Gilbert homeowners deal with a pest environment that is shaped directly by the Sonoran Desert climate – hot, dry summers, mild winters, and a landscape that supports a wide range of species year-round. The pests described below are the ones we encounter most consistently when servicing homes throughout Gilbert and the East Valley.
Scorpions
The bark scorpion is the pest that generates more concern among Gilbert homeowners than any other, and for good reason. It is the most venomous scorpion species in the United States and is common throughout the East Valley. Bark scorpions are nocturnal, excellent climbers, and can compress their bodies to fit through very narrow gaps – making them difficult to exclude from a home without systematic sealing of entry points.
Scorpion activity in Gilbert peaks from April through October but the species is present year-round. They are most commonly encountered inside homes in bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets – areas where they shelter during daylight hours.
Ants
Several ant species are active in Gilbert homes. Argentine ants are among the most common, forming large colonies with multiple queens that make them particularly difficult to control with surface treatments alone. Fire ants are present in the East Valley and their stings can cause painful reactions. Carpenter ants, while less common than in more humid regions, are occasionally encountered in Gilbert homes with moisture issues.
Ant activity is heaviest in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate, though many species remain active year-round in Gilbert’s climate.
Spiders
Black widow spiders are the primary spider concern for Gilbert homeowners. The western black widow is common throughout Arizona and is frequently found in garages, storage areas, under outdoor furniture, and in any sheltered, undisturbed space around a home. Their venom is medically significant and bites warrant immediate medical attention.
Brown spiders and common house spiders are also present throughout Gilbert and are regularly encountered indoors, particularly in storage areas and low-traffic rooms.
Cockroaches
Two cockroach species are most commonly encountered in Gilbert homes. The American cockroach is a large species – up to two inches – associated with moisture and commonly found in garages, utility areas, and around irrigation systems. The Turkestan cockroach has become increasingly prevalent in the East Valley over the past decade and is frequently found in outdoor areas, irrigation valve boxes, and around any ground-level moisture source before moving indoors.
German cockroaches, the smaller species associated with kitchen and bathroom infestations, are less common outdoors but are the most serious infestation risk when they establish themselves inside a home.
Rodents
Roof rats are the dominant rodent pest in Gilbert’s residential neighborhoods. They travel along block walls and through tree canopy, nest in untrimmed palm trees, and access homes through roofline gaps and attic vents. Properties with citrus trees have consistently higher roof rat activity because citrus is a preferred food source.
House mice are also present and are more likely to be encountered at ground level, entering through gaps at the foundation and around utility penetrations.
Stinging Insects
Paper wasps are the most commonly encountered stinging insect in Gilbert yards, nesting under eaves, in door frames, and in any sheltered exterior location. Yellow jackets nest in the ground and in wall voids and are significantly more aggressive than paper wasps, particularly in late summer when colonies reach peak size.
Year-Round Pest Management in Gilbert
Gilbert’s climate means pest activity does not have a true off-season. The species that slow down in winter are replaced by others that remain active, and the warm spring and summer months bring the highest overall pest activity of the year. Consistent, scheduled pest control is the most reliable way to manage the range of species active in this area. Contact Veterans Choice Pest Solutions for a free quote and put a year-round protection plan in place for your home.