Snakes, Scorpions, Roaches in Phoenix?
 

I keep hearing about the huge cockroaches, scorpions, snakes, etc. that are in Phoenix. Are they everywhere? Is it a problem? I'm worried about taking my kids there for an extended trip. Are they really common or just a once-in-a-blue-moon type of thing?

Think about it for a moment, Laura. How many million kids live in or visit Phoenix each year? And how many stories do you hear about scorpion stings and rattler bites? <BR>Yes, they're around (the bugs and beasts), but they tend to stay away from human traffic areas. (Except the roaches, which come out at night sometimes and hang out around walkways and such). <BR>Bottom line: I certainly wouldn't alter my vacation plans because of these issues. <BR>Will you never visit the southeastern US from July through Novemebr to avoid hurricane? Never hit the central US from March to September to avoid tornadoes? Never take a boat trip for fear of fires or sinking? Never fly....planes do crash now and then. <BR>In the grand scheme of things, the bug issue's a trivial thing in Arizona. Florida is much, much worse.

The main concern would be if you were in the open desert. When I was in high school, I visited my grandparents in Youngtown - near Phoenix, & I was in the desert with other relatives & we could hear the rattles of snakes & we left the area immediatley. But in populated areas, there is no need to worry at all, unlike Oklahoma. My brother lives in Stillwater, has lived there for 5 yrs, & has killed a rattlesnake in his front yard, & seen one trying to climb up his patio door, & has seen 1 scorpion in his house, but that is also a development outside the city.

When you first spot the rattlesnake, approach it with no fear. Pick it up by its tail, and dangle its head within striking distance of your face. All the time, you keep saying, "What a beauty! You're a cute girl!"

Bill, <BR> <BR>Thanks for the information! That's the type of response I needed, not what the other idiots wrote. I certainly wasn't going to change plans, I just wanted to know if we should keep an eye out for for these critters, or take any special precautions. I haven't heard of any bites or stings, but I don't live there, so how would I?

there is wildlife everywhere. mountain lions in California have grabbed some people. coyotes have grabbed pet dogs and cats in the west, including in downtown Los Angeles. rattlesnakes live in the southwest and the southeast. coral snakes and water moccassins co-exist with humans. blackwidow spiders are prevelant in the southeast. alligators grab either a person or two and/or family pets every year in florida. then, there are the sharks which swim right off shore on both sides of the US. they have flying cockroaches the size of bats in florida. I ask you: Should we not leave our house?? Or should we, rather, accept that wildlife exists and go forth with our vacations.

Laura: I live in San Diego, which is not Pheonix ( although in the summer there are so many Arizona licence plates around you'd wonder!), but we do have rattlesnakes here too. Sometimes they do stray into developed areas, usually if the houses are on the edge of a canyon or open space. Two toddlers have been bitten in San Diego County in the last few weeks. You just need to be aware of your surroundings, and know what to do if the worst should happen. It rarely does happen, but you'll feel better being prepared.

Laura, <BR> <BR>I certainly understand why you're asking these questions. I kept hearing "watch out for the snakes and scorpions" everytime I told someone here (in the midwest) that I was going to Phoenix. If you haven't been somewhere, you really don't know what to expect. The people who are making fun of you are probably very young (or at least just very immature) and don't know any better. Don't let it bother you. You had a very legit question.

I have lived here all my life and have seen only two scorpions, no snakes and quite a few roaches. That is one of the beauties of living here, very few bugs, no mosquitos or other flying insects that other parts of the US have.

I lived in Mesa and Tempe (suburb of Phoenix) for around 15 years, with frequent visits over the next 15 years or so. I never once saw a snake. I don't have clear memories of the roaches, so they must not have bothered me much. I think they were mostly in the street at night, as I never saw one in the house. <BR> <BR>Scorpions I do remember. You had to remember to shake out the newspaper before you brought it into the house. But they were a big nothing, and I was never worried about being bitten, as they were so little. You just scoop them up in something and deposit them outside. <BR> <BR>Finally, don't be alarmed if you see lizards. They don't bother anyone. Think of them as desert squirrels. <BR> <BR>Have a nice time!

Having visited Arizona several times (mostly Sedona area), I can say that you will see rattlesnakes, scorpians and roachs, particularly if you spend a lot of time outside (which I do, hiking). During the heat of the day, most critters stay out of sight, which I can't blame them for because it gets REAl HOT out there. Though the thought of seeing rattlesnakes and scorpians may sound frightening, these creatures are not (normally) aggressive. Don't do as the Crocidile Hunter does: Do Not pick up ANY wild animal. Someone above mentioned coyotes. I have seen several coyotes all throughout the southwest, usually first thing in the morning or at twilight. That's pretty cool. But again, there's nothing to be alramed about (unless you look like a toy poodle)(That's a somewhat sick joke. Sorry). As to roachs -- those guys are EVERYWHERE. YECH.

People who don't travel much are the ones who will try to scare you about the hazards of somewhere else. It's almost like bragging that you never leave home to say things like "Kansas City? Watch out for the tornadoes!" "New York? Watch out for muggers!" "San Francisco? Watch out for earthquakes!" "North Carolina? Watch out for hurricanes!" "Florida? Watch out for alligators!" "Boston? Watch out for blizzards." <BR> <BR>And so on and so on and so on. If there's something to worry about, your host or hostess will usually tell you -- E.G.: "do whatever it takes to avoid I-95 on a Friday or a Sunday."

Jans that's exactly my sentiment. <BR>Not trying to be rude or anything, but I think what you said is true. <BR>Obviously Laura took offense though and felt insulted. <BR>Hmmmmm. <BR> <BR>

Sorry, Gerald. You're right, I felt insulted by what I thought were condescending remarks to a normal question. If that wasn't your intention, then my apologies. I guess I'm a little sensitive. <BR> <BR>Thank you, everyone. It sounds like the roaches are the only thing I need to really worry about!

We used to have quite a few roaches in our house, but then the scorpions moved in and we no longer have a problem.<BR><BR>I lived over 30 years in Arizona without seeing a scorpion, but now they really are in my home - we probably kill 3-4 a week. 3 of us have been stung. Not any worse than a bee sting. Only infants and the ill elderly are in danger. If you should be stung, get a tetnus shot if you are not current on your vaccinations.<BR><BR>The roaches are small compared to the south.<BR><BR>I have never seen a rattlesnake.

I saw tons of snakes about one month ago- including rattlesnakes!!!! Yikes!! <BR> <BR>Oh - by the way I was visiting the Phoenix Zoo!!

I have lived here in phoenix for ten years and I have seen only 2 rattlers, both dead on desert roads. As for the scorpians I have seen about 5. Don't worry about either. If you plan to hike on any nature trails or mountains around the valley, or are staying out in the desert you MAY see some. Other than that hotels exterminate all the time and it really isn't a concern. Roaches unfortunately, are in more abundance but I've seen bigger ones in other parts of the country.

LOL!

I mentioned to one of my sons that we were going to Phoenix and was wondering about the rattle snakes and scorpions. He told me that I shouldn't worry about the snakes and scorpions because the coyotes and wild dogs would get me first. That's my boy! :D

Can you believe this thread -- almost six years old -- is about America's fifth-largest city? Where are the questions about the alligators in New York's sewers? The gangs in LA? The Capone mob in Chicago? Come on, folks -- or should I say &quot;trolls&quot;?

I am an old geezer who was born in Phoenix and have only seen two scorpions and one rattler in my loooong life.