The African bee, known to most of the world as the “killer bee,” is one of the most intimidating and worrisome threats facing many homeowners today. It’s easy to understand why with a name like that floating around Arizona. Interestingly, these bees aren’t actually native to the United States. They were cross-bred with an Italian variety of the European honeybee in the 1950s. Those new bees even outperformed non-hybrid bees in honey production. However, an assistant of the cross-breeder made history by accidentally releasing the hybridized bees into the wilderness. From there, they were first introduced to the United States in 1985. The bees, which would later become known as Africanized bees, proved themselves to be wildly invasive and aggressive and would cross-breed themselves with any bee colony they came across. Why are they known as killer bees? These angry little bees are known to pursue and send attackers after...

While the majority of rodents will likely enjoy the warmth that the summer produces, once we are greeted with cooler weather, there is a strong possibility that they will try and move somewhere warmer. One place you might find them looking for warmth in your home. You may enjoy opening your home to guests, but rodents probably are not as welcomed. Here are some rodents you need to look out for during the winter months. Rats/Mice These are the most common rodents you will encounter in your home. While generally harmless, certain mice can carry the Hantavirus, a virus spread mainly by rodents and can cause varied disease syndromes in people worldwide. Both rats and mice enjoy getting into and chewing on your cords and furniture, which can be a pain. No need to take care of it yourself, our services include cleaning up the mess they made, baiting traps...

Rodent infestations are among the most frustrating and stress-inducing problems for homeowners in Maricopa County to deal with. Infestations of mice, rats, and other types of rodents commonly occur in storage, garage, attic, and basement areas. Even if you just spot one of these rodents, it's highly recommended that you contact Alliance Pest Management immediately to get rid of any infestations that have occurred. However, there are several steps you can take to keep your home from attracting rodents in the first place. The following offers a look at four tips that should prevent rodent infestations in your home.   Eliminate Access to Nesting Sites and Water Sources   Any sites that provide ideal nesting grounds for rodents should be eliminated from the exterior of your home. These sites can include deep mulch and leaf piles. You can eliminate some possible nesting sites by keeping mulch at least 15 inches...

While the majority of rodents will likely enjoy the warmth that the summer produces, once we are greeted with cooler weather, there is a strong possibility that they will try and move somewhere warmer. One place you might find them looking for warmth in your home. You may enjoy opening your home to guests, but rodents probably are not as welcomed. Here are some rodents you need to look out for during the winter months. Pack Rats Pack Rats - build dens made of twigs and cactus pieces, with areas for nest, food chamber and debris pile, which consists of glass, metal, fabric and other collectibles.  They will also move into attics and walls of houses.  Besides leaving urine and fecal pellets, pack rats are known to chew wires and insulation in your attics, irrigation, car, HVAC unit, swimming pool and even your outdoor pillows and cushions.    Roof Rats ...

The American Southwest can be an idyllic place to live, but we must also deal with the local wildlife. Many creatures may give us cause for concern, but here are some of the most common you will find in and around your home. Scorpions Scorpions are common to find in Marcipa County because of the climate. Scorpions prefer temperatures between 68 and 99 degrees. If the temperature starts to swing dramatically in either direction (hot or cold), you should be on the look out for scorpions trying to enter your home.  To help keep scorpions out of your home, it's best to get rid of what attracts them and limit their hiding places. Don't have firewood stacked near your home, keep your grass closely mowed near your home, and caulk around pipes and cracks to prevent entry.  Scorpions are relatively similar to spiders in terms of how venomous they are....

Termites can destroy a house fast, and damage from termites can be costly to repair. Damaged areas may even need to be replaced entirely due to structural damage. That’s why it’s so important to prevent and eliminate termite infestations as soon as possible. Here are some of the most common problems termites cause for homeowners. Cosmetic Issues A new or otherwise minor infestation may only cause cosmetic issues. While the damage isn’t structural yet, you won’t like the look of bubbling in exterior paint, mud tunnels on foundation walls or entrance holes in your drywall.  These problems may indicate widespread or growing damage and should be taken seriously. Mold and Water Damage As termites eat away at the wood in your home they create pathways for water to enter and cause damage. Water damage can cause drywall to deteriorate, warp structural and decorative wood and result in rot and mold....

Mosquitoes might enter your home through that hole in the window screen you kept forgetting to patch up. Or they might fly through the opening underneath your door because, despite it being on your to-do list, you forgot to add weatherstripping  What causes mosquitoes to choose your home over others, though? Like anything else, mosquitoes seek the trifecta of shelter, food and a place to mate. Your home becomes the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes when it supplies all three.  Flowers Believe it or not, both male and female mosquitoes feed on the nectar in flowers. The verdant and vibrant garden you so carefully cultivated may be the reason for more mosquitoes. Female mosquitoes feast on animals and humans because only blood meal contains the protein necessary for them to lay eggs.  Grassy Areas  Overgrown grass and foliage hide and protect mosquitoes from the sun and predators during the daytime....

We’ve all experienced it: After a long day in the sun or outdoors, a spot on our neck, arm or leg begins to itch like crazy. Upon closer inspection, the area is red and a bit swollen. Of course, we’re talking about bug bites—an inevitable part of life. Thankfully, there are several home remedies to help stop the itch. Here, we list a handful of our favorite fixes for those irritating bug bites. Soap While it is always helpful to wash the affected area as soon as possible, soap has another use when it comes to bug bites. Simply apply a dab of liquid hand or dish soap to the spot to relieve itching. You can also rub dry bar soap on the bite. Banana Peel Try rubbing the inside of a banana peel against your bug bite. The fleshy side of the peel has a soothing effect that is...

Of all the potential pests to find in your home, scorpions are among the most frightening. Between their numerous legs and threatening-looking claws and stinger, many people find their appearance upsetting. Here’s what to do if there’s a scorpion in your home. Take Precautions When Possible In the best-case scenario, you’ll be able to take precautions to prevent scorpions from entering your home in the first place.  Scorpions usually try to get into your house when temperatures outside are too low or too high. They prefer a range between 68 and 99 degrees . You’re more likely to have scorpions in your area if you have a large bug population, overgrown vegetation or piles of debris like trash and lumber. Scorpions may be more common in neighborhoods that have been developed recently, although you can find them almost anywhere.  To keep them out, caulk around pipes and cracks that they...

When someone contacts us about bee infestations at Alliance Pest Management , the very first thing we say is “Get to a safe area, do NOT attempt to take care of the situation alone”.  With the stings, it is best to call in the experts to remove beehives. Let’s take a look at why beehive removal needs to be left to the professionals. Why Can’t I Just Try To Remove Africanized Bees Myself? According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), between 2000-2017 there have been around 1,109 deaths related to bee stings and attacks. Most bees have venom and are not afraid to use it when disturbed or threatened. Some people are highly allergic to the venom, causing excess swelling, itchiness and in more severe cases, anaphylaxis and death.  Africanized bees can sting you by the thousand, and the stings are a medical emergency.  If you jump into a...

Bedbugs are almost legendary in their ability to strike fear, awe and horror into anyone who even thinks they may encounter them. Because they seemingly only come out when we are sleeping, they almost feel like something out of a horror movie, stalking us when we are least able to defend ourselves. One major problem is that it is not easy to know if you have an infestation. Because they keep out of sight, often you do not know there is a problem until it is too late. However, that does not mean there aren’t any warning signs at all. Here are some signs that can indicate you may have a bedbug problem . Red, Itchy Bites The most obvious sign of a bedbug infestation comes in the form of the bite marks that they leave behind. Because bedbugs feed on blood they cannot eat without leaving marks behind. If...

Why Pest Control is Important for Restaurants Restaurants never want to have to call pest control because that means that pests have infested their restaurant. Although unfortunate pest infestations are commonly found in restaurants.  Restaurants are a one stop shop for everything a pest is looking for - food, water, and shelter. Most restaurants are located in bigger buildings with more potential entry points for pests to use.  Pest infestations are serious situations that need to be dealt with immediately before matters can get worse.  Pests are known for multiplying rapidly, the longer you wait to call pest control the more out of the infestation will get. As a restaurant owner you might not want to pay for a pest control company but it pays off in the long run.  Why Your Restaurant Should Hire a Pest Control Company  Here are a few reasons why your restaurant should hire a...

Your restaurant is a major investment of heart, soul and finances. It deserves the highest level of protection from any threat , including that of dangerous, disgusting pests. These invaders can destroy your inventory, your property and even something far more valuable: your reputation. Follow these effective practices to keep pests at bay: Inspect Everything Be vigilant in your inspection of food shipments and containers. Look for the presence of pests or evidence of exposure, including droppings and bite or scratch marks. Stop pests from entering the restaurant through any delivery.  Make sure all food sources are sealed and neatly stacked at least a foot away from the walls. Not only should all products be inspected upon delivery, but they should also be watched at established times for any signs of attraction. Date all food sources by using a standard, easily-tracked method. Inspect your building for any entry points for...

Probably the worst pest you can ever encounter in your home is the subterranean termite. Regrettably, Arizona has the perfect climate for this pest. Though Alliance Pest Management is ready and willing to provide termite treatments, you should know how to spot these pests early on so that wide-ranging treatments are not required. What Are Subterranean Termites? Subterranean termites are insects that live in underground colonies and burrow upwards to feed on soft cellulose materials that are in contact with the ground. These can include rotting logs and damp wood structures, plant byproducts, and paper. From there, the pests can work their way up into your home, eating drywall, plastics, and foam. Their bodies are narrow and oval-shaped. Length ranges from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch. They have antennae and six legs. Color depends on the caste. Worker termites, the ones you will most likely spot, are cream-colored. Swarmers, which...

If you notice an outrageous number of bees flying around your home, it could be a sign that there is a bee nest in the vicinity. Besides irritation, these bees can bring bacteria to your home and can be cause for alarm. If you notice a bee infestation, it would be best to call  pest management professionals for safe removal. Notably, the bee nests can grow quite huge if not detected enough. Here are some of the most common places to find bee nests in your home. 1. In Trees Bees are likely to nest in trees, especially hollow ones. Unfortunately, bee nests control in trees is no easy feat. Since there could be more than one entrance to the nest, you might overlook some. However, pest control specialists can use all their expertise to get rid of the bee infestation. 2. Concrete Blocks It might not be easy to...

While guests in the home are often a delight, unwanted guests evoke feelings of disgust and panic. Mice are some of the most common home invaders to cause serious damage and threat of disease. Take control of your dwelling by learning seven signs of a mice infestation brought you by the rodent exterminators of Alliance Pest Management. #1: Chewed Containers Food is the main attraction for mice entering your home. As soon as they arrive, they sniff out the cabinets and pantries and get to work. If you notice jagged holes in boxes, tears in wrappers or shredded bits of food on the shelves, you are not alone. Throw out any food that has been contaminated, as mice carry diseases such as salmonella and hantavirus. #2: Disgusting Droppings Mice constantly relieve themselves in dark and hidden areas of your home. Their distinctive droppings look like black grains of rice, measuring...

Have you ever found yourself picking or scratching at a random bump that wasn’t there the day before? In some cases, you don’t have to worry about this red spot, but in other cases, you have something worse — an insect bite. A majority of insect bites that occur are from pests. If you have ever caught yourself saying, “What’s biting me?”, then you need to check out this guide about pests that bite.  Biting Insects The most common pest bites people get are from biting insects. In most cases, bug bites are harmless and only leave red patches, rashes, or bumps; however, some bites carry life-threatening diseases like Lyme disease. Pests that intentionally bite include bedbugs, fleas, ticks, lice, mosquitoes, and horseflies. If you do have any of these bites, you can use over-the-counter medications or creams to soothe any pain. If you notice the red bumps, rashes or...

What Are Africanized Bees?   The Africanized bee species is a big source of stress and fear in the southwestern United States. If you live in this area, you should understand what Africanized bees are, what to do if you get stung, and how you can prevent the pests from wreaking havoc on your home.   The Africanized bee, also known as the killer bee, is a dangerous hybrid species of the honey bee. When beekeepers imported African honeybees to Brazil in the 1950s, some escaped and interbred with the European bees in the region. The resulting offspring are significantly more harmful than typical bees because they can sting people thousands of time. They are more defensive and aggressive than normal honey bees, too, and they are known to chase people when they become agitated.   The species spread rapidly throughout Central and South America in the second half of...

If you own or manage a hotel, then you know that it is difficult to keep things running smoothly. You are constantly trying to keep your guests happy, as they are your priority. But you also need to keep the building clean and safe. Unfortunately, this means that you need to plan for possible bed bug infestations.   Know What They Look Like The most effective way to prevent bed bugs is to have your staff keep a lookout for these pests as they clean rooms. Teach your housekeeping staff what bed bugs look like and how to spot an infestation. Keep them on alert when changing sheets and towels to look for things such as red stains that could be dried blood, small eggs or eggshells that are discarded as the nymphs grow, and tiny black spots that smear when they become wet, which is their fecal matter.    Keep...

As we head into peak mosquito season, it’s time to start thinking about the best ways to handle them. We want to enjoy our time outside and not worry about getting bitten by mosquitoes. Not only are they inconvenient and tarnish our time outside, they can also carry with them dangerous diseases such as the Zika virus. These mosquitoes will bite during the day, so it’s important to have a plan in place to handle them.    A pest control service is your best bet to reduce the number of mosquitoes that you may get in your yard. There are several steps that need to be completed to take care of the breeding grounds, eggs and adult mosquitoes that may be bothering you and your family.    Things we can do to help get rid of mosquitoes   1. Perform an inspection for problem areas and fix them.   A...