The 6 Most Common Pests in Southern California

In spite of a mild climate and beautiful scenery, Southern California has pest problems just like any other part of the country.

Here are 6 types of pests you can expect to encounter in our lovely region:

1. Termites

Termites are one small creature that can cause a whole lot of damage when left untreated, and unfortunately, we have our fair share of them in Southern California. Here are the three types of termites to watch out for:

  • Dry-wood termites
  • Dampwood termites
  • Subterranean termites

2. Spiders

In some parts of Southern California, spiders seem to run rampant, living not only in the dark hidden corners of your garage, but also in trees, bushes, and anywhere else they can find. And is there anything more terrifying than finding a spider lurking through your home? Here, you’re most likely to encounter:

  • Brown Recluse
  • Black Widow
  • California Trapdoor Spiders
  • Yellow Sac Spiders
  • Long Legged Sac Spiders

3. Cockroaches

Perhaps a more disgusting presence in your home than spiders, cockroaches are known to carry diseases, multiply quickly, and be almost impossible to kill. There are 6 main types of cockroaches you may come across in Southern California, including:

  • American
  • German
  • Oriental
  • Smokybrown
  • Turkestan
  • Brownbanded

4. Rodents

With a variety of rodents present in the area, you are likely to come across one or many in your home or yard at any given time. From the typical mice and rats, to raccoons, skunks, and other larger pests, it’s important to know the signs of an infestation to have the best chance of eliminating them from your home quickly.

5. Ants

While some other parts of the country freeze enough in the wintertime that ants aren’t a problem, in our mild climate, that is surely not the case. Here, ants can be found outside or inside of your home during any season. Some of the most common you’ll find are:

  • Carpenter Ants
  • Thief Ants
  • Pharaoh Ants
  • Argentine Ants

6. Stinging Insects

Stinging insect infestations are one of the most dangerous to deal with given these insects’ propensity for stinging at the first signs of danger. While wasps, hornets, and some other stinging insects can be eradicated on sight, we take care in moving beehives when present, so as not to kill the honey bees. The following are the stinging insects you’re most likely to encounter in Southern California:

  • Honey bees
  • Killer bees
  • Bumblebees
  • Wasps
  • Hornets
  • Yellow Jackets
  • Fire Ants

We Can Help!

Southern California is a beautiful place to live, full of so much natural beauty and a culturally diverse atmosphere that attracts residents and visitors from all over. With the help of a pest control specialist, you can easily manage any pests you find at your home or business, especially these 6 most common types.

For help with your pest control needs, contact Preventive Pest So Cal to make a plan, and take the first steps toward making your residence or business pest free.