Homeowners complain freeway work launched scorpion invasion
An uptick in scorpion activity is putting some extra sting in the already controversial construction of the South Mountain Freeway for some nearby homeowners. Ahwatukee residents near Pecos Road and 27th Avenue are reporting far more scorpions on their property—and even in their homes—after the Arizona Department of Transportation created a temporary nursery a stone’s … Continue reading Homeowners complain freeway work launched scorpion invasion
Yuma County confirms first case of Zika virus
Yuma County health officials have confirmed the county’s first Zika virus case. The patient traveled outside the U.S. to a Zika-affected area before developing symptoms of the illness, Yuma County Public Health Services District said Thursday in a statement posted on the county website. The finding marks the 14th travel-associated case of Zika virus documented … Continue reading Yuma County confirms first case of Zika virus
Giant Insects invade Arizona Science Center – in the best way possible
Insects creep out some people simply by being themselves. Now imagine big versions of them. Massively big, as in up to 600 times larger than their actual size. That’s the concept behind “The World of Giant Insects,” an exhibit that opens at the Arizona Science Center on Saturday, May 28. And, surprise, the whole ick factor is … Continue reading Giant Insects invade Arizona Science Center – in the best way possible
Congress struggles to reach deal on funding fight against Zika virus
U.S. officials are gearing up for the onset of locally transmitted cases of the mosquito-borne Zika virus that is spreading rapidly throughout Latin American and the Caribbean. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers Zika to be the definitive cause of an epidemic of birth defects in Brazil and other countries with outbreaks of the virus. It also causes Guillain-Barré … Continue reading Congress struggles to reach deal on funding fight against Zika virus
Arizona’s Zika virus defense takes shape
State and county health leaders say Arizona faces a high risk from travelers who return to the state with Zika virus infections, but the goal is to quickly identify such cases to prevent the spread of the mosquito-borne disease. “We are at high risk for imported cases,” Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department … Continue reading Arizona’s Zika virus defense takes shape
Hiker dies after 1,000 bees attack at Usery Mountain
A 23-year-old Louisiana man has died after being attacked by bees Thursday morning as he and a friend were hiking within Usery Mountain Park in Mesa, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said. A medical exam determined the man had been stung more than 1,000 times, officials said. Just after 9 a.m., Alex Bestler of Elton, … Continue reading Hiker dies after 1,000 bees attack at Usery Mountain
Q&A: UA expert talks Zika virus and its threat to Arizona
The Zika virus made headlines again this week as lawmakers and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began making announcements that the virus may be more severe than first thought. U.S. lawmakers approved a bill on Tuesday that White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest described as “two months late and $1.9 billion short.” The … Continue reading Q&A: UA expert talks Zika virus and its threat to Arizona
Coping with scorpions, spiders and ants
They’re also more likely to be active at night in the summer when they go out to eat insects and spiders. That’s when you can use an ultraviolet black light, which makes scorpions glow in the dark. Once you can spot them, you can destroy them. You also need to: Install weather stripping around loose-fitting … Continue reading Coping with scorpions, spiders and ants
Beware the bark scorpion: 5 ways to reduce your risk of being stung
Beware the bark scorpion: Ways to reduce your risk of being stung. Video by Nick Oza/azcentral.com Arizona scorpions are out earlier than usual this year. It’s not yet peak scorpion season, but already Arizonans are getting stung by the little critters. A wet January and a hot February mean the scorpions are out earlier than … Continue reading Beware the bark scorpion: 5 ways to reduce your risk of being stung
Recent rains mean more bees in Phoenix, Tucson
Spring rains provided more food this year, so bees won’t take their normal June and July holiday from frenzied activity. They’ll stick around until October. Honeybees bugging you more than usual? You can thank the recent rains. Bees flourish in two seasons in Arizona: between March and May, and from August to October. But the … Continue reading Recent rains mean more bees in Phoenix, Tucson