Jeff Schalau

Three centipede species may be found in Yavapai County. The Common Desert Centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha) is usually 4-5 inches long (lower right, Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org). The Giant Desert Centipede (Scolopendra heros) can be 6-8 inches long (top, https://en.wikipedia.org). The House Centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) is most common and is 1 – 1 ½ inches long (lower left, Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org).

Drought impacts and/or improper planting can result in tree dieback and/or death. A Deodar cedar with a dead top (upper left, courtesy photo). Soaker hoses can be used to supplement tree irrigation (upper right, K-State Extension). Trunk wounds caused by root collar burial (lower right, Utah State University Extension). Schematic drawing of root collar area (lower left). (Jeff Schalau/Courtesy) Originally Published: June 10, 2021 6:27 p.m.

Mosquitos bites are annoying and, in some cases, can vector disease. Northern house mosquito (Culex pipiens) in the process of feeding (upper left, Ary Farajollahi, Bugwood.org). Irrigated pasture mosquito (Aedes nigromaculis, lower left, Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org). Assorted mosquito repellents (upper right, Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org).