Between the millions of people who call the area home and even more who visit every year, Las Vegas is home to lots of good times—maybe too many, honestly. There’s never a shortage of things to do in Sin City, as the casinos and clubs on The Las Vegas Strip seem to always command a crowd.
While most experiences in Las Vegas are positive, there is one thing you never want to see when living in the desert: an invasive pest in your home or business. Countless types of bugs and insects roam the Las Vegas Valley, most of which are simply annoying. Many of them are actually dangerous, however, and in some cases even potentially deadly.
The best way to protect yourself and your property from dangerous desert pests is to stay informed, prepared, and aware. Regularly checking areas that attract pests can help reduce your risk, as can investing in preventative services for pest control in Las Vegas. You also must stay vigilant in maintaining clean surroundings and updating yourself on which pests in Las Vegas are dangerous based on factors like season, weather, and more.
Continue reading to learn more about the most dangerous pests in Las Vegas.
Scorpions
The most infamous pest you’ll regularly encounter in Las Vegas is the scorpion. There are actually three types: emperor scorpions, desert hairy scorpions, and bark scorpions. Emperor scorpions are shiny, black creatures that don’t sting humans often. Desert hairy scorpions are a little smaller and olive green, and while they sting more frequently, their venom is not fatal to us.
Bark scorpions are where things get a little scary. These are a brownish-yellow color and typically have smaller bodies than other scorpions, though they’re certainly more dangerous. Bark scorpion stings are extremely painful and their venom can cause serious health concerns. If you’re asking, “Are bark scorpions deadly?” The answer can be yes for children, the elderly, the immunocompromised, and people with allergies. You shouldn’t get near any scorpions in Las Vegas, but if you think you have a bark scorpion in your home or business, stay far away!
Spiders
There are several types of dangerous spiders in Las Vegas, the most harrowing being the black widow. These well-known arachnids are very common in the Valley and are easily identifiable by their jet-black bodies lined with red markings. Another dangerous spider you may see in Las Vegas is the brown recluse, which is usually larger and hairier and can be brown, white, or gray.
Both of these spiders have poisonous venom that can cause significant damage to humans. Their bite can even be fatal. Squishing tiny spiders often found inside is easy, but if you see a black widow or brown recluse in your home, call in professional help right away. You don’t want to risk getting bitten and potentially having to deal with the resulting health ramifications.
Kissing Bugs
Late night partygoers aren’t the only ones planting smooches in Las Vegas. Kissing bugs are small, wingless insects that are very common in the American Southwest, but don’t let their name fool you: these are some of the most dangerous pests in Las Vegas. They get their name from the way they attack, as they usually bite their victims on the lips or elsewhere on the face.
While not every kissing bug bite is harmful, they have the ability to transmit parasites that can cause illness such as Chagas disease. Their bite can cause severe swelling and is usually very painful. If you find kissing bugs hiding in the cracks of your home or business, seek expert help right away. It could be the difference in stopping a full-scale infestation.
Bedbugs
Las Vegas is home to over 150,000 hotel rooms and millions of people who call the Valley home. These people need a place to sleep, so naturally, the risk for bedbugs is higher here than elsewhere in the country. Dealing with bed bugs is rare, but you shouldn’t dismiss their potential to cause long-lasting damage to your property and health. While bedbugs aren’t necessarily deadly, they can be one of the most difficult pests to eradicate, all the while making your life much more difficult.
Contrary to one of the most popular bedbug myths, they aren’t only attracted to your mattress. They also can hide under wallpaper, inside books and boxes, and more places around your home or office. They’re not a risk to spread disease, but their bites are seriously itchy and can cause skin infection. They’re also very hard to get rid of on your own, as they reproduce very quickly and can burrow away deep out of sight. If you discover signs of a potential bed bug infestation, don’t hesitate to call in professional assistance.
Affordable Pest Control in Las Vegas
Finding signs of a pest infestation in your home or business can be stressful, but you’re not alone. Las Vegas Pest Control has serviced the Valley community since 2006, providing affordable pest control in Las Vegas for millions of people. Whether you’re looking for commercial pest control or residential pest control, you’ll find what you need with us. To get started, give us a call for a free quote on Las Vegas pest control today!