Preparing for Summer Pests in Southern California: What to Expect

As summer approaches in Southern California, homeowners should begin preparing for the inevitable increase in pest activity. With warm temperatures and dry conditions, pests are drawn to the region's diverse ecosystems, making it an ideal environment for many insects and rodents. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you can expect this summer and how to protect your home from unwanted pests.

The 10 most common summer pests you might encounter in Southern California are:

Ants

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Ants are one of the most common pests in Southern California, particularly during the warmer months. As temperatures rise, ants begin foraging for food and water, often making their way into homes. Argentine ants and odorous house ants are especially prevalent, and they often establish large colonies near food sources.

How to Prepare

• Seal cracks and gaps in doors, windows, and around pipes to prevent entry.
• Keep food tightly sealed and clean up spills immediately.
• Consider using ant baits or natural deterrents like cinnamon or vinegar around entry points.

Learn more about ants in Los Angeles.

Rodents

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Southern California’s warmer months are a prime time for rodents, particularly roof rats and house mice, to seek shelter and food inside homes. The dry conditions outside often push them into attics, basements, and even kitchen cabinets. Are rodents dangerous?

How to Prepare

• Inspect your home for holes and gaps in the foundation, walls, and roof, and seal them up.
• Store food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs or spills promptly.
• Consider using traps or calling a professional if you notice signs of rodent activity, such as droppings or gnaw marks.

Learn more about our rodent removal & prevention program.

Mosquitoes

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With the warm temperatures of summer, mosquitoes become more active, especially in areas with standing water. In Southern California, Aedes mosquitoes are known to spread diseases like West Nile virus and Zika virus, making it important to take preventive measures.

How to Prepare

• Eliminate standing water around your property, such as in plant saucers, birdbaths, and clogged gutters.
• Use mosquito repellents, particularly those containing DEET, and wear long sleeves during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.
• Install screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside.

Learn more about our mosquito control service.

Termites

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While termites are active year-round in Southern California, they tend to swarm during the summer months. Subterranean termites are the most common species of termite in California, and they can cause significant damage to wooden structures if left unchecked.

How to Prepare

• Schedule a termite inspection before the summer months to catch any early signs of infestation.
• Ensure that wood piles and other cellulose-based materials are stored away from the home.
• Termites can not be eliminated with DIY treatments—instead, learn which professional termite treatments are best for your situation.
• Consider preventive treatments, such as bait systems or liquid treatments, to protect your home from termite damage.

Learn more about our termite treatment program.

Spiders

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Spiders are typically more visible in the warmer months, especially in the evenings when they build their webs. While most spiders are harmless, species like the black widow and brown recluse can pose a risk to humans.

How to Prepare

• Regularly clean corners and other hidden areas where spiders like to hide.
• Keep outdoor lights off or use yellow-toned bulbs to avoid attracting insects that spiders feed on.
• Consider using spider repellents or calling a pest control professional if you notice a high number of spiders around your home.

Cockroaches

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Cockroaches thrive in Southern California’s warm climate and can invade homes in search of food and water. German cockroaches and American cockroaches are common in urban areas, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

How to Prepare

• Store food in sealed containers and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
• Fix leaky faucets or pipes, as cockroaches are drawn to moisture.
• Seal cracks in walls and around doors to prevent roaches from entering.

Bees and Wasps

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Bees and wasps are active during the summer months, attracted to flowering plants, sugary food, and water sources. While bees are essential for pollination, they can become a nuisance when they nest near your home.

How to Prepare

• Keep food and drinks covered when enjoying the outdoors to avoid attracting bees and wasps.
• Be mindful of any nests around your home, especially near eaves, sheds, or trees. If you spot a nest, contact a professional to safely remove it.
• If you notice a yellowjacket nest near your home, do not approach it. These insects can become aggressive when they feel threatened. Contact a pest control professional to handle nest removal safely.
• If you’re allergic to bee stings, keep an emergency epinephrine auto-injector on hand when outdoors.

Check out our blogs to learn more:

• How to Identify Common Bee Species in Your Garden
• How to Get Rid of African Bees
• How to Get Rid of Bees in the Attic
• The Ecological Benefits of Wasps in California

Scorpions

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Southern California is home to a variety of scorpions, with the California common scorpion being the most prevalent species. These arachnids are often found in more arid regions but can venture into homes, especially during the warmer months when they seek cooler, dark places.

How to Prepare

• Scorpions tend to hide in cracks and crevices, so it's crucial to seal gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation.
• Remove clutter, such as wood piles or rocks, that might serve as shelter for scorpions near your home.
• Consider placing yellow LED lights around the yard, as they are less attractive to scorpions than regular white lights.
• If you spot a scorpion inside your home, use a broom to safely capture and relocate it outside. If you’re dealing with a large infestation, contacting a pest control professional is advised.

Fleas

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While fleas are often associated with moist environments, they are also common during the dry seasons in Southern California. Fleas can be brought into homes by pets, wildlife, or even by infested rodents. They thrive in the warm temperatures and can cause irritation to both pets and humans.

How to Prepare

• Regularly bathe and treat your pets with flea prevention products, such as topical treatments or flea collars.
• Vacuum your home frequently, especially in areas where pets spend time, to remove fleas, eggs, and larvae.
• Wash pet bedding and any soft furnishings that your pets come into contact with in hot water.
• Treat your yard with flea control products, particularly in shaded areas where fleas are more likely to hide.
• If flea problems persist, consult with a pest control professional to treat your home and yard.

Ticks

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Ticks are not as common in Southern California as they are in other parts of the U.S., but their population has been growing in areas with dense vegetation and wildlife. Ticks are particularly a concern for people and pets who spend time hiking or walking through brushy areas.

How to Prepare

• When hiking or spending time in brushy areas, wear long sleeves and pants to reduce exposure to ticks.
• Use tick-repellent products, such as DEET-based sprays, on clothing and skin.
• Check your pets regularly for ticks if they’ve been outside, especially in areas with dense vegetation.
• Treat your pets with tick prevention products if they spend time in areas known to harbor ticks.
• Keep grass and vegetation trimmed around your home to reduce tick habitats.

Protecting Your Home From Pests

Southern California homeowners should expect an uptick in pest activity during the summer months. While many of these pests are just an inconvenience, some can cause damage or pose health risks. By staying vigilant and taking preventive measures, you can keep your home pest-free throughout the summer.

If you’re concerned about pest infestations or need help with treatment, don’t hesitate to contact a local pest control expert to ensure your home is fully protected. Our team at Fenn Termite & Pest Control, Inc. offers comprehensive pest control services. Stay safe and enjoy your summer!