Riverside experiences a warm Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Pests never truly disappear here, and the concerns differ across zones. Orangecrest & La Sierra see more ants, rats, and mice, while Magnolia Center & Canyon Crest have aging homes that have regular termite and spider infestations. Dense housing in Downtown Riverside & Arlington means more cockroaches and bed bugs.
DIY often fails in Southern California, and it is wise to get professional help. Fortunately, you can find companies with credible reviews in Riverside, such as Akela Pest Control. The team of Akela Pest Control specializes in local infestations and offers IPM-oriented strategies. In this guide, let’s go into detail about common pests here.
- Ant Infestations: Riverside has a dry climate, and with irrigation systems around, many ant species are common here, including Argentine ants, carpenter ants, and pavement ants. If you find ant trails inside the house despite maintaining sanitation standards, that is a sign that you need help. Structural wood damage could indicate the presence of carpenter ants. Keep in mind DIY sprays work on surface issues, but colonies can grow and spread quickly.
- Cockroaches: German cockroaches and American cockroaches are common here. The latter can usually be found in damp, warm areas, while German roaches thrive in indoor areas. Your kitchens and bathrooms are particularly risky areas, and you can find signs like lingering odors, droppings, and roaches at night. Because cockroaches stay away during the day, you have to get professionals to fix infestations.
- Rodents: Riverside has certain factors that cause rodent problems across areas. There are creek zones and mature landscaping, while holiday foliage also attracts rats and mice. Rodents usually make sounds at night and roam around, which means you can spot one or two in the kitchen. Rats can also damage insulation, wiring, and cardboard boxes, and there is a risk of health issues. Make sure to call experts before you get traps or try DIY measures.
- Spiders: While garden spiders don’t mean much to many homeowners here, there are also potentially dangerous species in Riverside. Webs and sightings at home are signs that need work. Professional companies know how to find species and can focus on targeted removal, so your home is safe.
- Termites: Older Riverside homes have aging foundations and wood framing that are close to the soil, and it isn’t unusual to find termite damage. These insects made mud tubes around the foundation, which is a key sign. If the damage is extreme, many wooden structures may sound hollow when knocked or tapped. Early detection is critical, and if you spend on yearly inspections, you can save the need for extensive repairs.
- Bed Bugs: Contrary to what many people assume, bed bugs don’t cause diseases, but can ruin your sleep. Commercial zones and rentals within Riverside are particularly at risk. Signs include bite marks often in a row, fecal spots and blood stains on linens, and if the infestation is at the next level, you can even find live bed bugs. DIY doesn’t solve the problem, and you will need exterminators who can consider heat treatments and other targeted solutions.
Takeaways
Pests can damage your home’s value and can be responsible for allergies and other issues. Instead of the ‘wait and watch’ approach, connect with a pest control service in Riverside sooner so that technicians can take early measures. They can also guide you on prevention and other aspects that will prevent pests from infiltrating your home. The good news is that top exterminators will only use measures and steps that align with IPM, so there will be a focus on exclusion and safe & tested products.
