Springtime in Arizona brings blooming cacti, perfect patio weather, and—if you’re not careful—a full-blown pest invasion. As desert temperatures begin to climb, pests of all shapes and sizes wake from winter hiding spots, ready to invade your home or yard. If you’ve ever spotted a trail of ants in your kitchen or a scorpion in your bathroom, you already know how quickly things can escalate.
That’s why experts recommend scheduling a spring pest inspection in Arizona before summer officially kicks off. This preventive step can help you spot issues early, reduce your risk of costly damage, and protect your home and family before the real heat drives pests inside.
Let’s break down why spring inspections are essential, what pests to watch out for, and how professional inspections help keep your home protected year-round.
Spring in Arizona: A Wake-Up Call for Pests
Arizona’s winters are relatively mild, but they do offer a slight break from the nonstop pest pressure homeowners deal with in other seasons. Many pests become less active during cooler months, hiding in soil, under rocks, or even inside your home’s walls and foundation. But once spring arrives and temperatures climb into the 70s and 80s, it’s game on.
From scorpions and termites to ants and cockroaches, pests become increasingly active as they seek food, water, and shelter—and that makes your home their prime target.
According to the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, many pest populations—including subterranean termites and scorpions—surge during spring and early summer. Catching them early, before they’ve fully settled in, can mean the difference between simple prevention and full-blown extermination.
The Top Spring Pests to Watch for in Arizona
Wondering what you should be on high alert for this time of year? Here’s a breakdown of the most common (and problematic) pests that show up as the weather warms:
1. Subterranean Termites
Arizona is one of the most termite-active states in the country. These pests often swarm in spring, especially after rain. They’re silent but destructive, eating through wood from the inside out and causing thousands of dollars in structural damage.
Pro Tip: If you spot discarded wings on your windowsill, it could be a sign of a termite swarm—don’t wait to schedule an inspection.
2. Scorpions
Scorpions hibernate during colder months but start crawling around as soon as nighttime temps stay above 70°F. Arizona Bark Scorpions are especially dangerous due to their venom, and they love to hide in dark, moist spaces—like your shoes, garage, or bathroom.
3. Ants
As soon as temperatures rise, ants begin building new colonies. Some species, like fire ants, can be aggressive and sting. Others, like Argentine ants, form massive trails and infest pantries.
4. Cockroaches
Roaches thrive in warm, damp environments and reproduce quickly in spring. They often sneak in through drains, vents, and cracks in the foundation.
5. Spiders and Other Crawlers
While spiders help control other pests, some species like black widows pose health risks. Spiders typically follow the trail of other insects—so if you’re seeing more of them, it could mean a larger pest problem is lurking.
Why Spring Is the Best Time to Inspect for Pests
You might be thinking: “Can’t I just deal with pests when I see them?” Well, yes—but by then, they’ve likely already established a presence in your home. Here’s why scheduling a spring pest inspection in Arizona before summer is the smarter, safer move:
1. Catch Infestations Early
The longer pests go unnoticed, the more damage they can cause. An early inspection helps identify signs of activity—like termite mud tubes, droppings, nests, or points of entry—before they escalate.
2. Create a Customized Prevention Plan
Every home is different. A trained technician can pinpoint the specific vulnerabilities in your home (like gaps under doors, drainage issues, or mulch placement) and recommend solutions that fit your needs and lifestyle.
3. Avoid the Peak Season Rush
By summer, pest control companies are booked solid with emergency calls. Scheduling a spring inspection means you’ll beat the seasonal surge and secure service when it’s most convenient.
4. Protect Your Pets and Family
Some pests—like scorpions, spiders, and certain ants—can pose health risks to children and pets. An inspection gives you peace of mind that your home is safe before the peak activity begins.
What to Expect During a Spring Pest Inspection
A professional inspection isn’t just a quick peek under your sink. A reputable pest control company will take a thorough, multi-step approach:
- Exterior Check: Inspecting around your home’s foundation, roofline, eaves, and landscaping for signs of pest activity or entry points.
- Interior Review: Checking moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and attics where pests are likely to hide.
- Termite Evaluation: Looking for mud tubes, frass (termite droppings), wood damage, or swarm evidence.
- Scorpion Sweep: Examining dark, undisturbed areas like garages, closets, and crawlspaces.
- Report & Recommendations: Providing a detailed summary of findings and customized treatment or prevention suggestions.
For a better idea of what professional inspections should include, the National Pest Management Association offers excellent resources for homeowners.
DIY vs. Professional: Why You Should Call in the Experts
While it’s smart to keep up with general pest prevention (think: keeping your home clean, sealing food, and fixing leaks), professional pest inspections go much further. Trained technicians know where pests hide, what seasonal patterns to look for, and how to spot issues the average homeowner might miss.
A professional inspection not only ensures that nothing is overlooked, but it also helps establish a preventative pest control schedule, which is key in Arizona’s pest-heavy climate.
If you’re not sure when your home was last inspected—or you’ve never had one—spring is the perfect time to start.
Protecting Your Home Year-Round
Scheduling a spring pest inspection is one of the most effective steps you can take to prevent infestations during Arizona’s hottest months. But the key to long-term protection is consistency. Pair your spring inspection with good habits and year-round service for best results.
Looking for more ways to safeguard your home? Be sure to check out our tips for keeping pests out before they become a problem—a must-read for Arizona homeowners who want to stay ahead of the game.
Ready for Your Spring Inspection?
At Primo Pest Control, we specialize in helping Arizona homeowners stay pest-free all year long. Our spring inspections are thorough, professional, and tailored to the unique needs of East Valley homes.
We believe in proactive, pet-safe, and environmentally responsible solutions that protect your home, family, and peace of mind. Don’t wait until summer pests make themselves at home—get ahead of the heat (and the bugs) with a customized inspection plan.
Schedule your spring pest inspection today, and let our team help you enjoy a pest-free season before the real heat hits.