Meet the Expert

Scott Svenheim

Associate Certified Entomologist

Crickets in Arizona

Several kinds of crickets are found in Arizona. Although they pose no immediate health risks (they do not bite or carry disease) they have been known to eat through everything from wallpaper glue to wool to silk. Most importantly, if you are seeing crickets inside your Arizona home then they will be sure to attract hungry spiders and scorpions.

Subterranean termites – the danger underground

Subterranean termites cause billions of dollars of damage annually and are notorious for their destructive habits.

Rodent identification: A glimpse at common rodents of the United States

Thinking about spring cleaning? Truly Nolen asks you to think like a rodent. Don’t be a pack rat. Rodents love your clutter and so do the feasting insects, like cockroaches that carry and spread disease and pathogens to you and your family when they infest your home.

Rats and mice as vectors of diseases

The word rodent is derived from the Latin verb rodere, meaning to gnaw, and rats in particular are infamous for their ability to chew through insulation and wiring in your home.

Homebuyers Guide to Pest Inspections

When you're about to close on your dream home there is one question that will inevitably pop into your head: What if something is lurking below the surface that we didn't see?

Do you have a bed bug infestation?

Bed bugs have become increasingly common over the last few years, and it seems that no one is immune to an infestation.

Why roach allergies are so scary

With millions of people suffering from allergy symptoms, roach allergies are not often top of mind when compared to the more common triggers such as dust mites or pollen. A stubborn indoor allergen (a substance that causes an allergic reaction), roaches are difficult to get rid of entirely, even in the cleanliest home. Not just a residential problem, roaches can find their way into offices, restaurants, and in some of the more dangerous cases, schools. If left untreated, they can cause long term health problems and exacerbate already existing conditions such as asthma, the third leading cause of hospitalization among children under the age of 15. Although emphasis should be placed on treating and eliminating live roaches, it is also important to pay close attention to the removal of dead roaches. Over time, the deterioration of their cast skins can create allergens.

How to prevent a scorpion infestation

Spring and fall are the mating seasons for scorpions, at which point they may be more frequently seen. The bark scorpion, which has been spotted the most as of late, is considered life threatening, although reports of stings far outweigh fatalities. While this species is native to Arizona, California and New Mexico, the FDA notes that their numbers have been increasing in Clark County, Nevada. Bark scorpions most often grow to be a little more than an inch long, but can grow to over three inches. To discover whether or not there is an infestation, the Arizona-Sonoma Desert Museum suggests waiting until nightfall and shining a black light into dark spaces and across floors and ceilings. Under a black light, their exoskeletons will have a distinct glow.

Four seasons pest control approach: What does that really mean?

Truly Nolen’s approach using quarterly pest control is a year-round effort using the Four Seasons Pest Control Program. This program is designed to adapt to the changes pests undergo as the seasons change. Our research and development team created this program to effectively address changes in pest behavior from season to season in your area, from summer ants to winter rodents, we are prepared to keep your home and business pest free.

Know your termites

Termite infestations may be one of the most-costly pest infestations for homeowners. Known as “silent destroyers,” these bugs often act undetected, destroying wood, flooring and even wallpaper. The ruin they cause with their saw-like teeth costs Americans $5 billion in property damage every year, according to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Because many insurers do not cover termite damage, it’s critical to bring in an exterminator early on to limit damage.