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Superlative Pest Control in the Catalina Foothills
At Rigo Pest Prevention, we provide top-notch pest control services in Catalina Foothills, AZ. Our team of experienced professionals specializes in handling a variety of pests, including rodents, termites, bed bugs, and more.
With over a decade of experience in the industry, we have earned a reputation for our exceptional services and commitment to customer satisfaction.
If you need immediate pest control service, call us at (520) 264-5745 or fill out this form. We’ll call you back shortly to schedule a visit.
If you want to know more about our services, please discover all that we offer below.
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Thank You Tucson for Voting for Rigo Pest 6 Years in a Row!
PEST CONTROL SPECIALTIES
Pest control issues vary from house to house, building to building, backyard to backyard. Each client is unique and each situation requires a customized approach.
Since 2008, Rigo Pest Prevention has been honing the skills of a team of pest exterminators in the following pest control specialties:
- Termite control services
- Home pest control service
- Rodent control service
- Mosquito control service
- Commercial pest control service
- Flying insect control
Our team undergoes rigorous training and continuously updates their skills to ensure they are equipped with the latest tools and techniques to provide superlative pest control services.
Rigo Pest Prevention has an impeccable reputation in Tucson. People know we are totally committed to our customers’ complete satisfaction with industry-leading warranties and affordable rates.
A termite tube found in a home during a termite control treatment in Tucson.
Do you live in the Catalina Foothills?
Schedule your free inspection today:
Do you live in the Catalina Foothills?
Schedule your free inspection today:
WHAT TUCSONANS JUST LIKE YOU
HAVE WRITTEN ABOUT US
We have a 4.9 star-rating in Google, an A+ rating at the Better Business Bureau,
a 4.6 rating in Yelp, 4.8 stars with Angi, and 4.7 stars with HomeAdvisor.
a 4.6 rating in Yelp, 4.8 stars with Angi, and 4.7 stars with HomeAdvisor.
INDUSTRY-LEADING WARRANTIES
There are many reasons why Rigo Pest Prevention has been voted Tucson’s Favorite 6 years in a row in the Arizona Daily Star contest. One of them is that Rigo stands personally behind the guarantees we offer to Tucsonans living in the Catalina Foothills: your 100% satisfaction. No if, no but.
Initial Service
We guarantee to eliminate any pest infestation within the first 30 days of service. We will not charge you another penny until the initial infestation is removed.
Maintenance Service
If you are dissatisfied with your regularly scheduled service program, just let us know. We will continue to provide service to your home or facility at no additional charge until you are satisfied. Then we will resume the normal frequency of service.
Termite Control Guarantees
In addition, we offer warranties for all our termite control services to ensure your peace of mind. When you get a partial treatment for termites, we offer a 1-year warranty. If you get a full treatment, we offer a 2 or 3 year warranty.
Do you live in Catalina Foothills?
Schedule your free inspection today:
INDUSTRY-LEADING WARRANTIES
There are many reasons why Rigo Pest Prevention has been voted Tucson’s Favorite 6 years in a row in the Arizona Daily Star contest. One of them is that Rigo stands personally behind the guarantees we offer to Tucsonans living in the Catalina Foothills: your 100% satisfaction. No if, no but.
Initial Service
We guarantee to eliminate any pest infestation within the first 30 days of service. We will not charge you another penny until the initial infestation is removed.
Maintenance Service
If you are dissatisfied with your regularly scheduled service program, just let us know. We will continue to provide service to your home or facility at no additional charge until you are satisfied. Then we will resume the normal frequency of service.
Termite Control Guarantees
In addition, we offer warranties for all our termite control services to ensure your peace of mind. When you get a partial treatment for termites, we offer a 1-year warranty. If you get a full treatment, we offer a 2 or 3 year warranty.
What Services Do You Need?
Termite Remediation
Our treatment is designed to keep termites and other insects from eating your home away
from the inside out.
Termites are pests that we never think about until we realize they’re in our house.
However, unlike some
other pests that make themselves known almost immediately, the big danger with termites is that they can
live in your house for months or even years before you know they’re there. During that time, they’ll
keep themselves busy chewing through the wooden elements of your home, including the structure.
Residential Pest Management
Our team has been trained in Integrated Pest Management methods to establish a barrier
against pests.
Pests are a problem that can plague homeowners for years and years, even if they don’t realize it. As
soon as you notice signs of bug activity, including droppings, nests, or unknown damage, turn to Rigo
Pest Prevention. We’re an established pest control service provider that has served clients near Tucson,
AZ, since 2008.
Rodent Management
Our expert inspectors will identify entry points and conditions conducive to rodent
activity.
Rats and mice can be a source of disease, damage, and unwanted visitors to your property. They are not
to be taken lightly, and Rigo Pest Prevention is here to assist you. We’re a rodent control service
provider that has served homeowners and businesses near Tucson, AZ, since 2008.
Commercial Pest Management
Our certified technicians employ expertise and discretion to successfully heal any pest
infestation.
We know how frustrating it can be when pests invade your business, especially when they leave behind a
mess that costs time and money to clean up. Thankfully, Rigo Pest Prevention is here to help. We’re a
well-known commercial pest control service provider in the Tucson, AZ, area, ready to protect your
company. Our exterminators are experts in the field and can identify the source of any pest infestation.
Flying Insect Management
We offer services to protect your family from flying insects such as bees, wasps, and
mosquitoes.
Flying insect control begins with an inspection of pest identification and conditions conducive to their
activity. Stinging insects like Bees and Wasps will be immediately removed and their nests knocked down
and destroyed. Other flying insects like Mosquitoes and Gnats are addressed through preventative
treatments that kill larvae before they turn into biting adults.
Weed Management
Our team ensures efficient weed management programs to keep your yard looking great all
year long.
Rigo Pest Prevention is your go-to weed control company. Our certified team delivers unmatched customer
service, ensuring your residential or commercial property stays free from unsightly weeds. Don’t let
those stubborn invaders take over; trust Rigo’s weed control service for lasting results.
Pest Control
& Pest FAQ
for the
Catalina Foothills
FAQ: Pests Most Commonly Found
in the Catalina Foothills
The mix of rocky terrain, higher elevation, and semi-arid conditions characterizing the Catalina Foothills
supports a variety of pests, some of which are somewhat dangerous for children and seniors.
When the exterminators of Rigo Pest come to your property, they will first search for signs of the presence
of these pests on your property, then implement an action plan to limit their encroachment in your yard and
prevent entry into your home.
Striped Bark Scorpions ▼
Bark scorpions thrive in rock piles, under logs, and within wood piles, often making their way into homes
through small cracks (ill-fitting door sills, broken window screens, AC pipe holes). Very common in our
region, bark scorpions pose a risk to humans: their venomous sting cause sharp pain followed by numbness
and, sometimes, difficulty breathing (especially in young children and the elderly). Some people have
reported allergic reactions requiring medical attention. More typically, a person stung by a bark scorpion
will start salivating uncontrollably, even drooling.
Arizona bark scorpions reproduce in the spring and summer. Females give birth to live young, sometimes up to 35 at a time. During summer nights, you can find them on walls outside. They are excellent climbers. If they enter your home, they will instinctively go to humid areas such as your bathtubs and shower stalls, but also in your kitchen. Their light beige exoskeleton, their small size and their capacity to stay motionless make them difficult to spot: they will sting if you step on them.
To control scorpion populations, our pest control specialists apply insecticide dusts such as diatomaceous earth and boric acid in potential hiding spots. We can also use residual sprays containing cyfluthrin or lambda-cyhalothrin around rock formations and the immediate perimeter of your home.
Diatomaceous earth is a natural repellant, which dries out and kills scorpions on contact. Lavender and rosemary are also relatively effective in deterring these pest from entering your home due to their strong scent. If you keep chickens or guinea fowl on your property, they will hunt scorpions.
Arizona bark scorpions reproduce in the spring and summer. Females give birth to live young, sometimes up to 35 at a time. During summer nights, you can find them on walls outside. They are excellent climbers. If they enter your home, they will instinctively go to humid areas such as your bathtubs and shower stalls, but also in your kitchen. Their light beige exoskeleton, their small size and their capacity to stay motionless make them difficult to spot: they will sting if you step on them.
To control scorpion populations, our pest control specialists apply insecticide dusts such as diatomaceous earth and boric acid in potential hiding spots. We can also use residual sprays containing cyfluthrin or lambda-cyhalothrin around rock formations and the immediate perimeter of your home.
Diatomaceous earth is a natural repellant, which dries out and kills scorpions on contact. Lavender and rosemary are also relatively effective in deterring these pest from entering your home due to their strong scent. If you keep chickens or guinea fowl on your property, they will hunt scorpions.
Desert Woodrats (packrats) ▼
Desert woodrats build large nests (middens) using sticks, cactus spines, and debris. They prefer to nest in
rock crevices and near buildings. They breed year-round, with multiple litters each year. This explains
their pernicious presence in the Catalina Foothills.
These rodents do not directly attack humans, but they cause damage by gnawing on electrical wiring. In the Catalina Foothills like elsewhere in Tucson, naked wires mean increased fire risks.
Their nests also attract kissing bugs and fleas, both disease vectors. Woodrats’ feces and urine may harbor hantavirus, which is the cause of a serious respiratory illness.
How do we fight them? We use bait stations with anticoagulant rodenticides such as bromadiolone or difethialone. This is an effective defense to reduce their population. We also seal entry points with steel mesh to prevent woodrats from nesting near your home.
There are natural repellents you can use: coyote urine granules (they mimic the scent of predators and scare woodrats away), and certain native plants (desert marigold, sagebrush) which release strong aromatic oils. These plants are excellent choices for landscaping in the Catalina Foothills.
These rodents do not directly attack humans, but they cause damage by gnawing on electrical wiring. In the Catalina Foothills like elsewhere in Tucson, naked wires mean increased fire risks.
Their nests also attract kissing bugs and fleas, both disease vectors. Woodrats’ feces and urine may harbor hantavirus, which is the cause of a serious respiratory illness.
How do we fight them? We use bait stations with anticoagulant rodenticides such as bromadiolone or difethialone. This is an effective defense to reduce their population. We also seal entry points with steel mesh to prevent woodrats from nesting near your home.
There are natural repellents you can use: coyote urine granules (they mimic the scent of predators and scare woodrats away), and certain native plants (desert marigold, sagebrush) which release strong aromatic oils. These plants are excellent choices for landscaping in the Catalina Foothills.
Rock Squirrels ▼
Rock squirrels prefer to nest in rocky crevices and burrows near homes and gardens. They, often use existing
structures to create extensive underground tunnels.
They breed in early spring, giving birth to litters of two to six offspring. The reproduction rate is high, and their population can rapidly increase in any area of the Foothills.
Are these rodents dangerous? They pose several risks to humans: they carry fleas and ticks that can transmit diseases (tularemia and, more rarely, plague). Also, if you corner them (trying to catch them in your home) they will become aggressive and can bite. If your children spot a rock squirrel, tell them to stay away from it.
To manage their populations, our professional exterminator use live trapping and relocation. Their existence is protected by Arizona wildlife regulations.
In some cases, we can deploy baited rodenticides like zinc phosphide pellets, but these require careful application to avoid harming non-target species.
Among their natural repellents, predator urine from foxes or bobcats signals danger and discourages burrowing. Certain plants like prickly pear and ocotillo, create barriers that prevent these pest from nesting close to your home.
They breed in early spring, giving birth to litters of two to six offspring. The reproduction rate is high, and their population can rapidly increase in any area of the Foothills.
Are these rodents dangerous? They pose several risks to humans: they carry fleas and ticks that can transmit diseases (tularemia and, more rarely, plague). Also, if you corner them (trying to catch them in your home) they will become aggressive and can bite. If your children spot a rock squirrel, tell them to stay away from it.
To manage their populations, our professional exterminator use live trapping and relocation. Their existence is protected by Arizona wildlife regulations.
In some cases, we can deploy baited rodenticides like zinc phosphide pellets, but these require careful application to avoid harming non-target species.
Among their natural repellents, predator urine from foxes or bobcats signals danger and discourages burrowing. Certain plants like prickly pear and ocotillo, create barriers that prevent these pest from nesting close to your home.
Diamondback Rattlesnakes ▼
Diamondback rattlesnakes are a very common sight in the Catalina Foothills as this species seeks shelter
from the heat in rocky crevices, under decks, and near desert vegetation.
Rattlesnakes are not to be messed with. One of the most venomous snakes in our region, they are a significant risk to humans. Their bite causes intense pain, swelling, tissue damage, even systemic effects (breathing difficulties, elevated heart rate, etc.).
Children and seniors are at greater risk of experiencing life-threatening complications from envenomation. Both humans and pets must be treated immediately in case of a bite. We know some people located up in the Catalinas keep doses of anti-venom in their fridge, and this is a good precaution as the next hospital can be more than an hour away. Day clinics are not the right medical facilities to get treated; go to the ER as soon as possible.
Rattlesnakes mate in spring and summer, and females give birth to live young in late summer. You can find them anywhere along the trails, like the Finger Rock Trail, the Pima Canyon Trail and the Ventana Canyon Trail. Hundreds of sightings have been reported in Sabino Canyon and all over the Catalina Foothills.
As a pest control company, Rigo does not deal with the removal of rattlesnakes. This is a protected species in Arizona, so if you see a rattlesnake on your deck or near your door, it’s best to call 911 and let specialists to take care of it.
However, we can implement snake exclusion fencing. Barriers must extend at least six inches underground to prevent burrowing. We heard some other professional pest control companies use sulfur-based snake repellents, but we found their effectiveness varies.
There are natural repellants such as lemongrass and marigolds, which emit odors that discourage snakes. To us, your best defense is to keep your rodent population low. By removing the food, your pest control company removes the incentive for snakes to come hanging around in your yard.
By the way, dogs are excellent at signaling the presence of snakes. However, they will attack the snake if they are not trained and, in many cases, they can be bitten because a threatened snake will be faster. If you have a dog and you live in the Catalina Foothills, our best advice is to train your dog to bark and signal the presence of a snake, but to keep its distance and never attack. There are professional dog trainers in Tucson that will help you do that.
Rattlesnakes are not to be messed with. One of the most venomous snakes in our region, they are a significant risk to humans. Their bite causes intense pain, swelling, tissue damage, even systemic effects (breathing difficulties, elevated heart rate, etc.).
Children and seniors are at greater risk of experiencing life-threatening complications from envenomation. Both humans and pets must be treated immediately in case of a bite. We know some people located up in the Catalinas keep doses of anti-venom in their fridge, and this is a good precaution as the next hospital can be more than an hour away. Day clinics are not the right medical facilities to get treated; go to the ER as soon as possible.
Rattlesnakes mate in spring and summer, and females give birth to live young in late summer. You can find them anywhere along the trails, like the Finger Rock Trail, the Pima Canyon Trail and the Ventana Canyon Trail. Hundreds of sightings have been reported in Sabino Canyon and all over the Catalina Foothills.
As a pest control company, Rigo does not deal with the removal of rattlesnakes. This is a protected species in Arizona, so if you see a rattlesnake on your deck or near your door, it’s best to call 911 and let specialists to take care of it.
However, we can implement snake exclusion fencing. Barriers must extend at least six inches underground to prevent burrowing. We heard some other professional pest control companies use sulfur-based snake repellents, but we found their effectiveness varies.
There are natural repellants such as lemongrass and marigolds, which emit odors that discourage snakes. To us, your best defense is to keep your rodent population low. By removing the food, your pest control company removes the incentive for snakes to come hanging around in your yard.
By the way, dogs are excellent at signaling the presence of snakes. However, they will attack the snake if they are not trained and, in many cases, they can be bitten because a threatened snake will be faster. If you have a dog and you live in the Catalina Foothills, our best advice is to train your dog to bark and signal the presence of a snake, but to keep its distance and never attack. There are professional dog trainers in Tucson that will help you do that.
Kissing Bugs ▼
You will often find kissing bugs in packrat nests, in between rocks, and under debris. This is where they
have easy access to their primary hosts. The Catalina Foothills have a very large population of packrats, so
there is no shortage of these insects in the area.
Kissing bugs mate during the warmer months: females lay eggs in hidden areas close to rodent nests. The larvae (also called nymphs) go through multiple developmental stages before reaching adulthood.
These bugs are particularly dangerous because they can transmit Chagas disease, a life-threatening illness caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi.
They feed at night, which makes them a threat to you when you sleep. Children and seniors are especially vulnerable and can develop allergic reactions, swelling, and anaphylaxis from bites.
As a pest control specialist, we typically use pyrethroid-based insecticides: bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, and deltamethrin. We treat entry points and areas where kissing bugs are likely to hide.
We also strategically reduce your woodrat population by removing their nests.
Among the natural repellants, you can use cedarwood oil and neem oil. Chrysanthemums, which contain natural pyrethrins, are a relatively effective deterrent, like marigolds and lavender. Kissing bugs typically don’t like the scents emitted by these plants
Kissing bugs mate during the warmer months: females lay eggs in hidden areas close to rodent nests. The larvae (also called nymphs) go through multiple developmental stages before reaching adulthood.
These bugs are particularly dangerous because they can transmit Chagas disease, a life-threatening illness caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi.
They feed at night, which makes them a threat to you when you sleep. Children and seniors are especially vulnerable and can develop allergic reactions, swelling, and anaphylaxis from bites.
As a pest control specialist, we typically use pyrethroid-based insecticides: bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, and deltamethrin. We treat entry points and areas where kissing bugs are likely to hide.
We also strategically reduce your woodrat population by removing their nests.
Among the natural repellants, you can use cedarwood oil and neem oil. Chrysanthemums, which contain natural pyrethrins, are a relatively effective deterrent, like marigolds and lavender. Kissing bugs typically don’t like the scents emitted by these plants
Tarantulas ▼
If you have been living in the Catalina Foothills for more than a season, you have already met tarantulas.
Thes big spiders create burrows in rocky soil and desert washes. Their size and appearance will rattle
almost anyone. However, these spiders are not dangerous to humans. But if you try to touch them, they can
feel threatened and defend themselves by kicking irritating hairs that may cause allergic reactions.
Tarantulas are ecologically important to Tucson, and they are a protected species here in Arizona.
Our role as pest control professionals is to keep them out of your home. For this, we use barrier treatments with pyrethroid insecticides such as bifenthrin or deltamethrin.
You can also spray natural repellents like peppermint and eucalyptus oil around your windows and doors to discourage them from entering. Plant chrysanthemums around your home: they contain natural pyrethrin, an effective plant-based deterrent.
Tarantulas are ecologically important to Tucson, and they are a protected species here in Arizona.
Our role as pest control professionals is to keep them out of your home. For this, we use barrier treatments with pyrethroid insecticides such as bifenthrin or deltamethrin.
You can also spray natural repellents like peppermint and eucalyptus oil around your windows and doors to discourage them from entering. Plant chrysanthemums around your home: they contain natural pyrethrin, an effective plant-based deterrent.
Summary of Effective Control Measures ▼
| Pest | Chemical Control | Natural Repellents |
|---|---|---|
| Kissing Bugs | Pyrethroids (bifenthrin, deltamethrin) | Cedarwood oil, marigolds |
| Scorpions | Cyfluthrin, diatomaceous earth | Lavender, chickens |
| Woodrats | Bromadiolone bait stations | Coyote urine, desert marigold |
| Rock Squirrels | Zinc phosphide bait | Fox urine, ocotillo |
| Tarantulas | Barrier insecticides (pyrethroids) | Peppermint oil, chrysanthemums |
| Rattlesnakes | Sulfur-based repellents | Lemongrass, rodent control |
How to Avoid Bites from Pests While Hiking in the Catalina Foothills ▼
The Catalina Foothills are home to some of the most beautiful trails of the Tucson valley. Among the most well-known of these trails: the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area (with its stunning views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and its waterfalls); the Finger Rock Trail(it’s a challenging but rewarding hike, with great panoramic views of the Tucson valley); the Pima Canyon Trail(a quieter alternative to Sabino Canyon, with scenic desert vistas and a seasonal creek); and the Ventana Canyon Trail(picturesque hiking trail leading through dramatic rock formations and saguaro forests).
All the trails in the Catalina Foothills offer tourists and residents truly magic moments in nature. But with nature come a degree of danger, and if you hike the trails, be prepared to see some of the species mentioned earlier. The best course of action is always to avoid contact, and here are a few pointers to avoid bad surprises.
- Stay clear of logs and debris, don’t go under any rock
Scorpions, tarantulas and rattlesnakes take shelter from the heat under rocks, fallen logs, and debris. Avoid sitting, leaning, or placing your hands or feet in areas where they might be hiding. When resting, choose open, cleared spaces rather than rocky outcrops or dense vegetation. There are many spots on the Catalina Foothills trails where you will want to take photo. Always inspect the area where you stand. - Wear protective clothing
Cover exposed skin to minimize the chances of bites and stings. Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and high socks protect you against scorpion stings and kissing bug bites. Ditch the sandals, put on hiking boots with angle protection. This will reduce the risk of rattlesnake bites and of scorpions and millipedes crawling onto your feet. Tuck your pant legs into your socks or boots. Anyone one who has lived in Tucson and hiked the Catalina Foothills will also tell you that going out with your skin exposed to the wind and the sun is a surefire recipe for disaster: dehydration, sunburns, painful cactus prickers are nothing funny to experience. - Use insect repellent
Not just sunscreen. Use permethrin-treated insect repellent on your skin and on your clothing. This will keep kissing bugs and other mosquitoes away. If you prefer natural stuff, use essential oil-based alternatives like cedarwood, neem, and citronella oils. You’ll need to reapply them several times during your hike. And use sunscreen too. - Stay on marked trails
Stick to designated trails rather than wandering into tall grass, thick brush, or rocky terrain, where pests are more likely to be hiding. Snakes and scorpions often blend with their surroundings. It’s harder to detect them in unmaintained areas. Also, you protect the environment of the trail when you don’t wander off the marked path. If we want the Catalina Foothills to remain pristine, we have to be aware of our environment. - Check your clothing and gear frequently
Kissing bugs and scorpions can latch onto backpacks, hats, and clothing. Check yourself and your gear when you take a break or move through dense vegetation. Before you get back in your vehicle, check out your clothing carefully to ensure no pest is hitching a ride. - Watch your step, use a walking stick
The trails of the Catalina Foothills are rattlesnake territory. So watch the ground ahead of you, particularly in shady areas, near rocks, or under desert plants. Use your walking stick to tap rocks or logs before stepping over them. This gives snakes time to warn you and start retreating. If you hear a rattlesnake’s warning rattle, freeze, locate the snake, and slowly step away without sudden movements. Do not go towards the snake, back off. - Avoid dusk and nighttime hiking
Kissing bugs, scorpions, tarantulas and rattlesnakes are more active at night. If you have to hike after sunset (which we would not advise under any circumstances), use a bright headlamp to scan the trail ahead and keep a safe distance from any wildlife. To spot scorpions, use a blacklight flashlight. - Keep your food stored, don’t feed wildlife
Secure all food in sealed containers to avoid attracting rodents such as woodrats and rock squirrels. Don’t leave food scraps on the trail: they encourage rodent activity, which in turn attracts predators like rattlesnakes. - Keep a safe distance from wildlife
If you encounter a tarantula or a scorpion, do not provoke or attempt to handle it. Scorpions sting when threatened; tarantulas may flick irritating hairs if disturbed. Rattlesnakes are better left alone. If you meet with a tarantula, don’t step on it, don’t try to take it in your hand. It’s a protected species in Arizona. - Shake out shoes and clothing before wearing
If you remove your shoes or clothing while resting, shake them out before putting them back on. Scorpions and other small pests like centipedes may crawl inside to seek shelter from the heat. Even at home, it’s a good idea to shake your boots upside down before putting them on.
How to Avoid Bites from Pests
While Hiking in the Catalina Foothills
The Catalina Foothills are home to some of the most beautiful trails of the Tucson valley. Among the most well-known of these trails: the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area (with its stunning views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and its waterfalls); the Finger Rock Trail (it’s a challenging but rewarding hike, with great panoramic views of the Tucson valley); the Pima Canyon Trail (a quieter alternative to Sabino Canyon, with scenic desert vistas and a seasonal creek); and the Ventana Canyon Trail (picturesque hiking trail leading through dramatic rock formations and saguaro forests).
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