admin Arizona’s desert is beautiful and very much alive. A few new neighbors take some getting used to.
Updated October 2026. Rules and fees change; confirm with the official source linked in each section.
Scorpions
The Arizona bark scorpion is common across the Valley. Stings are painful and usually not dangerous for healthy adults, but they can be serious for small children, older adults and pets. Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) after a sting.
- Regular pest control with perimeter treatment
- Seal gaps around doors, windows, pipes and weep screeds
- Shake out shoes and towels; move beds off the walls
- Use a blacklight at night; scorpions glow
- Clear debris, woodpiles and rocks near the house
Javelinas, coyotes & bobcats
Javelinas (collared peccaries) roam many edge-of-desert neighborhoods. They’re not pigs, they don’t see well, and they’ll defend themselves, especially from dogs. Secure trash and never feed wildlife. Coyotes live even in the city; keep small pets inside at night.
Snakes
Rattlesnakes are most active in spring and fall. Watch where you step, keep dogs leashed and give snakes room. Many fire departments and private services relocate snakes from yards.
Plants & yards
- Most yards are xeriscaped (gravel, cactus, drought-tolerant plants) on drip irrigation.
- Cholla, the “jumping cactus,” attaches to passersby. Carry a comb on hikes to flick spines off.
- Saguaros are protected by state law; you can’t remove or move one without permits.
- Prune palo verde and mesquite trees before monsoon season.
Hard water
Valley water is very hard: spots on glass, scale on fixtures. Many homeowners add a water softener and reverse-osmosis drinking water.
Valley fever
Valley fever is a fungal infection from spores in desert soil. Many people exposed never get sick; some get flu-like symptoms. If a respiratory illness lingers, ask your doctor about testing.