Mosquito and Fly Control in the Phoenix Valley

Flies and mosquitoes are two of the more annoying pests found in Arizona. The area is home to several types of mosquitoes and flies that not only irritate, bite, and cause itching, but can also be deadly, since most types of flying pests carry and transmit diseases. A fast and effective solution is to find a licensed, professional pest control service.

Types of Mosquitoes in AZ and preventive measures

Arizona is home to nearly 40 mosquito species many of which are merely annoying. A few are very dangerous as they transmit deadly viruses. Two of the most ferocious species are ‘Culex’ and ‘Aedes aegypti’. The former is a carrier of the West Nile virus that transmits from birds to humans and cause anything from mild flu-like symptoms to life-threatening neurological symptoms. West Nile virus has become a permanent feature of the Arizona ecosystem. So far West Nile Virus has no vaccine.The mosquito can also be a carrier for St. Louis encephalitis. An effective solution is to choose a professional pest control option in Phoenix over the traditional home remedies because ‘Culex’ isn’t afraid of grandma’s home remedies!

  • ‘Aedes aegypti’ is a vector for many infectious diseases such as Zika, dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. Since these diseases aren’t present in Arizona, it is better to keep yourself safe when visiting an infected region*. Another irritating pest is the 'Psorophora columbiae' or the dark rice field mosquito that is an aggressive biter and feeds day and night.

    Preventive Measures

    Wear long sleeves and pants if you can bear the heat. Using mosquito nets are also effective. Do not let water stand stagnant anywhere. Look for any leaky faucets, spare tires and unused materials in the backyard, clean the gutters, cover the garbage containers, etc. The best way is to protect yourself and your surroundings is through the use of EPA-registered repellents that have been evaluated and approved for effectiveness and safety. Seek residential or commercial pest control services that are trained for pesticide application before the situation is out of control.

Types of Flies and how to get rid of them

Just like mosquitoes, flies are also a torment. They bring in trails of dangerous bacteria, feast on your food, infect your home and kitchen surfaces or even suck your blood. Many of them even transmit diseases and harm plants. While there are over 240,000 species in the world, only the common house fly and drain fly are common in Phoenix, AZ. The family Muscidae has house flies, lesser house flies, red house flies, and blue house flies; all carry germs for diseases such as typhoid, tuberculosis, dysentery, and cholera. Family Sarcophagidae includes flesh flies while filter flies and moth flies are from family Psychodidae.Culicoides, or no-see-ums, are plentiful around construction sites and in moist areas. 

  • How to Get Rid of Them?

    Flies can be found around unprotected food, dirty areas, clogged drains and standing water. You can kill a few flies but stopping an infestation isn’t easy. Using random chemicals is only partially successful and fly strips will leave the carcasses in full view, giving others a negative impact on your lifestyle. It is better to hire an experienced pest control company in Phoenix. As the expert exterminator, we inspect your property and can offer a tailored solution to your fly issues.

OUR REVIEWS

Common Issues with Mosquito Infestations

  • Mosquitoes require surprisingly small amounts of standing water to complete their life cycle, with females laying up to 300 eggs in water volumes as minimal as a bottle cap. These persistent pests exploit stagnant water sources, including clogged gutters, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, children's toys, and poorly drained areas throughout properties. The mosquito development cycle from egg to adult can be completed in as little as 7-10 days during warm weather, allowing populations to expand rapidly when favorable conditions remain. At Russell Pest Control, our technicians identify these often-overlooked breeding sites during property inspections, locating potential development areas that might otherwise remain undetected. Understanding this critical water dependency allows our specialists to interrupt the mosquito life cycle before populations reach problematic levels through targeted breeding site elimination.

  • Despite primarily outdoor activity patterns, mosquitoes frequently establish indoor presence through various entry pathways. These persistent insects exploit minor structural deficiencies, including torn window screens, door gaps, utility penetrations, and ventilation openings to access interior spaces. Once inside, female mosquitoes seek blood meals during evening hours when residents are typically least active, creating sleep disturbances and uncomfortable living conditions. Certain mosquito species have specifically adapted to human environments, preferring indoor habitats and demonstrating minimal flight distance from breeding sites to feeding locations. Russell Pest Control's comprehensive approach addresses outdoor population management and structural exclusion techniques preventing indoor access. This dual focus creates comfortable living environments free from the irritation and health concerns associated with indoor mosquito activity.

  • Mosquito populations demonstrate remarkable adaptability to control measures through behavioral and physiological resistance mechanisms. Many homeowners experience diminishing effectiveness from consumer-level repellents and control products as local mosquito populations develop a reduced sensitivity to common active ingredients through genetic selection. This resistance development occurs particularly in areas with long-standing mosquito pressure where consistent exposure to similar control products creates selective pressure favoring resistant individuals. Additionally, mosquitoes exhibit behavioral adaptations, including shifting biting times, reduced sensitivity to repellent odors, and shortened repellent response duration. At Russell Pest Control, our technicians utilize professional-grade products with different modes of action and application techniques designed to overcome resistance issues commonly encountered with over-the-counter solutions, delivering superior results for properties experiencing continued mosquito problems despite previous control attempts.

  • Mosquito activity demonstrates clear seasonal patterns with population density closely following temperature and precipitation cycles. Warmer months dramatically accelerate mosquito development rates and feeding frequency, creating exponential population growth during summer. Female mosquitoes require blood meals for egg production, with feeding activity increasing proportionally with temperature until reaching optimal conditions. Additionally, summer storm patterns create ideal breeding conditions through increased standing water availability and elevated humidity levels supporting adult survival. These seasonal factors collectively generate peak mosquito pressure exactly when outdoor activities typically increase, creating maximum human-mosquito contact. At Russell Pest Control, our mosquito management programs adjust treatment timing and intensity based on these predictable seasonal patterns, implementing preventative measures before population explosions occur while maintaining protection throughout the activity season.

Our Service Area

Our service area covers all cities Valleywide, including Phoenix, Carefree, Cave Creek, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Glendale, Good Year, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Scottsdale, Sun City, Surprise, Tempe, Rio Verde, Ahwatukee, North Mountain, Camelback East, Deer Valley, and more. If you aren’t sure whether or not we service your area, call us!

Phoenix Neighborhoods We Serve

Grandview, Liberty, Wild Flower, Westgate, Arrowhead Ranch, North Mountain Village, Maryvale Village, Encanto Village, Deer Valley, Peoria, Hillcrest Ranch, Mountain Cove, San Estrella Estates, PebbleCreek, Encore at Eastmark, Desert View, Central City, Eastlake Park, Coronado, Windsor Square, Willo, Sunnyslope, Nuestro Barrio, North Gateway, Maryvale Village, Estrella, Tatum Ranch, Biltmore, Papago, Squaw Peak, Kierland, Desert Ridge, Pleasant Valley Estates, Laveen, Melrose, Oakland, Royal Palm, Washington Park, Midtown, East Orangewood, Moon Valley, Autumn Ridge, Basking Ridge, Sweetwater Ranch, Heritage Terrace, McCormick Ranch, McDowell Mountain Ranch, Turtle Creek, Cheyenne Village, Parque Vista Estates, Norma Estates, Melrose Estates, Sun View Estates

Mosquito Control Process

  • Effective mosquito management begins with comprehensive property evaluation identifying active breeding sites and conditions supporting mosquito development. Russell Pest Control's detailed inspection process examines the entire property, including perimeter areas, landscaping features, drainage patterns, and structural characteristics influencing mosquito activity. Our technicians document standing water sources, vegetation density, shade patterns, and proximity to external mosquito reservoirs such as drainage ditches or natural water features. This thorough assessment identifies property-specific mosquito pressure points requiring focused attention while establishing baseline activity levels for measuring treatment effectiveness. We examine microclimates created by landscaping and structural features that potentially support mosquito harborage even during drier periods. The resulting site analysis forms the foundation for developing customized treatment strategies addressing each property's unique characteristics rather than generic approaches missing crucial mosquito development factors.

  • Interrupting the mosquito life cycle during aquatic development stages represents the most efficient and environmentally compatible control strategy. At Russell Pest Control, our larviciding program targets identified breeding sites with specialized products designed specifically for mosquito larvae control with minimal impact on non-target organisms. We utilize several complementary treatment methods, including biological controls containing naturally occurring bacteria specifically toxic to mosquito larvae, insect growth regulators that prevent normal development, and surface films that disrupt the breathing mechanism of developing mosquitoes. We implement sustainable larviciding schedules for more extensive water features that cannot be eliminated, maintaining continuous protection throughout the breeding season. This focus on preventing mosquito development before emergence creates superior population suppression compared to adult-only treatment approaches, reducing overall mosquito pressure while minimizing the environmental impact of control measures.

  • Comprehensive mosquito management includes targeted adult control measures, creating immediate population reductions while larval treatments progressively impact development cycles. At Russell Pest Control, our adult mosquito treatments utilize specialized application equipment, delivering ultra-low-volume mist applications to mosquito harborage areas, including dense vegetation, shaded locations, and resting sites where adults congregate during daylight hours. We select appropriate adulticide formulations based on property characteristics and timing applications during periods of maximum effectiveness while mosquitoes remain in resting locations. For residential properties, we focus treatments on outdoor living spaces, landscape borders, and structural perimeters, creating protective zones around primary activity areas. These targeted adult control measures provide rapid relief from existing mosquito populations. At the same time, our simultaneous larviciding program progressively reduces new emergence, creating immediate and sustained protection throughout the mosquito season.

  • Properties experiencing persistent mosquito pressure benefit from installed systems providing continuous protection between scheduled professional treatments. Russell Pest Control offers several supplemental control options, including strategically placed mosquito traps that utilize attractants specific to local mosquito species. These traps continuously reduce breeding populations by capturing female mosquitoes before egg deposition occurs. We design and install automated misting systems for properties requiring maximum protection with the programmable operation, delivering precisely timed applications to key areas during peak mosquito activity periods. These systems utilize specialized nozzle placement focusing on applications in primary mosquito harborage areas while minimizing drift to non-target locations. We program and maintain these systems throughout the season, adjusting operation schedules based on changing mosquito activity patterns and environmental conditions while replenishing product reservoirs during regular service visits and maintaining uninterrupted protection.

  • Sustained mosquito control requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance and adapting to changing environmental conditions and mosquito pressure throughout the active season. At Russell Pest Control, our mosquito management programs include regularly scheduled follow-up visits evaluating treatment effectiveness, identifying new breeding sites, and refreshing control measures as needed. During these maintenance visits, our technicians assess population trends, adjust treatment approaches based on observed results, and address any property changes potentially creating new mosquito development areas. We perform comprehensive equipment checks, nozzle cleaning, and product replenishment for clients with installed systems, maintaining optimal system performance. Our seasonal maintenance programs adjust visit frequency based on current mosquito pressure, typically increasing during peak breeding periods following rainfall events when mosquito development accelerates. This proactive maintenance approach maintains continuous protection throughout the mosquito season rather than allowing populations to rebuild between treatments.

Things to Consider Before Hiring Fly Control Services

  • The type of fly species causing the infestation

    Different fly species exhibit distinct behavior patterns, breeding preferences, and control challenges requiring specialized management approaches. House flies, fruit flies, drain flies, and cluster flies represent entirely different pest categories despite their superficial similarities. At Russell Pest Control, our technicians receive specialized fly identification training, allowing precise species determination through visual characteristics, behavior observation, and breeding site preferences. This identification expertise directly impacts treatment effectiveness, as control methods effective against one fly species often prove completely ineffective against others. For example, drain treatment protocols essential for controlling drain flies provide minimal impact on fruit fly populations, requiring different intervention strategies. Our species-specific approach delivers targeted solutions addressing the unique biological vulnerabilities of whatever fly variety has established within a property, creating more effective results than generalized treatments missing crucial biological factors.

  • The severity of the fly problem

    Fly infestations range from occasional nuisance individuals to established breeding populations requiring dramatically different intervention levels. At Russell Pest Control, our assessment process evaluates infestation severity through multiple indicators, including adult fly density, breeding site identification, development stage presence, and distribution throughout the property. Minor fly issues often respond well to limited interventions focusing on exclusion methods and sanitation improvements. At the same time, established breeding populations typically require comprehensive treatment protocols addressing adult flies and developing larvae. Despite previous control attempts, properties experiencing chronic fly problems may need investigative services identifying hidden breeding sources in plumbing systems, structural voids, or exterior areas. Our technicians proportionate treatment intensity to infestation severity, providing appropriate solutions without unnecessary service expansion while documenting conditions supporting continued fly activity for long-term resolution.

  • Treatment method preferences

    Fly control encompasses various methodological approaches with different environmental impacts, application requirements, and effectiveness profiles. At Russell Pest Control, we discuss available treatment options, allowing informed decision-making based on household preferences and priorities. For environmentally conscious clients, we offer reduced-impact approaches emphasizing mechanical controls, breeding site elimination, and targeted product application, minimizing chemical usage. Families with young children or pets might prioritize treatment methods compatible with active households, while commercial facilities often require discreet service delivery to maintain normal business operations. Our flexible service protocols accommodate these preferences while maintaining effectiveness, offering options ranging from primarily non-chemical approaches to comprehensive, integrated programs combining several complementary control methods. This collaborative decision-making process creates treatment plans aligned with the specific fly issue and the client's operational or philosophical preferences regarding pest management.

  • Cost and frequency of ongoing fly prevention plans

    Effective fly management often extends beyond initial control by implementing maintenance programs that prevent reinfestation after successful elimination. At Russell Pest Control, we provide transparent information regarding both initial treatment investments and ongoing prevention costs, allowing informed long-term decisions. Various factors influence service pricing, including property size, infestation severity, structural complexity, and selected treatment methodologies. We offer scheduled maintenance programs for properties requiring continuous protection at several frequency options matched to specific risk factors and fly pressure levels. These prevention-focused services typically provide economic advantages compared to repeatedly addressing established infestations, particularly for commercial facilities where fly activity impacts business operations or compliance requirements. Our consultative approach helps clients balance budget considerations with protection needs, creating appropriate service schedules and maintaining fly-free environments without unnecessary frequency or associated costs.

Faq’s

  • Depending on the treatment type, effects can last 2–6 weeks. Recurring treatments are recommended for long-term control.

  • Yes, we offer pet- and child-safe mosquito control solutions.

  • DIY methods may reduce numbers, but professional treatments ensure long-term elimination.

  • Yes, we offer one-time fogging for special events and seasonal mosquito reduction.

  • Some treatments target multiple flying insects, but specific pest control services may be needed for other bugs.

  • A combination of sanitation, baiting, residual sprays, and fly traps is best.

  • Fly traps and UV light zappers are highly effective for indoor fly control.

  • Keep fruits in sealed containers, clean drains regularly, and frequently remove trash.

  • Drain flies thrive in damp, organic buildup in sinks and pipes. Regular cleaning helps prevent them.

  • While professional treatments significantly reduce fly populations, ongoing maintenance, and sanitation are essential for long-term prevention.