to kill them? If you find a scorpion outdoors, it’s best to leave it alone. If you find one in your home, kill it or remove it carefully. To keep scorpions out, seal cracks in your home, doors and windows, and clear your property of possible hiding spaces such as piles of wood or plant debris.
Crickets
What is the purpose of cricket? Crickets help to accelerate the decay of organic matter such as dead animals, insects and leaves.
Can crickets hurt you? Crickets cannot hurt people, but they can damage your property and belongings by chewing on carpets, fabrics and surfaces.
Should you try to kill them? You can use insecticides or glue traps to control crickets in your home. To prevent them from entering, limit outdoor lighting. Use yellow lights instead of bright white lights. Seal cracks and gaps in the foundation of your home or other access points such as doors and windows.
You can contact Arizona Republic Culture and Outdoors Reporter Shanti Lerner by email at shanti.lerner@gannett.com or you can also follow her at Twitter.
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