Pests to know in Tucson
Termites in Tucson
UA Extension notes that drywood termites, along with subterranean termites among the most destructive wood pests, occur across the southern U.S., including Arizona.[5]
Invasive species reported here
- Non-native roof rats are well established in some Arizona neighborhoods. UA Extension says pest-proofing and good landscape and waste management are the main ways to keep them out.[3]
- Africanized "killer" bees have invaded many parts of the U.S., including Arizona. Their stings are treated like other bee stings, but they are far more aggressive when threatened.[7]
Pests local experts flag
- Pima County's Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department treats public sewer manholes for cockroaches. It aims to treat each one every two years and does not treat private lines or property.[2]
- Seven kissing bug species live in Arizona. The most abundant, Triatoma rubida, is most common in the foothills around Phoenix and Tucson, and T. recurva is easy to find in Sabino Canyon.[4]
- About 30 scorpion species are found in Arizona. Only one, the bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus), is considered life-threatening, and it is the best climber of the group.[6]
Climate
Central Tucson (ZIP 85701) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 9b, where the average coldest winter night is 25 to 30°F.[9]
Public agencies that handle pests
- Pima County's Vector Control Division does mosquito surveillance across the county. It sets routine and complaint-driven traps and tests captured mosquitoes for disease.[1]
- Pima County Vector Control investigates all complaints about feral bees, wasps and flies in public spaces. It also gives out mosquito-eating Gila topminnow fish for mosquito control.[1]
Local rules and responsibilities
In Pima County rental units, bed bug, roach and rodent problems fall under Pima County Code 8.40.010, which makes all parties, including the occupant, responsible for treatment.[1]
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.[10]
Free local help
UA Extension's Pima County Master Gardeners take questions and consultation requests from local gardeners. They also offer free classes and publish the Tucson Garden Handbook.[8]
Through the year
Sources
- Pima County Health Department, “Vector Control Program.” www.pima.gov/vector-control-program (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department, “Vector (Roach) Control Program.” www.pima.gov/vector-roach-control-program (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, “How to Identify and Discourage Roof Rats.” extension.arizona.edu/publication/how-identify-and-discourage-roof-rats (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, “What You Should Know About Kissing Bugs.” extension.arizona.edu/publication/what-you-should-know-about-kissing-bugs (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, “Drywood Termites.” extension.arizona.edu/publication/drywood-termites (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center (University of Arizona), “Scorpions.” azpoison.com/venom/scorpions (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center (University of Arizona), “Bees, Spiders & Other Bugs.” azpoison.com/venom/bees-spiders-other-bugs (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, “Pima County Master Gardener.” extension.arizona.edu/programs/pima-county-master-gardener (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 85701 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/85701.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)