5 Common Fall Pests in Southern California
Thanks to 2015 being an El Nino year, Bakersfield California is experiencing a high population of common fall pests. While there is no doubt that California desperately needs the rain to help the drought, the extra moisture in the air – and high temperatures – have welcomed an onslaught of pests to the Central and Southern California regions.
Here are 5 pests to watch out for this fall:
Rodents – Did you know rats can fit into holes as small as ¼”? Fall is the time mice and
rats start to find their way inside where they’ll create a home to keep them warm all winter. The best way to prevent rodents from coming inside is to trim all trees and bushes back from your home, and to close up any holes in siding, roofing or screens. Also be aware that rodents love to camp out in wood and debris piles, so keep these to a minimum and away from your home. Rodents reproduce quickly, so if you’re seeing signs of these dirty creatures, give us a call immediately.
Stinging Insects – Thanks to the warm temperatures, wasps, hornets and yellow-jackets are all at their busiest during the autumn months. Expect these annoying bugs to stick around until temperatures drop to the low 50’s. In the meantime, be on the lookout for nests and make sure to give us a call if you find one so we can remove it. If you don’t take care of your stinging insect problem this fall, expect them to come back in the Spring with a vengeance.
Fleas – Did you know fleas can survive all winter indoors or on a warm host? So it is no surprise that these pesky bugs start to head inside during the fall months while searching for a warm winter home. Establishing regular pet flea treatments, and vacuuming of carpets and furniture are the best ways to keep fleas from becoming a problem in your home.
Ants – This time of year is when ants start to make their way inside to find warmth and stock up on food before winter hits. If you have ants, we suggest you read our blog post on getting ants out of your house – and then call us. Ants can be very hard to get rid of, and often require more than one type of treatment to successfully eradicate them, which is why it is best to let a pest control professional handle the problem.
Seed Bugs – Similar in appearance to the Box Elder bug, infestations of seed bugs have been reported in several mountain and desert communities this year. Though they don’t bite, their extremely large numbers are a nuisance and can stain fabric when crushed. These annoying bugs are strongly attracted to any light source, and are often not receptive to pesticides.
We know what a nuisance these pests can be, and the damage that can be done if left untreated. If you are experiencing an issue with any of these common fall pests in Bakersfield and need a good pest control company, we can help – give us a call today!
