Grand Junction Pests You Should Be Aware Of This Summer

Pool parties, picnics, and pests. Unfortunately even here in the beautiful desert of Western Colorado, we are blessed with seasonal pests. Pests unlike many you may be used to call the Grand Valley home.  Here's a quick list of a few of the more unique and sometimes a tad dangerous or destructive pests that reside here.

1.)  Ticks
Did you know that Ticks are not true bugs, but are arachnids?  But, they are not true spiders either! Check one out under a microscope, they have 8 legs and they are parasites that will live off its host if unattended and can even cause serious illness in some cases.
Yes, ticks can be found in nearly every are of the country, it's true, and there are 30 species identified in Colorado, but there is one species, the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick, which is most prevalent here.  These pests generally reside on deer, small rodents, and even domestic animals, however, they will attach to humans if the opportunity presents itself.  Always check your body for ticks after you have been in wooded or brush areas.  While Colorado Tick fever is not a huge problem, there are approximately 100 cases reported annually.  Most often you will experience symptoms similar to influenza, general malaise, slightly feverish, fatigue, etc. If you suspect you may have contracted Colorado Tick fever, you should go see your doctor.

2.)  Scorpions
While scorpions are not common in Colorado, they are in the Grand Junction area.  The Striped Bark Scorpion is common throughout Colorado.  They are 2.5 to 2.75 inches and they have 2 broad stripes down their backs.  They live under rocks and stacks of wood.  They are venomous but barely toxic. While the affected area may swell some, individual reactions will vary according to each person's sensitivity or allergic reactions.  The Northern Desert Hairy Scorpion is the largest in the U. S. and can grow up to 6 inches.  It is large enough to attack and eat mice, lizards, and some snakes. These scorpions live mainly on the Western Slope of Colorado (that's where we are!) and like to burrow.  You can identify them by their black back and yellow heads.  While their venom is normally not harmful to humans, it may cause some reactions in certain individuals.

3.)  Jerusalem Cricket
While this poor bug is not the least bit toxic, it's appearance can be startling for someone who has never seen one before.  Usually yellow to brown in color, the Jerusalem Cricket has a large head and big, beady black eyes and can grow up to 2-2 1/2 inches in length.  Sometimes called the Potato bug, it spends it's time feasting on roots and insects and hangs out around cool, dark gardens or under rocks to escape the hot sun.  Although their appearance can be intimidating, these gentle giants will rarely bite people, unless they are cornered or threatened.  Truly, their biggest fault is their monstrous looks, let's face it, they are kind of ugly.  Otherwise, they are harmless and seldom enter into homes or our buildings.

4.)  Western Black Widows
Found in most areas of Colorado, the Western Black Widow spider is one of the most venomous, yet timid of all spiders. It is the female who is most likely to bite humans.  Even though they are usually small and even shy, they will most often bite when their egg sac is threatened. They prefer dark, quiet nooks and crannies, so be aware before reaching into enclosed spaces like closets, crawl spaces, under wood piles and rock formations. If by chance you are bitten, look for these symptoms, pain, swelling,  redness, cramping, sweating, and difficulty breathing.  Bites from black widows are seldom fatal, but they can make you very sick and you should seek medical attention.

5.) Wasps
A new species of wasp has recently shown up in the Grand Valley which is faster and more aggressive than other species native to this area. The European Paper-wasp  was discovered in Fort Collins, Delta, and Grand Junction a few months ago.  The nesting pattern is what sets this species apart.  These wasps will create a bunch of comb type nests in clusters, close together, under eaves and gutters, which is in itself, is unusual for most wasp species. Although this species is not more aggressive than native species, because their nests are denser in areas closer to humans, the chance of being stung is much greater, especially when their habitat is invaded or disturbed. This new species of wasp is more easily aggravated than previous species because they are able to detect movements up to 20 feet, but will not usually attack until a person is within several inches if the nests.

6.)  Rattle Snakes
Colorado is home to about 30 species of snakes, but only 3 are venomous and dangerous to humans.  The Prairie Rattlesnake, the Western Rattlesnake, and the Massasauga Rattlesnake are the only venomous snakes in Colorado.  Most of these rattlesnakes will be found in sandy prairies and foothills below 9,000 feet. Rattlesnakes prefer to hide and use the surrounding landscapes as camouflage to protect themselves.

So, if you love to hike in the Colorado wilderness or live in Grand Junction, be aware that there could be something or someone hiding mere inches from you feet. It is always best not to touch or disturb "any" snake, especially a rattlesnake and always keep your hands and fingers and feet safely out of their range. Check out exactly where you are going, before you actually put your foot down!  It is not unusual to find a snake beneath a fallen tree branch or brush in the path.

And if you do happen to get bitten by any snake, it is always best to go directly to your doctor if possible. Keep your cell phone and car keys close at hand,  just in case.