12 Annoying Insects in Arizona That Are in Numbers and Looking to Bite

The beautiful state of Arizona has a striking desert landscape and warm climate that attracts a diverse range of wildlife, including insects. Many of those creatures are not pleasant to encounter. Unfortunately, some are notorious for their annoying habits and potentially dangerous bites. Knowing what these insects are and understanding how to avoid them (or at least lessen encounters) will make your time in the southwestern state a little more enjoyable. So, let’s dive into the world of 12 bothersome insects found in Arizona.

1. Fire Ants 

These aggressive and formidable insects have made their mark in Arizona. But they aren’t native to the state. Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) originated in South America and got imported into the states at some point. Worker arts range in size from 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch (2.4 to 6 mm). They are typically red or brownish-red. 

Their colonies can rapidly grow. And once disturbed, they swarm and deliver painful stings that cause reddened, itchy welts. Then, the next day the sting spot may develop a white some. For some people, the stings can result in severe allergic reactions.

2. Africanized Honey Bees “Killer Bees”

Known as “killer bees,” Africanized honey bees (Apis mellifera scutellata) are a hybrid of African and European honey bees. But they don’t have any characteristics that distinguish them from European bees. They entered the United States via Brazil. 

These bees are highly defensive of their hives and can chase perceived threats for long distances. Their stings are potent and, in some cases, can be fatal. The worst-case scenario would take roughly 1,000 stings, which is not impossible since killer bees swarm in massive numbers when they feel threatened. It is best to avoid their hives when possible.

3. Blister Beetles

These insects love feeding on flowers and a range of agricultural crops. But these are one pest you don’t want to pick off with your bare hands. Blister beetles (Meloidae) do exactly what their name suggests. If you touch one with your bare skin, it will form a blister. And unfortunately, blister beetles can be deadly to animals since they carry a toxin. It is important to keep any animal feed free from blister beetle contamination.

4. Kissing Bugs 

Kissing bugs (Triatominae subfamily) are known to feed on the blood of humans and animals. They most often bite around the mouth or eyes. But that’s not the worst of it. They are also vectors for Chagas disease, a potentially severe illness that can lead to long-term health issues if left untreated.

And they won’t go away anytime soon. Some species live up to a whopping two years. Avoid touching kissing bugs with your bare hands if you come across one. Use gloves to handle them and get them out of your path.

5. Mosquitos

Everyone dreads the time of year when mosquitos (Culicidae) come out to play. Thankfully, large parts of Arizona have a drier climate that is not as conducive to mosquito populations. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t around in the southwestern state. 

Since these annoying insects can carry West Nile disease, it is best to try to reduce their presence the best you can. 

6. Horse Flies 

Horse flies (Tabanidae family) are formidable insects with razor-sharp mouthparts that can easily slice through the skin. Unlike other flies, this pest bites. The bites are itchy and painful. They can also lead to allergic reactions in some individuals. They are particularly active during the warm months, annoying hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Horse flies love hanging out around wooded areas. So, if you hit the trail, make sure to spray on some insect repellent. And keep your screen doors and windows in good repair to keep these pests out of your home.

7. Western Conifer Seed Bugs 

Unfortunately, Western conifer seed (or leaf-footed) bugs (Leptoglossus occidentalis) look similar to kissing bugs, so they often get a bad rap. However, they are not harmful to humans. That said, leaf-footed bugs become a nuisance in autumn when they seek shelter indoors to escape the cooler temperatures. When threatened, they emit an unpleasant odor. And you may occasionally hear them buzzing around your head, adding to the annoyance factor.

8. Moths 

If you’ve ever sat outside on your deck or around a campground and had an annoying flying insect dive bomb your light (and you), you know how irritating moths (Lepidoptera) can be. Thankfully, they are not harmful to humans, and they won’t bite. You can, however, take a few steps to prevent too many from taking over your porch. Turn off exterior lights when not in use, and consider swapping your lightbulb for one that is not as bright.

9. Green Stink Bugs  

Green stink bugs (Chinavia hilaris) are agricultural pests that damage crops by piercing plant tissues and feeding on their juices. They also quite literally stink. When disturbed, they release a pungent odor as a defense mechanism. So their destructive nature and bad aroma mean they are unwelcome in gardens and homes.

You can always hand-pick them off your plants or use a natural insecticide if you have an infestation. Another option is to ensure plenty of spiders, predatory wasps, and birds have access to your space. They may not be fun additions for you, but they will definitely address your stink bug problem.

10. Western Drywood Termites 

Termites (Incisitermes minor) are notorious for their destructive appetite for wood. And dry wood termites are the most common species found in Arizona. As their name suggests, they thrive in environments with plenty of dry wood… like the desert southwest. They are particularly fond of solid wood furniture. There are ways to address a termite infestation, but you should always consult professionals before attempting treatment.

11. Palo Verde Beetles

Palo verde beetles (Derobrachus hovorei) are large black insects, nearly half the size of your palm, with huge antennae. They show up in the most random places but are not harmful when left alone. If you try to pick one up, it may bight in self-defense. You can try to remove these unwanted beetles with a glass and a piece of paper over the top or simply pour soapy water on them to kill them. 

12. Crane Flies

These poor insects have the bad luck of looking very similar to mosquitos. They have long, slender bodies and large wings. However, unlike mosquitos, they are actually very helpful creatures. Crane flies (Tipuloidea) help speed up the process of organic matter decomposition. They can’t hurt you and don’t live longer than roughly two weeks. So there is no need to worry about these guys.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © AOKSANG STUDIO/Shutterstock.com