This Deadly Insect is Active in Arizona Right Now

Arizona has enough strange bugs, reptiles, and creepy crawlies to keep us awake at night. If you're not armed with a field guide to insects in the Desert Southwest, there's a good chance you're jumping out of your skin right now.

Insect and Arachnid Mating Season in Arizona

Arizona is crawling with life at the height of the monsoon season. I'm not talking about our annual tarantula mating season, which typically takes place in Arizona from late summer to early fall.

While these arachnids are interesting, they generally keep to their mission of finding love and leaving everyone else alone. They don't seek out humans or other animals, and tarantulas are not considered dangerous if they come in contact with humans or pets.

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Dangerous Insects in Arizona

There are some insects in Arizona you want to avoid or give a wide berth whenever possible. Leaving snakes and spiders alone to do their thing helps the natural environment thrive.

KEEP READING: This Deadly Disease is Being Spread By This Insect in Arizona

If you're ever concerned about something on your property, snapping a photo (from a safe distance) and posting it to social media can help alleviate your fears.

But the most dangerous insect in Arizona - and the world - is thriving right now. There are some measures you can take to help minimize their breeding ground and help keep your family and pets safe.

READ: If You Spot This Insect in Arizona, Destroy it Immediately!

The mosquito is back. During monsoon season, it can be easy to overlook standing water and places where mosquitoes might breed. Here are five ways to discourage mosquitoes on your property.

Here are some ways to keep mosquitoes from breeding on your property:

• Discourage Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Make sure you empty and clean flower pots, bird baths, and other places where water can accumulate, especially after monsoon rain.
• Plant Mosquito-Repelling Plants: Mosquitoes hat citronella, lavender, marigold, and basic. Their strong scent naturally repels mosquitoes, so planting them around your property will help keep them away.
• Kill Mosquitoes Before They Can Hatch: Apply larvicide to places where water can’t be removed, like ponds and watering troughs. These products kill mosquito larvae before they can mature into adults, and according to the CDC, when used as directed, they don't harm pets, humans, or the environment.
• Maintain Your Yard: Trim weeds and remove debris and leaf piles to prevent mosquitoes from hiding and breeding in those places.

We've got enough scary creatures in Arizona.  We can reduce the mosquito populations and keep the deadliest insects on the planet out of our living areas.

Sources: AZ Central | Bluesky Pest Control | Centers for Disease Control (CDC)