Do Weeds Attract Pests In Phoenix?
It won’t be long before spring arrives and the weeds start popping up in Phoenix and Arizona. Unfortunately, weeds are not only relentless in their quest to take over yards, but they’re also not exactly attractive, AND they attract insects and rodents. Left unchecked, weeds create hiding spots that allow pests to remain hidden from property owners. Depending on the pest, this can lead to infestations and even property damage. In today’s blog, we’re taking a closer look at the common types of weeds in our region, the relationship between weeds and pests, and what property owners can do to eliminate both.
What is a weed?
According to Merriam-Webster, a weed is a plant that is not valued where it is growing and is usually of vigorous growth, especially one that tends to overgrow or choke out more desirable plants. It’s also defined as an obnoxious person, but we digress.
Common weeds in Arizona include, but are not limited to:
- Crabgrass
- Spiny sow thistle
- Mallow
- Bur clover
- Goathead
- Pigweed
- Goosefoot
- Purple nightshade
- Desert Bloom
Weeds allow pests to hide out
Although we mentioned food, water, and shelter are the three factors that attract insects and rodents, we will look specifically at shelter. Yards overgrown with weeds allow pests to remain hidden in plain sight. They can forage under the cover of weeds, avoiding human and predator detection. They can travel across yards, again, without being seen.
How do weeds in the yard lead to health and property risks?
Great question. We’ve established that weeds attract pests, but did you know pest infestations in homes and businesses can lead to health and property risks? Of course, not all pests introduce health risks or damage structures and belongings, but there are enough in Arizona that it bears mentioning. For example, mice and rats are notorious for chewing on anything they can find, including electrical wires, wood, furniture, and personal belongings. Moreover, these pests spread disease through their urine, droppings, and saliva. They can even affect air quality when they nest in HVAC ducts. Don’t underestimate insects; many can also spread illness and damage property.
Get rid of the weeds, and you’ll make your property less appealing to pests
Consider signing up for weed control services from Greenway Pest Solutions to eliminate weeds. Available in Phoenix, Chandler, and Gilbert, as well as throughout our Arizona service area, we offer bi-monthly and year-round weed control solutions that use pre- and post-emergent products to eliminate and prevent weeds.
Don’t forget to sign up for pest control services
Unfortunately, weeds aren’t the only things that make your property conducive to pest activity. With that in mind, you should consider signing up for ongoing home pest control services that eradicate existing pest problems and stop pests from taking over all year. At Greenway, our Premium Seasonal Pest Control Plan includes:
- An initial inspection and pest treatments that target the insects and rodents we find
- Routine service every three months to keep pest populations from re-establishing indoors and outdoors
- Free re-service, which means if a covered pest shows up in between scheduled visits, we’ll come back out to re-treat at no additional charge
From creating a barrier of protection around the perimeter of your home to knocking down wasp nests in the eaves, from sweeping for cobwebs to installing and maintaining rodent stations, and treating inside, when necessary, you can count on our local pest control company to protect your home! Request a home pest control quote today, or call us to discuss your pest problem(s).
We’re also here to help businesses in the Phoenix metro; visit our commercial pest control page to learn more!
