Your guide to AZ bugs (Phoenix, Sedona: apartment complex, homes, buying)

[jjbv]

FYI... Yes the Brown Recluse do venture into Phoenix as I have had three outside my house in the last month. We do live right next door to a mountain and have had a number of bugs, our next door neighbors have had scorpions too. I have also killed a male black widow, the only problem is when you find the male... The female is around somewhere! I know what I'm talking about and NO it's not a bloody house spider.

[esselcue]

I know three people personally who have been hospitalized and treated for Brown Recluse bites...although it's possible it was some other sort of Recluse, but according to hospital records and treatment it was due to the bite of a Brown Recluse. I live near Prescott, by the way. One victim lost two fingers from his hand due to the bite( causes the skin to rot away)...the other two were hospitalized for quite some time with IV therapy and ended up with a lot of scarring and pain from the bites. So there is SOME SORT of Recluse here in AZ Brown or otherwise.

Gretchen, as for ticks, I've had some on my dogs here in Chino...just wood ticks. No danger as far as I can tell. Never found one on myself though.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by esselcue

I know three people personally who have been hospitalized and treated for Brown Recluse bites...although it's possible it was some other sort of Recluse, but according to hospital records and treatment it was due to the bite of a Brown Recluse. I live near Prescott, by the way. One victim lost two fingers from his hand due to the bite( causes the skin to rot away)...the other two were hospitalized for quite some time with IV therapy and ended up with a lot of scarring and pain from the bites. So there is SOME SORT of Recluse here in AZ Brown or otherwise.

Could be Loxoceles deserta?

[esselcue]

Could be...I am not a spider expert. I only know what the medical records said.

[hollywoodaz]

Thanks for posting all the info about our creepy crawlies. As a Realtor in Arizona, this is often one of the first questions I receive from those thinking of relocating. It is an especially common question from residents of large cities like NY or Chicago... which is kinda dumbfounding.

I studied entomolgy for awhile, and I will tell you that these critters are fairly even in distribution in Arizona, suburbs, cities, rural homes, older homes and new homes, they dont know the difference. One of my favorite places to collect insects are on Scottsdale golf courses and homes surrounding them. Trust me, these critters exist in your yard and neighborhood. Dont believe me? Go outside at night with a flashlight and shine it into your bushes, especially the ones near your water spigots. If you see a few tiny red reflections, that is likely the eyes of black widow spiders. Flip over a few rocks to find scorpions.

New home subdivisions typically see more scorpions because their normal habitat has been disturbed. Rural homes will see a few more tarantulas and snakes.

Millions and millions of people live among them with very few problems, and most never know they are there.

This is NOT something to have concern with when moving to AZ, it is just something to be aware of and be informed about so you are not one of the rare individuals involved in an unfortunate encounter.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by hollywoodaz

Thanks for posting all the info about our creepy crawlies. As a Realtor in Arizona, this is often one of the first questions I receive from those thinking of relocating. It is an especially common question from residents of large cities like NY or Chicago... which is kinda dumbfounding.

I studied entomolgy for awhile, and I will tell you that these critters are fairly even in distribution in Arizona, suburbs, cities, rural homes, older homes and new homes, they dont know the difference. One of my favorite places to collect insects are on Scottsdale golf courses and homes surrounding them. Trust me, these critters exist in your yard and neighborhood. Dont believe me? Go outside at night with a flashlight and shine it into your bushes, especially the ones near your water spigots. If you see a few tiny red reflections, that is likely the eyes of black widow spiders. Flip over a few rocks to find scorpions.

New home subdivisions typically see more scorpions because their normal habitat has been disturbed. Rural homes will see a few more tarantulas and snakes.

Millions and millions of people live among them with very few problems, and most never know they are there.

This is NOT something to have concern with when moving to AZ, it is just something to be aware of and be informed about so you are not one of the rare individuals involved in an unfortunate encounter.

Good post, reps for you!

Trust me, its easy to tell someone not to be concerned about them, but arachnophobia and ophidiophobia are probably the 2nd and 3rd biggest fears out there. Ive tried to talk many people down from their fear, but most wont listen and turn a deaf ear. Its frustrating for people like you and I who understand the creatures, to watch people killing all these wonderful critters just because they dont understand them.

[flightofkenya]

Does anyone know what a juvenile tailless whipscorpion looks like? Just wondering. Thanks a lot

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by flightofkenya

Does anyone know what a juvenile tailless whipscorpion looks like? Just wondering. Thanks a lot

They look like pale, miniature versions of their parents. Theyre absolutely harmless, despite their horrid appearance.

[symphonygreen]

I am not really familiar with this site or how to use it just yet, hence my post here to SteveO or anyone for that matter that can help. I will be moving to Arizona at the end of February with little dog and the honey in tow. I am particularly interested in learning more about maricopa county.
But.... I am concerned with the bugs/critters (hence my wanting to talk with SteveO ) who seems to be so educated in this topic. I feel that we do not have all these critters in Massachusetts and would just like a heads up as to what we should watch out for to be safe. Our little dog is only 7lbs. and we won't let him go outside alone but we still need to know what to be careful of. Is there a kit or something if you get stung by a scorpion or is going to the hospital the only option you have? And what about the black widows? Any advice or direction in learning more would greatly be appreciated. Oh yeah, (just in case this would help) our little dog sleeps in his cage at night (it's left open of course) but he has blankets for bedding and I saw that you mentioned scorpions will hide in towels so... what would your suggestion be with our little guy for safety at night. I really don't want him in my bed but.. I don't want him hurt either.
Thanks,
Sym

[motormaker]

You might want to DM SteveO with your questions and concerns.