When we think of household pests, images of scurrying cockroaches or armies of ants come to mind. Yet, some invaders slip under the radar, quietly wreaking havoc while escaping attention. The fact is that these overlooked critters often cause just as much damage, if not more, before they’re spotted and taken care of by professionals.

Let’s uncover five examples of overlooked pests in Arizona and explore actional steps to curb their spread. 

1. Carpenter Ants

Often confused with common black ants, carpenter ants can tunnel through wood to build nests, weakening structures over time. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood but excavate it, leaving behind smooth galleries. Their nesting activity inside walls or damp wood often goes unseen until significant damage occurs. Sawdust-like frass near baseboards might be the only clue.

Stopping the Spread: Fix moisture issues in crawl spaces or attics. Trim tree branches touching roofs to block access. Seal cracks in foundations. Professional inspections identify hidden nests early.

2. Subterranean Termites

Mostly active underground or inside walls, these reclusive pests tend to avoid light. Most property owners rarely spot them until their floors start sagging or they have paint blisters around their homes. They’re great at building mud tubs that travel from outside soil inside properties, devouring wood 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. If left unnoticed, colonies can number in the millions, causing catastrophic structural damage. 

Stopping the Spread: Keep soil dry around foundations with proper drainage. Store firewood away from homes. Schedule annual inspections to catch mud tubes or hollow-sounding wood.

3. Carpet Beetles

Adult carpet beetles can resemble harmless ladybugs at a glance, while larvae can hide in closets or under furniture until they fully mature. No larger than a grain of rice, these pests target natural fibers like wool, silk, and feathers. 

Stopping the Spread: Clean fabrics and rugs frequently. Freeze infested items for 48 hours to kill larvae. Inspect secondhand furniture before bringing it indoors.

4. Brown Recluse Spiders

Shy and nocturnal, they hide in boxes or behind furniture. But even when spotted, it isn’t unusual to mistake them for harmless spiders, further delaying action. The problem is that their venomous bites can cause severe skin lesions, making them one of the more dangerous pests in Arizona, requiring immediate pest control.

Stopping the Spread: Declutter storage areas. Shake out shoes or gloves before use. Install tight-fitting screens on windows. Glue traps in corners help monitor activity.

5. Fleas

Eggs and larvae hide in fibers, with adults emerging weeks later. Pets scratching excessively often provide the first clue. But what if you don’t have pets? That’s a problem since most people don’t really pay attention to fleas unless there’s already a significant infestation.

Stopping the Spread: Wash pet bedding weekly. Vacuum floors and furniture regularly. Use veterinarian-approved flea treatments on pets. Steam cleaning carpets kills larvae.

Turning Pest Awareness Into Action

These pests thrive on being forgotten. Fighting back means staying proactive. Work closely with professionals and do your part by reducing moisture, sealing entry points, and monitoring hidden pest harborage areas.

By recognizing these overlooked threats and calling a pest control company immediately as soon as you notice the sights, you can defend your space better with more confidence.