Dangerous Animals Hiding In Your Garden Or Lawn

Written By Carli Holas

Arizona ranks highly as a dangerous state, not only for its extreme heat and terrain but also for its dangerous wildlife. Some that roam Arizona forests, often large animals such as black bears and mountain lions, can find themselves on your lawn. But these appearances by big animals are not only rare, but noticeable from your window, helping you avoid them. It helps to remember that they have as much reason to avoid people as we do them. It’s the dangerous small animals and pests that want to be on your lawn that you should watch out for.

Arizona has wildlife such as rattlesnakes, venomous lizards, and scorpions who will find their way into your lawn. They can find places to hide in your grass, in your garden, or even under your shed. They’re similar to pests, but rather than destroy the work you’ve put into your yard, they pose a danger to you and your family. We want to warn anyone unaware of what dangerous creatures can await you in your yard.

DANGEROUS ANIMALS IN THE GRASS

Each of these animals has something specifically dangerous about them, but they all have one thing in common: they can hide on your lawn. What separates these animals from the black bear or the mountain lion is how you might miss them. You can’t always look out your window and see them crawling around. This makes it incredibly important that you protect your yard from their invasion. This is especially true if you have children or pets who won’t think much of them.

RATTLESNAKES

Scientists have identified 36 different rattlesnake species of varying appearance and venom, meaning there are too many to name. Know that they all produce venomous bites, and have that rattle at the end of their tail.

They aren’t aggressive and are naturally shy, so if you find one, you can usually safely remove it from a distance. Thankfully, according to Arizona Poison Centers, less than 1% of rattlesnake bites have caused death in people. Pets aren’t so smart and are prone to antagonizing rattlesnakes, particularly dogs.

GILA MONSTERS

The largest and most venomous lizard in the U.S., this lizard is no pet. It may have an interesting appearance with its colorful patterns, but its bite is no joke. While the venom itself isn’t as deadly as a venomous snake, its bite is powerful. You’ll have trouble removing its jaws from you as the small grooves in its teeth fill you with more of its painful venom. While the venom may not kill you, if left untreated, the bite wound could likely become infected.

This species of lizards will come into your yard to make a habitat out of it. They’re attracted to locations full of food sources, and since they’re carnivorous, this means pests. You want to eliminate small rodents and pests rather than damage your garden.

BARK SCORPIONS

This species of scorpion is currently considered the only species in Arizona to be a threat to human life. Its venom causes severe pain, with symptoms like numbness, tingling, and vomiting lasting anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. What makes these even more dangerous is that they are nocturnal hunters. While being stung in broad daylight isn’t good, it’s even worse when you’ll never see it coming.

While bark scorpions rarely sting people on purpose, that doesn’t mean they’re easy to avoid. You won’t have much reason to anticipate a sting as they linger around, unseeable in the grass.

HOW TO DEAL WITH THESE DANGEROUS PESTS

Now here’s the most important part: how to keep them from getting into your yard in the first place. For the most part, getting rid of snakes, lizards, and scorpions is all about getting rid of or keeping their food source out of your yard. All three of these dangerous animals eat less dangerous pests. It’s hitting two birds with one stone.

  • Don’t overwater your lawn. This will attract pests and critters along with dangerous animals. They’ll search your lawn for food after the plants and flora in your lawn leave water left over. Next time you make changes or additions to your yard, talk to our experts for advice on how much water your lawn needs.
  • Exterminators can get the job done. This is more of a nuclear option of sorts. If you have an infestation of pests, or worse, dangerous animals, a professional might be needed.
  • Lawn treatments can make your lawn undesirable to pests and predators alike. Rodent killer, homemade solutions, and snake defense spray work well to keep animals away.
  • Mow your lawn often. This is especially useful against Gila monsters and rattlesnakes. These reptiles won’t take up residence in the grass they can’t hide in so keep your grass low to the ground.
  • Convert to artificial grass. We’re said it before, we can say it again. Dangerous pests to your yard can’t hide in artificial grass, and neither can dangerous animals overall. Talk to your local Pioneer Landscape Centers’ professionals to see your lawn become free of wild animals and pests.

PIONEER LANDSCAPE CENTERS IS AT YOUR DISPOSAL

Talk to our representatives to get a wide breadth of options for your landscaping needs. After we help you renovate and update your yard, we can help you protect it.

Carli Holas