The heat outside during the hot Nevada summers can be oppressive—even pests can’t handle the intense daytime temperatures, preferring to wait until dusk and after dark to emerge and hunt for food. These nocturnal pests can be hard to track down, so let’s go over the most common examples of pests you may find after dark and how Burns Pest Elimination can help keep them under control.
Nocturnal Insects to Look Out For
Nevada is home to a wide range of pests that are active at night, including:
- Cicadas
- Crickets
- Scorpions
You may be familiar with all or some of these pest species, but their nighttime activities, such as the noises they make, leave Nevada residents with a few questions. If you’re curious about common nocturnal insects’ behavior, read on for more helpful insights.
Why Are Cicadas So Loud?
The high-pitched buzzing sounds of cicadas are an iconic part of the summer experience, but these annoying insects can become quite a bother after dark. But why do they sing their ear-piercing songs?
Male cicadas use their sound-making abilities to attract mates. By vibrating special membranes on their bodies, they create that characteristic buzzing sound. The hotter it gets, the louder they sing, and in the Las Vegas desert heat, you can expect quite a chorus. While they can be annoying, cicadas are harmless, leaving you more annoyed than anything else.
Do All Crickets Make Noise?
Not all crickets chirp, but the ones that do are usually the males looking for a mate. Field crickets are especially common in the Las Vegas area, and their persistent chirping can easily keep you up at night. While they may seem harmless, they can become quite a nuisance if they invade your home in large numbers. Luckily, Burns can help you get rid of crickets before they become a problem.
Are Scorpions in Las Vegas Nocturnal?
While scorpions aren’t technically insects, they’re often mistaken for them. These arachnids are a common sight in Las Vegas homes, especially at night. They come out after dark to prey on a wide range of insects, including the two mentioned above. If you see one in your home, be cautious. Scorpions can pack a painful sting, and the smaller the scorpion, the more dangerous it might be.
Want to know a handy trick for spotting scorpions? Use a blacklight! Scorpions glow under ultraviolet light, making them easy to find before they can surprise you. A blacklight can help you avoid a late-night run-in with these stinging pests, but go searching for them—leave that to your local scorpion control professionals.
Desert Rodents After Dark
In addition to noisy insects, desert rodents can also become a problem in Las Vegas homes. These nocturnal creatures, such as kangaroo rats and packrats, are known to sneak into homes in search of food and shelter. Rodents may seem small and harmless, but they can carry diseases, chew through wires, and cause extensive damage to your home.
Count on Burns Pest Elimination for Las Vegas Pest Control
If you’re hearing scurrying sounds at night, it’s time to take action. Burns Pest Elimination specializes in Las Vegas pest control, with fast response times and an in-depth knowledge of the unique variety of desert pests found all over our region. Schedule your residential pest control quote or treatment today to sleep soundly at night in a home shielded from pests.
