Learn More About Nuisance Insects
Need to identify the species of your unwelcome visitor? Learn more about the specific types of invasive bugs in our nuisance insect pest library.
Nuisance Insect Pest Library Menu:
> Flies
> Springtails
> Sow Bugs & Pill Bugs
> Spiders
> Cockroaches & Water Bugs
Flies
Flies are one of the most common and widespread pest insects found throughout the United States. Numerous species affect homes and businesses, including house flies, blow flies, drain flies, and fruit flies. Flies are attracted to food waste, moisture, decaying organic matter, and unsanitary conditions, making them a frequent nuisance in residential and commercial environments.
Flies reproduce rapidly, with females laying hundreds of eggs during their lifespan. Eggs are typically deposited in garbage, animal waste, drains, or other moist organic materials. Larvae (maggots) develop quickly, allowing populations to grow in a short period of time.
Flies are a concern because they can spread bacteria and pathogens by contaminating food and surfaces. Common signs of a fly problem include frequent sightings, buzzing activity, larvae in trash or drains, and stains left on walls or windows.
Effective fly control focuses on sanitation, exclusion, and moisture management. Removing food sources, sealing entry points, maintaining clean drains, and proper waste disposal are essential for prevention. Persistent or large infestations often require professional pest control services to identify breeding sites and implement targeted treatments.
Springtails
Springtails are most commonly outside in damp areas: under loose soil, debris, mulch, and potted Plants. Outside they feed on fungi, algae, and rotten vegetables. They may also be found inside homes in damp areas such as: near drains, insulation, moist basements, and window moldings. They feed on cork, insulation, and indoor potted plant matter; to name a few. Springtails are very small to the eye, growing less than 1/12 inches long, and appear to be white or grey. They do not fly; instead, most springtails have two long fork-like appendages which cause springtails to jump when moved suddenly. They are generally non damaging insects, however, are considered pests because they appear in large numbers.
Sow Bugs and Pill Bugs
Sow bugs and pill bugs are more closely related to shrimp and crawfish because they breathe through gills and they need moist areas to survive. There are many names that people refer these bugs too: rollie-pollies, and doodle bugs. They feed on dead leaves and vegetation on the ground. They prefer the outdoors but will settle anywhere where it is dark and damp; in homes they may be found in crawl spaces, potted plants, and basements. When the common pill bugs are disturbed, they form themselves into a tight ball; they can form into a ball because they lack small appendages that the dooryard sow bugs have in the front end of the body. The dooryard sow bugs are very similar looking like the common pill bug; however, they have small appendages in the front of the body that do not allow them to roll into a ball when they are disturbed. The other distinguishing characteristic is that the dooryard pill bug has two small tail-like appendages at the abdomen. Usually when there is a large population of these critters found inside the home, it indicates that there is a large population outside the home or building.
Spiders
Arizona Brown Spider
The Arizona brown spider is a species of recluse spider that is commonly found throughout Arizona. This spider has 3 sets of eyes, eight long legs, and grow to be 1/4-1/2 inch long. The Arizona brown spider can be distinguished by its violin shaped marking on its head to scare off its predators and its yellowish-brown colored body.
Can survive 6-12 months without food
Has a toxic that may cause a harmful reaction to the skin; if bitten by a recluse spider, consult a doctor.
Spends most of its time in dark areas during the day and are very active at night. They do all their hunting during the nighttime.
Feed on small bugs that get caught in their webs or hunt them in the nighttime.
Tarantula
When we think of tarantulas, we think of how big and hairy they are and that is what makes them scary. Tarantulas do bite; however, their venom is weaker than the average bee. There are many species of tarantulas commonly found in the dry, desert parts of the world, including Arizona.
- Common Characteristics: Their bodies can range up to 4 ¾ inches long with their leg span as long as 11 inches.
Tarantulas do not generally spin webs to capture their prey; they hunt for their prey; injecting venom and paralyzing the prey. After eating, they may not eat again for up to a month.
They have very few enemies, but the Pepsis wasp is the exception. The Pepsis wasp will paralyze the tarantula and inject paralyzing venom into the tarantula. Pepsis wasps would then lay its eggs on the tarantula, and the larvae would feed on the living tarantula.
Sun Spider
Sun spiders are unusual arachnids that are commonly found throughout the United States, particularly in the southeastern region. They have some interesting and distinct features that set them apart from other spiders:
Characteristics: grow to be 1-3 inches long, yellowish or tan in color
Sun spiders do not spin webs to catch their prey; instead, they have large leg-like pedipalps on each side of the jaw, making them look like they have 5 sets of legs (instead of 4). These pedipalps are sticky so that they can easily catch their prey.
Often when sun spiders walk, they have these “arms” in the air so that they can easily move.
Sun spiders are great diggers and fast movers; they spend most of their time underground and are most active in the desert where it is hot and arid.
Sun spiders eat insects and may consume small lizards; when handles by people, they may bite but are not poisonous.
Black Widow
Black widows are spiders that are commonly found throughout the United States, including Arizona. The female is easily identified by their black, shiny body with a red hourglass shape on the abdomen. Their abdomen can is approximately 1/4-1/2 inch in diameter, but the males are much smaller in size and appearance. The male black widow is much smaller than the female and is light colored with light streaks across its abdomen. The black widow’s web contains a mass of fibers and a small area where the spider waits for its prey. They usually construct their webs under boards, stones, foundation slabs (but rarely enter inside buildings and homes). Black widows have a bite that is greatly feared because its venom is said to be 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake bite. The venom contains toxins that affect the nervous system. In humans, bites produce muscle aches, nausea, and a paralysis of the diaphragm that can make breathing difficult.
Cockroaches and Water Bugs
Cockroaches are common household pests found throughout the United States, particularly in warm climates like Arizona. Several species invade homes and businesses, including German, American, and Oriental cockroaches. The insects often referred to as “water bugs” are typically large cockroach species, most commonly American or Oriental cockroaches.
Cockroaches prefer dark, warm, and moist environments and are commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, drains, wall voids, and basements. They are nocturnal and hide during the day, making infestations difficult to detect until populations grow. Roaches reproduce quickly, with females producing egg cases that can contain dozens of eggs.
Roaches are a serious concern because they contaminate food and surfaces and are known to spread bacteria and allergens that may trigger asthma and allergic reactions. Signs of infestation include live or dead roaches, droppings resembling black pepper or coffee grounds, egg cases, and a musty odor.
Effective cockroach control relies on sanitation, moisture reduction, and exclusion. Sealing cracks, repairing leaks, proper food storage, and regular cleaning help reduce attractants. Due to their rapid reproduction and ability to hide in inaccessible areas, professional pest control is often necessary for complete and long-term elimination.
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