As autumn settles in Tucson, the cooler temperatures bring a welcome change from the intense summer heat. While we enjoy the pleasant weather, it’s also a time when certain pests seek shelter, warmth, and food in and around our homes. Knowing what to watch for can help you protect your property and family from these unwanted November visitors.
This guide will walk you through the most common pests you might encounter in Tucson this month. We’ll cover what attracts them, the problems they can cause, and how you can prevent them from becoming a bigger issue.
What Pests Are Common in Tucson During November?
As the Sonoran Desert cools, many insects and rodents change their behavior. Some become more active as they prepare for winter, while others look for a cozy place to wait out the colder months. Here are the top pests to be aware of in Tucson this November.
Scorpions
Arizona is famous for its scorpions, and unfortunately, they don’t completely disappear in the fall. While their activity might decrease slightly, species like the Arizona bark scorpion remain a threat. They often seek refuge from the cooler nights inside homes.
- Where to find them: Scorpions are nocturnal and excellent climbers. They can be found in dark, undisturbed places like closets, shoes, laundry piles, and crawl spaces. Outdoors, they hide under rocks, logs, and debris.
- Risks: A sting from a scorpion can be very painful. The Arizona bark scorpion is the most venomous species in North America, and its sting can be particularly dangerous for children, the elderly, and those with allergies.
- Prevention tips: Seal any cracks and gaps around your home’s foundation, windows, and doors. Clear away yard debris, and be cautious when bringing firewood inside. It’s also wise to shake out shoes and clothing before putting them on.
Pack Rats
Also known as white-throated woodrats, pack rats are notorious for building large, messy nests out of desert materials like cactus parts and sticks. As temperatures drop, they may try to move their operations into attics, sheds, or even the engine bays of vehicles.
- Where to find them: Their nests are often found at the base of cacti or trees, but they will gladly move into warm, sheltered areas. Look for signs of gnawing, droppings, and cluttered nests.
- Risks: Pack rats can cause significant damage by chewing through electrical wiring, which creates a serious fire hazard. They also carry diseases and can bring fleas and ticks into your home.
- Prevention tips: Keep your yard tidy and remove potential nesting materials. Seal any openings into your home that are larger than a quarter. If you have a pack rat problem, professional removal is recommended, as they can be persistent.
Termites
Termites are a year-round threat in Arizona, but their behavior changes with the seasons. Subterranean termites may be less visible on the surface during cooler months, but they are still actively foraging underground and within the walls of your home.
- Where to find them: Termites consume wood from the inside out, so an infestation can go unnoticed for a long time. Look for mud tubes on foundation walls, hollow-sounding wood, and discarded wings from swarms.
- Risks: Termites cause billions of dollars in property damage across the United States each year. An untreated infestation can compromise the structural integrity of your home.
- Prevention tips: Ensure there is no wood-to-soil contact around your home’s foundation. Fix any leaks to reduce moisture, which attracts termites. An annual professional termite inspection is the best way to catch problems early.
Spiders
Like scorpions, spiders may move indoors during November to find warmth and prey. Common spiders in Tucson include black widows and brown recluses, both of which have medically significant venom.
- Where to find them: Spiders prefer quiet, dark areas. You might find them in corners, basements, attics, and garages. Black widows often build their messy, irregular webs near the ground.
- Risks: A bite from a black widow or brown recluse can require medical attention. While most other common house spiders are harmless, their presence can be unsettling for many people.
- Prevention tips: Regularly clean and declutter storage areas. Seal cracks and install tight-fitting screens on windows and doors. Professional pest control can create a barrier around your home to keep spiders out.
How to Protect Your Home This Fall
Taking a few proactive steps can make your home much less attractive to November pests.
- Seal Entry Points: Conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior. Use caulk to seal cracks in the foundation, around pipes, and near windows and doors.
- Maintain Your Yard: Keep landscaping trimmed back from the house. Remove piles of leaves, wood, and other debris that can provide shelter for pests.
- Manage Moisture: Fix leaky faucets and pipes promptly. Ensure your sprinklers aren’t overwatering near the foundation.
- Store Food Properly: Keep food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs and spills immediately to avoid attracting pests like cockroaches and rodents.
- Schedule a Professional Inspection: The best defense is a good offense. A professional pest evaluation can identify potential problems you might have missed.
Your Partner in Tucson Pest Control
Living in the Sonoran Desert means sharing the landscape with a unique variety of wildlife. While it’s a beautiful environment, you don’t have to share your home with its pests. Since 1947, Arizona Pest Control has provided reliable, family-friendly pest management services to residents throughout Tucson and Southern Arizona. Our licensed technicians use the latest methods to protect your home from termites, scorpions, pack rats, and more.
If you’re seeing signs of pests this November, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation home evaluation and let our family help protect yours.
