Pest Control FAQ

What outside areas do we find ants most often?

Ants will usually build their nests along the edges of grass or rocks. They love grass yards because of the water they get from sprinklers.

What inside areas do we find ants most often?

We find ants tend to be where the food & water is. This is mainly in the kitchen and bathrooms.

What are the tiny ants I see in my house?

These are commonly referred to as sugar ants, but they are a type of rover ant that is typically looking for food inside.

Do ants live inside my house?

No, not usually. Almost all ant colonies in Arizona live in the ground outside and come inside searching for food & water.

What can you do to help prevent ants?

There are a few things you can do to help prevent ants such as keeping the lawn mowed shorter so we can spot their mounds. Also, keeping pet food and water out of their reach really helps keep them under control.

What outside areas do we find bees most often?

Wasps and bees typically like to build nests in dark, secluded places such as under porches or decks, in attics or wall voids, and even inside trees. They also may seek shelter inside structures such as sheds or garages.

How can I prevent bees from nesting on my property?

Regular inspection of your property for potential nesting sites and sealing off entry points can help prevent bees from establishing colonies.

What safety precautions should I take if I suspect a bee infestation?

If you suspect a bee infestation on your property, it’s crucial to keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing the bees. Keep pets and children away from the area and contact Orange Pest Control immediately to assess the situation.

Are there specific bee species that commonly require pest control?

While various bee species might establish colonies in unwanted areas, some, like honey bees or aggressive species such as Africanized bees, might pose higher risks. We are equipped to handle different species and their specific behaviors.

What are the most common types of reaches here in Arizona?

American Roaches (big ones) and German Roaches (small ones).

How do American Roaches get into my house?

They can get into the house from plumbing areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. They also can come in from the outside city sewer systems.

Where do swear roaches like to live?

They like cool dark and wet environments.

What are German cockroaches?

German roaches are the small infestation type of roaches usually found in the kitchen and can live inside appliances, walls and cabinets.

Are roaches dangerous to my health?

Yes – they can be – some roaches can carry certain diseases and germs.

Are crickets harmful?

Typically crickets are harmless to humans or pets. They don’t sting or bite but can become a problem if they are allowed to get out of control.

What pest or animal eats crickets

The answer will depend on which kind of cricket, for house crickets, the main predator is the spider. For field crickets some of the common predators include birds, lizards, spiders, and snakes.

Where do crickets live?

They like cool, dark and wet areas. Sprinkler boxes, under yard debris and patio cracks are just a few of their favorite places.

When does Arizona have the most crickets?

We usually see a lot of cricket problems during the Arizona summer and during monsoon season when we get a lot of rain.

What can you do to prevent crickets?

Keep the yard free of leaves and debris. Keep grass cut low and don’t over water. Make sure weather striping around doors and windows is tight.

Are earwigs common in Arizona?

Yes, earwigs are common to find during the summer months and after our Arizona monsoon storms.

Are earwigs dangerous to humans?

No, they might try to use their pincers if threatened, however, they are not big enough to break skin and you will likely not feel it.

What do earwigs eat?

They eat decaying plant matter and other yard waste they can find.

Why do I see earwigs in my house?

They sometimes get lost inside houses looking for food or shelter. Their ideal habitat is going to be outside.

How can I prevent mosquitoes around my home?

Remove standing water and trim landscaping. For added protection, our targeted treatments create a barrier mosquitoes can’t penetrate.

Do mosquitoes in Arizona carry diseases?

Yes — including West Nile virus. Our professional services help reduce the risk by controlling the mosquitoes that can carry them.

How often should mosquito treatments be done?

Every property is different depending on mosquito pressure in the area. We will tailor the service to fit your property best.

Will one treatment get rid of mosquitoes completely?

Not permanently, but our recurring service keeps your yard comfortable all season long.

What are some ways that I can prevent rodents from entering my home?

Rodents seek out food, water, and shelter, so reducing their access to these resources is key to keeping them out. Store food in sealed containers, fix leaky pipes, and clean up any crumbs. Additionally, use caulk and wire screens to seal potential entry points.

How can I tell if I have a rodent problem?

Common signs that you have a rodent problem can be hearing noises in the walls or ceilings, or seeing droppings your home.

What kind of damage can rodents cause?

Rodents, such as rats and mice, can inflict severe damage by gnawing through structural materials, harming habitats and agriculture, and contaminating food with potentially deadly diseases. They also pose fire hazards by chewing through electrical wires and may clog drains or ventilation systems, resulting in further property damage and health risks.

Will the treatment affect my kids and pets?

It’s best to leave pest treatments to trained, licensed professionals. For the safety of your family, rely on a reputable company like Orange Pest Control to handle applications in your home. If you have any questions about health and safety or need more information about your specific treatment, feel free to give us a call. When non-professionals attempt treatments, they often misuse poisons or other products, potentially harming unintended targets (like your kids and pets).

Can we actually KILL scorpions?

YES! We use the latest technology in pest control that can actually kill the scorpions AND their food source (other bugs).

How common are Bark Scorpions in Arizona?

Almost every neighborhood here in the valley has scorpions, however, some areas can have higher populations than others.

Do scorpions die off during the winter?

No, scorpions are able to live through our winters, just aren’t active like during the warmer months.

How long do scorpions live?

Research shows they can live up to 6 years.

How big do they get?

When they are babies they can be as small as your fingernail. The adults can get up to about 3 inches in length.

How do scorpions give birth?

Scorpions give birth to live babies that crawl onto the females scorpions back until they are big enough to go out on their own.

Where are scorpion hotspots?

They love crack and crevices to hide in. (block wall fences, patio cracks etc..). They are nocturnal which means they are most active during the night.

What types of spiders are the most common in Arizona?

Black widows and wolf spiders are among the most common types we see here in the valley.

Where are black widows found?

Black widows typically build their webs close to the ground. Their webs usually appear tangled and messy.

Where are wolf spiders found?

Wolf spiders are commonly found outdoors in yards, gardens, rocks, and around foundations, and indoors along floors, garages, and basements. They often enter homes through small gaps, especially during cooler weather or heavy rain.

Are wolf spiders dangerous?

Wolf spiders are not considered dangerous to humans. While they can bite if handled or threatened, their bites are rare and usually cause only mild irritation similar to a bee sting.

What can you do to prevent spiders?

Keeping a clean yard from debris and hiding places helps a lot in control spider populations. Spiders are also one of the pests we guarantee with out service!

Are termites common in Arizona?

Yes, subterranean termites are very common in Arizona and most homeowners will likely have to deal with them at some point.

What are signs of termites?

The most common sign of termites is the brown trails or tubes they make. These can be found outside around the base of the house or can be found on the ceilings or walls inside the home.

Where do termites live?

The most common type of termite we have in Arizona is a subterranean termite which means they live underground and come up to feed on wood.

How do you treat termites?

We have several methods of treating termites but the most common is a liquid treatment in the soil around the foundation of the home. Baiting for termites is also an option but usually more of a preventative measure.

Do termite treatments cause damage to my house?

Our goal is to make it look like we were never there! We use the latest equipment and methods to treat termites. We have no drill options available combined with other methods to impact the property the least amount possible.

Are termite treatments guaranteed?

Yes, every termite treatment we do comes with a full home termite warranty!

How do termite bait systems differ from the traditional liquid treatments?

Unlike liquid barriers that repel or kill termites on contact, bait systems lure termites into feeding on specially formulated bait. As the termites carry this bait back to their colony, it spreads throughout the population and eliminates the entire colony, including the queen. This approach provides long-term, colony-wide control rather than a temporary barrier.

Is the bait harmful to my family, pets, or the environment?

Termite bait stations are designed to be low-impact, containing active ingredients that specifically target termite biology. They’re installed in closed, tamper-resistant stations placed in the soil, posing minimal risk to humans, pets, and wildlife. Additionally, because the treatment is localized and not broadcast over a large area, it reduces environmental exposure.

How often do I need to check or replace the bait stations?

Generally we inspect and maintain the stations at regular intervals, the best being annually or semi-annually, depending on the your service plan. We’ll replenish bait as needed and ensure the stations remain effective at intercepting and controlling termite activity.

Will bait systems work for all types of termites in Arizona?

Yes! Professional-grade bait systems, such as Trelona® from BASF (what we use), are effective against the common termite species found throughout Maricopa County. They are formulated with ingredients that are highly attractive to a wide range of termites, making them suitable for different local conditions.

How long does it take for a bait system to eliminate a termite colony?

The timeline varies depending on factors like the size of the colony and its accessibility to the bait. Some colonies may be eliminated within a few weeks, while others may require several months. We can provide more detailed insights after assessing your property and monitoring the stations.

Can bait systems prevent future infestations?

Yes! Once installed, bait systems continue to monitor and protect your property. Even after eliminating an initial colony, the stations remain in place and can intercept new termite activity, helping prevent future infestations and ongoing damage to your home.

When does a termite pretreatment need to be done?

Anytime there is new build construction – and additions or remodels.

How is a termite pretreatment done?

We treat the soil before new concrete is poured to protect against termites.

When should you get the termite pretreatment?

We apply the termite pretreat product after the soil is compacted and before the new concrete is poured. It’s important the soil is not disturbed after we apply the pretreat.

What kind of warranty comes with a termite pretreatment in Arizona?

The industry standard is 3 years – but many of our treatments come with 5 years.​

What is the best termite pretreatment product in Arizona?

We normally recommend Termidor SC – it is the most effective product available.