Tempe is a desert city that does not behave like one. Irrigated lawns, citrus trees, the Salt River corridor, Tempe Town Lake and an enormous inventory of apartments and 1960s ranch homes create pockets of water and shade in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, and pests have noticed. For help, call (844) 725-1661. PestMinistry is a referral service that connects you with an independent, licensed provider; the provider does the inspection and treatment.
What the desert climate does to pest behavior
Summer highs that regularly pass 100 degrees make the outdoors miserable for insects as well as people. Many pests respond by moving toward cooler, moister places: kitchens, garages, irrigation boxes and shaded block walls. The summer monsoon, usually July through September, adds humidity and sudden storms that flush roaches from sewers and push scorpions and spiders around. Mild winters let ants, rodents and some roaches stay active when much of the country is in a deep freeze.
The common pests
- Bark scorpions: the most medically significant scorpion in the Southwest. They climb walls and block fences, and they hide in shoes, towels and wall voids.
- Roof rats: they use citrus and date palms for food and cover, and nest in attics and palm skirts.
- Cockroaches: American cockroaches from sewers and storm drains, Turkestan cockroaches in yards and washers, and German cockroaches in apartments.
- Subterranean termites: active in the Phoenix metro area and capable of damaging structures without much warning.
- Ants: harvester ants in desert landscaping, Argentine and pavement ants indoors.
- Crickets, spiders and wasps: especially around lights and block walls.
Tempe housing and neighborhoods
Stucco-covered block homes, tile roofs and slab foundations are everywhere. Mid-century neighborhoods like the Lakes, Alameda and Maple-Ash have older houses with aging stucco cracks, weep screed gaps and garage doors with worn seals. Dense apartment communities near Arizona State University and Mill Avenue have shared walls and landscaping that encourage German roaches and ants. Block walls, a common feature in Tempe backyards, give scorpions a ready-made climbing route.
What a typical professional service looks like
- An exterior inspection of the perimeter, block walls, trees, irrigation and rooflines.
- Targeted treatment to the foundation, weep holes, window frames and eaves, with bait where it makes sense.
- Interior service for kitchens and baths if roaches or ants are an issue.
- Advice on sealing, lighting and landscape choices.
- A recurring schedule, often quarterly or bimonthly because of how long the warm season lasts.
Prevention that fits a desert home
- Trim palm skirts and citrus branches away from the roof.
- Seal gaps around pipes, garage doors and utility lines.
- Shake out shoes and clothes if scorpions are in the neighborhood.
- Switch exterior lighting to warm-toned bulbs, which attract fewer flying insects.
- Fix leaking sprinkler lines, which provide water for pests and soften soil near the foundation.
Calling for help
Tell us what you are seeing, the part of Tempe you live in and whether you own or rent. We will connect you with a licensed provider who works in the area, and you can then discuss the plan and timing with them directly.
Tempe pest control questions
Do I need pest control in the dry desert?
Often yes. Irrigation and air conditioning create small oases, and urban pests are plentiful regardless of rainfall.
Are scorpion stings dangerous?
Bark scorpion stings are painful and can be serious for young children or older adults. Seek medical advice or call poison control if a sting occurs.
Is monsoon season worse for pests?
It can be, as storms push roaches and other pests indoors and boost moisture around the home.
Can pest control help with scorpions?
Providers can reduce the insects scorpions eat and seal entry points, though scorpions are tough to eliminate completely.