As temperatures climb across Los Angeles County and Orange County, the insects and rodents that stayed quiet through winter are waking up hungry. Spring in Southern California is peak season for pest activity, and the property managers who take action now spend far less on treatments later.
Los Angeles doesn't get the deep freezes that kill off insect populations in other parts of the country. Instead, our mild winters let pest colonies survive year-round at reduced activity levels. Once daytime temperatures consistently hit the mid-70s, those colonies explode in size.
These small brown ants form massive supercolonies throughout Southern California. A single colony can contain millions of individuals, which is why store-bought sprays rarely solve the problem.
Prevention: Seal gaps around pipes and utility lines. Keep food in airtight containers. Fix dripping faucets or standing water sources.
The warm, humid conditions inside LA kitchens and bathrooms make them a haven. A single female can produce over 300 offspring in her lifetime.
Prevention: Clean behind and under appliances regularly. Don't leave pet food out overnight. Seal cracks around cabinets and plumbing with caulk.
Spring is swarming season for subterranean termites in Los Angeles. Small winged insects near windows or door frames means there's already a mature colony nearby.
Prevention: Keep mulch and soil at least six inches from the foundation. Repair wood-to-soil contact points. If you see swarmer wings near windows, call a professional immediately.
Los Angeles has a well-documented roof rat population, particularly in neighborhoods with fruit trees and older buildings. They enter through gaps in rooflines and vents.
Prevention: Trim tree branches back at least four feet from the roofline. Pick up fallen fruit promptly. Inspect the roofline for gaps larger than a quarter.
Southern California is home to both species, and spring is when they become more active. They build webs in garages, storage sheds, outdoor furniture, and meter boxes.
Prevention: Have maintenance staff wear gloves when reaching into storage areas. Reduce clutter. Use yellow outdoor lighting to attract fewer insects.
1. Do a perimeter inspection. Walk around the outside of the building and look for cracks in stucco, gaps around pipes, damaged weatherstripping, and torn screens. Seal what you can with exterior-grade caulk.
2. Eliminate standing water. Check for clogged gutters, leaky faucets, plant saucers collecting water, and AC drip lines that puddle near the foundation.
3. Declutter storage and garage areas. Cardboard boxes are a favorite for cockroaches and spiders. Switch to plastic bins with lids, keep them off the floor.
Consider calling a licensed pest control company if you notice: termite swarmers or frass near wood, rodent droppings in attics or kitchens, cockroach sightings during the day, or recurring ant trails that return within days of treatment.
Squash Exterminating offers free inspections for apartment buildings, care facilities and commercial properties across LA County and Orange County. Call us at (323) 855-3567 to schedule yours today.
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