Summer in Arizona means warmer weather, which brings us outside more. The turning of the season also brings our annual monsoon rains, which is always welcome because they bring life to the arid landscape, as it becomes lush and green. Grasses and blossoms bloom, as the abundance of life returns.

Image // Canva
Image // Canva
loading...

But, as much as we welcome the rain, there's a downside. Arizonans are used to dealing with a host of dangerous creatures in the Southwest, but there's one known the world over - and it takes more lives than any other living creature on our planet.

K101 logo
Get our free mobile app

The Most Dangerous Creature in the World

If I say, Arizona's most dangerous creatures, you probably think of rattlesnakes or scorpions. Maybe you think of wild animals like mountain lions or Gila monsters.

Image // Canva
Image // Canva
loading...

But there's one creature that not only lives here in the desert, it also thrives nearly everywhere in the world. And according to the CDC, it's responsible for more than 2.7 million human deaths worldwide, every single year.

That creature? The mosquito.

Image // Canva
Image // Canva
loading...

Arizona's Deadliest

There are more than 40 species of mosquitoes in Arizona, and a few of them transmit harmful diseases to humans and animals.

Image // Canva
Image // Canva
loading...

You may remember an outbreak of Zika Virus just before the COVID-19 pandemic. This mosquito-borne illness is of particular concern to pregnant women since the virus can harm the developing fetus.

Other common diseases carried by mosquitoes in Arizona are West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, and yellow fever. And humans aren't the only ones at risk. Dogs, cats, horses, and other livestock are at risk of mosquito-borne illnesses, as well.

What Can You Do to Stop Mosquitoes?

Think like a mosquito. The best way to stop mosquitoes is to eliminate the places they live and reproduce. In Arizona, the biggest swell of mosquitoes happens from June to September during the height of our monsoon season.

Since mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, the first thing we can do is eliminate standing water wherever possible. This stops them from breeding in the first place.

Image // Canva
Image // Canva
loading...

Obvious places like still ponds and puddles are easy to spot, but mosquitoes will also take up residence in bird baths, used tires, planters, and buckets - pretty much anywhere that can accumulate about an inch or so of water.

Children's toys and animal bowls, when left outside, often make great rain-catchment sources - and the perfect place for mosquitoes to reproduce.

Simple Steps to Stay Safe

Did you know? Mosquitoes don't usually travel very far to bite you. Protection against mosquitoes is easier than you think.

  • Since mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, try to stay indoors during this time, or wear long sleeves, pants, and socks when you have to be outdoors.
  • Take a walk around your house and eliminate places mosquitoes could grow. Be sure to install screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your house.
  • If you have to be outside, use insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, certain essential oils on your skin and clothing.
  • For a more natural repellent, consider using scents mosquitoes hate like lavender, peppermint oil, geranium oil, cinnamon bark oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, citronella oil, catnip, rosemary, and pine oil.
Image // Canva
Image // Canva
loading...

The CDC has many other tips and tricks to keep you, your family, and your pets safe during mosquito season. Let's work together to keep the world's deadliest creature out of Arizona as much as possible!

Image // Canva
Image // Canva
loading...

Top 14 Exotic Animals That You Can Legally Own in Texas

Texas has an estimated 7.2 million dogs, more than any other state, this according to the American Veterinary Association. Safe to say, dogs are a Texan's best friend. But perhaps you’re interested in branching out a bit and adding a less common exotic pet to your home.

Granted a few of these exotics are regulated and will require permits.

Beware of the 12 Most Dangerous Animals in Colorado

Keep an eye out for the following 12 dangerous animals in Colorado. While these creatures usually go out of their way to avoid you, if you encounter one you will want to give it plenty of space. Scroll on to see each one and find out why they make the cut of the most dangerous animals in Colorado.

LOOK: 30 fascinating facts about sleep in the animal kingdom

More From K101