Pest Library
Learn about common pests in Arizona, and the best solutions
to identify and keep them out of your home or business.
Rated 4.9 of 5 stars from 160+ reviews
Termite Control in Yuma
Overview
Termites are great for the ecosystem because they help break down all the dead trees, plants, leaves in the desert and surrounding areas. Unfortunately, termites can’t tell the difference between wood in the desert and wood in your home. Due to their silent and persistent nature, they can cause significant damage to wooden structures before being noticed. Understanding the signs could be pivotal in the protection of your home or business.
Signs
The most noticeable signs of termites are mud tubes usually on the exterior walls near the base of your property. Their activity inside can cause discoloring to any painted surfaces, also commonly a bubbling or blistering effect.
Prevention
Reduce moisture by repairing any leaks.
Seal any gaps or cracks in the exterior of your property.
Clear away any wood debris from around your structure’s foundation.
Treatment
At Maxx Force we specialize in termite control. We offer a completely free inspection if you are worried your home may be infected with termites, or if you are just looking to be a responsible property owner. A comprehensive report will detail any signs of infestation and vulnerabilities. If termites are present, we will provide the best treatment options to fit your budget and schedule. We also provide escrow and refinancing termite inspections, as well as preventative treatments to protect your home before any damage can occur. Contact us today and let us help you protect your most valuable investment with our reliable services.
Ant Control in Yuma
Overview
Ants are one of the most common pests found in Arizona. While most consider them simply a nuisance, some species can cause damage and health risks. Fire ants for example can inflict painful stings, threatening us and our pets. Carpenter ants while not as disastrous as termites can still weaken wooden structures. Ants can actually carry disease and foodborne illnesses contaminating food supplies. This makes it important to deal with ants as soon as you spot them, especially for restaurants.
Signs
The most noticeable signs of ants are the trails they create from moving from a food source back to their colony. Indoors you may notice them emerging from cracks or crevices. Outdoors you will notice their hills or mounds. Carpenter ants leave behind a sawdust-like material, and fire ants can leave a painful and itchy bump after biting you.
Prevention
Reduce moisture by repairing any leaks and eliminate any standing water.
Seal any gaps or cracks around windows, doors and the foundation to prevent entry.
Eliminate food sources by cleaning up spills immediately and taking out the garbage regularly.
Treatment
Our general pest treatment includes ridding your property of ants, inside and out. We have specific targeting treatments to eliminate colonies, as well as baiting options and barriers to prevent future infestations. If you are experiencing ants in or around your property, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re here to reclaim your peace from these pesky invaders.
Cockroach Control in Yuma
Overview
Cockroaches are one of the most resilient and widespread pests in Arizona. They are typically found in moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, and are nocturnal. While they aren’t the most damaging pests to property, they can be dangerous to us by spreading diseases. Roaches are known carriers of bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.
Signs
Spotting a roach (especially during the day) could indicate serious infestation as they usually try and remain hidden during daylight. You may also notice small dark droppings that can resemble ground coffee or black pepper usually around food sources or in hidden corners.
Prevention
Reduce moisture by repairing any leaks and ensuring proper ventilation.
Seal any gaps or cracks around windows, doors and plumbing to prevent entry.
Remove food sources by regularly cleaning your house especially the kitchen.
Treatment
Our general pest treatment includes ridding your property of cockroaches. When targeting roaches we treat around baseboards, cabinets and behind accessible appliances, using a combination of dust, bait, and liquid material. A recurring service is recommended to prevent the return of the pest. Don’t let cockroaches interfere with your health or peace of mind, by reaching out to us as soon as possible.
Spider Control in Yuma
Overview
Arizona has a diverse range of spiders. Most are harmless, and can even be beneficial by controlling insect populations. However, the downsides often outweigh the benefits. Some spiders like black widows and brown recluses are venomous, and can potentially cause serious health complications. Even the non venomous ones can still be troublesome by creating cobwebs that can make a home feel unclean and uninviting.
Signs
The most noticeable signs of spiders are the webs they create mainly to catch their food. You may also see the active spiders, or their egg sacs. The sacs are often left in corners, behind furniture, or other hidden areas. Each sac can contain hundreds of eggs.
Prevention
Reduce clutter by cleaning regularly, especially in storage areas like attics or garages.
Seal any gaps or cracks around windows, doors and the foundation to prevent entry.
Remove webs regularly to discourage settling.
Trim vegetation away from the exterior of your home to reduce spider habitats.
Treatment
Our general pest treatment includes ridding your property of spiders, inside and out. We always remove webs from eaves, windows and doors. We then treat those areas to prevent the return of spiders. We also utilize a dust for interior windows as an extra precaution to prevent future settlement of the pest. If you are worried about the safety concerns they pose or simply to prevent them from defacing your stunning property, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Fly Control in Yuma
Overview
Flies love to compete for the most annoying insect competition. They are a common and persistent nuisance, especially during the warmer months. They aren’t simply annoying though, as is the case with all insects they can also carry disease and contaminate food.
Signs
Frequent sightings of indoor flies is a clear indication of an infestation. They will usually gravitate around food sources. Maggots are a sign that flies are breeding nearby, usually found around waste or decaying food. Their distinctive buzzing sounds are an alarm that you have some unwelcome invaders.
Prevention
Maintain cleanliness around the house by disposing of food scraps and garbage regularly.
Seal any gaps or cracks around windows and doors, and use screens to prevent entry.
Keep garbage bins sealed and cleaned regularly to prevent potential breeding grounds.
Treatment
Our general pest treatment includes ridding your property of flies, inside and out. We treat around eaves, windows, doors, and can even treat exterior walls if necessary. We can also treat non-consumable vegetation to prevent them from settling or breeding on the property. Installing and maintaining fly light glue boards is also an option for commercial customers. Give us a call to put an end to their invasion once and for all.
Rodent Control in Yuma
Overview
Rodents in Arizona are generally found in Urban areas where there is a plentiful amount of food, water and shelter. These pests are more active at night and can create significant damage to property as well as posing health risks by spreading disease and illnesses. They typically hide in your basement, attic or inside walls.
Signs
The most common way to notice you have a rodent issue is by seeing droppings on your property. They are often found near food sources, in cabinets or along baseboards. Rodents also need to constantly gnaw on things, so you may notice bite marks on food packaging, furniture, or structural material. They also create scratching or scurrying noises predominantly at night.
Prevention
Maintain cleanliness around the house by disposing of food scraps and garbage regularly.
Seal any gaps, cracks or holes around your property to prevent entry.
Schedule regular inspections for your attic, basement and areas they are most likely to nest.
Treatment
The first step is to have a professional rodent specialist carefully examine the property to identify signs of activity. After locating any potential entry/exit points they will then be sealed. This can include areas like plumbing traps, roof vents, and wall voids. Video motion camera systems will be installed to document nesting and breeding sites and providing information for control strategies. If applicable, baits and traps can be placed in high traffic areas to capture or eliminate rodents. Don’t let rodents take over your home, by reaching out for a free inspection today.
Bird Control in Yuma
Overview
Birds play a vital role in the natural ecosystem, but they can become a serious problem depending on where they choose to settle. Birds can cause significant property damage to surfaces since bird droppings are acidic, and their nests can cause blockages in drainage systems causing water damage. Bird droppings can also carry diseases which can be transmitted through contact but also through inhalation. Large quantities of birds can also create significant amounts of noise, disrupting residents and businesses.
Signs
The main sign that you have a bird problem is pretty obvious; you will see large amounts of birds on top of your property. You may also notice nests usually in gutters, vents, and roof pockets. Excessive droppings on your roof, walkways, and/or vehicles is another clear sign. Persistent chirping or fluttering sounds could indicate roosting as well.
Prevention
Maintain cleanliness around the property to remove attractive food sources for birds.
Set up visual deterrents (decoy predators) to scare birds away from settling.
Apply non-toxic repellent to discourage roosting.
Treatment
The first phase is to implement a baiting system to lower the population of birds that continue roosting. Then we provide a cleanup via power washing on affected areas. Once clean, bird exclusion materials will be installed in key areas such as roof peaks, roof pockets, and ledges to prevent future nesting. We then monitor the bait systems and materials to ensure highest degree of quality is consistently achieved. Whether it be the degradation of your sleep quality, or all the potential risks to property and health that can follow from bird problems, we are happy to get started and solve all your bird control issues as soon as possible.
Bee Control in Yuma
Overview
Everyone knows how crucial a role bees play in the overall health of our environment. However, when bees build hives too close to our homes or businesses, they can pose significant safety concerns. In Arizona, since it has been shown that up to 90% of all bees are Africanized Honey Bees (aka Killer Bees), effective bee control is essential to prevent injuries or allergic reactions in people and pets.
Signs
Seeing an unusual amount of bee activity around your property is a strong indication there is a hive nearby. Hearing constant buzzing sounds from walls or structures also indicates a hive in proximity.
Prevention
Seal any cracks or gaps in your property that bees could use to find nesting sites.
Remove attractants like having open trash bins, and keep outdoor areas generally clean.
Use natural repellents by planting herbs like mint, eucalyptus, and citronella.
Treatment
When bees become a threat, swift and decisive action is required. We know how valuable bees are, which is why we inspect and assess each situation carefully. When it is safe and feasible we work to relocate the bees to a better location. In some cases, since our priority is the safety of our customers, we may need to exterminate to prevent any harm. We then seal off any entry points to prohibit their return, and provide follow up inspections to ensure proper control is achieved. If you are experiencing an issue with bees, contact us today and we will provide a clear plan tailored to your situation.
Bed Bug Control in Yuma
Overview
Bed bugs are a growing concern in Arizona. They are notorious for their bites which cause itchiness, discomfort, and potentially allergic reactions. Bed bugs can be a hassle to deal with due to their small size and rapid reproduction, allowing them to quite easily infest homes, hotels and other residential areas.
Signs
The most common sign you have a bed bug infestation is the presence of bite marks usually appearing in a line or cluster. Usually red, itchy and swollen. You can also notice tiny white eggs usually in hidden dwelling areas like the crevices and seems of furniture and bedding.
Prevention
Carefully inspect used furniture or mattresses before bringing them into your property.
Reduce clutter that bugs can hide in, and vacuum regularly.
Use protective covers for your mattress and box spring which keeps bed bugs out.
Preparation
Treatment requires some preparation to ensure the highest quality of bed bug control. Prior to extermination, remove all bedding from mattresses, gather all linens and clothing from living spaces. Place all items that can be dried in the dryer and run for a cycle of 60 minutes. This is to eliminate any bed bugs on those articles. After drying, wash all items in hot water. Then dry all items again and place items in storage bins or garbage bags to prevent recontamination. Empty out closets in rooms where linens were stored so we can access them for treatment. Vacuum floors, carpets, nooks and crannies. Move objects away from perimeter of rooms (away from walls). Empty wooden furniture like bookshelves and night stands that they may seek refuge in.
Treatment
Once the preparations are complete, our team will treat bed frames, then treat and seal mattresses. We will treat the entire perimeter of the interior of the property. Household furniture will also be treated such as chairs and couches. This also includes wooden furniture like night stands and shelving. We provide multiple treatments to intersect the pests immediately after their hatching cycle to ensure the highest degree of bed bug control. If you are experiencing a bed bug issue, give us a call and we will make sure this process occurs as easy and smoothly as possible to restore peace in your home.
Tick Control in Yuma
Overview
These common pests feed on the blood of their hosts, transmitting dangerous diseases. They usually hitch a ride on people, pets or wildlife to find their way onto your property. Pets, especially dogs, are the most common vehicle for this. They can also travel on wildlife, or from furniture and outdoor equipment.
Signs
If you notice your pets scratching excessively, it could be due to ticks. We recommend checking for ticks regularly, especially around the ears, neck and belly. Ticks can also leave bite marks after they attach themselves to their host. They will be small and red, and you may even notice a tick still attached as they can remain for several days while feeding. Tick eggs are also laid in large clusters usually in hidden areas like cracks, crevices, or carpeted areas.
Prevention
Keep yard maintained since ticks thrive in tall grass, bushes and trees.
Check pets regularly around neck, ears, and between toes.
Use repellents on skin/clothing when outdoors, and pet-safe repellents on animals.
