Pests and pest control in Phoenix, AZ

Pests to know in Phoenix

• Subterranean termites
• Scorpions
• Africanized honey bees

Why each one matters here is cited in the sections below.

Termites in Phoenix

• The University of Arizona calls termites Arizona's number one urban pest.^[1]
• The desert subterranean termite is the most common and most destructive termite in Arizona.^[1]

Pests local experts flag

• The Arizona bark scorpion is the only scorpion of medical concern in the U.S.^[2]
• All wild honey bees in Arizona are considered Africanized to some degree.^[3]

Climate

Central Phoenix (ZIP 85004) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 10a, where the average coldest winter night is 30 to 35°F.^[6]

Public agencies that handle pests

• Maricopa County Vector Control monitors and controls mosquitoes all year. It tests Culex mosquitoes for West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis viruses and Aedes aegypti for chikungunya, dengue and Zika.^[4]
• Maricopa County Vector Control also investigates complaints about feral bees, flies and roof rats.^[4]

Local rules and responsibilities

• University of Arizona guidance says that if wild bees sting or bump you, cover your head and face and run to the nearest building.^[3]
• Maricopa County says everyone is responsible for removing and preventing mosquito breeding on their own property.^[4]

Hiring a licensed company

The state pesticide regulatory agency for Arizona is the Arizona Department of Agriculture (Pest Management Division), which oversees pesticide applicator certification and licensing.^[7]

Licensing agency: Arizona Department of Agriculture — Pest Management Division^[7].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

University of Arizona Maricopa County Cooperative Extension is in Phoenix. Its Master Gardener program holds free online Ask a Master Gardener sessions for home garden and landscape questions.^[5]

Through the year

Summer to Fall

In Arizona, winged termites usually swarm after a rain during the monsoon season, from July to September.^[1]

Year-round

Arizona bark scorpions are active most of the year in low-desert areas, and nighttime temperatures above 70°F suit them best.^[2]

Sources

1. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, “Termite Management for Homeowners (AZ1356).” extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1356.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
2. University of Arizona Arizona Cooperative Extension (ACIS), “Scorpions of the Desert Southwest United States.” web.archive.org/web/20260421231621/acis.cals.arizona.edu/all-publications/publications-view/scorpions-of-the-desert-southwest-united-states (accessed 2026-10-06)
3. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, “Wild Honey Bees in Community Environments – Identification, Biology, and Reducing Risks (AZ1846).” extension.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/2024-08/az1846-2020.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
4. Maricopa County Environmental Services, “Vector Control | Maricopa County, AZ.” www.maricopa.gov/632/Vector-Control (accessed 2026-10-06)
5. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, “Maricopa County Master Gardener | UA Cooperative Extension.” extension.arizona.edu/es/node/1263 (accessed 2026-10-06)
6. USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 85004 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/85004.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
7. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)