Pinedale Pest Control

Most Common Pests in Fresno, CA

Discover which insects, rodents, and wildlife are commonly found in your neighborhood and around iconic Fresno attractions and landmarks in the San Joaquin Valley such as Chaffee Zoo, Woodward Park, Shinzen Japanese Garden, and Forestiere Underground Gardens.

Understanding the types of pests that are common in Fresno can help with your pest prevention efforts and in finding the right pest control provider.

Common pests in Fresno, California include:

Termites

Subterranean termites are the most destructive and the most common species of termite to infest California homes. With colonies of up to 2 million members, these wood-destroying pests live in the soil and build mud tubes along the foundation and walls of buildings to travel from the soil to their food source. Not as common, but still present in the region, are drywood termites. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not require contact with soil. Instead, they infest and live within dry, seasoned wood. Subterranean and drywood termites can infest and destroy wood flooring, window frames, and structural elements used in homes and businesses.

Termite swarming season in Fresno typically occurs in the spring for subterranean termites, between March and May; and in the summer months for drywood termites. During this time, reproductive termites will swarm in large groups in search of a location to establish a new colony. Homeowners in Fresno should be vigilant for signs of termite activity and seek professional termite inspection and treatment, regardless of the specific swarming season.

Cockroaches

The most common types of cockroaches found in Fresno, CA are American, German, and Oriental cockroaches. Because cockroach infestations can grow out of control quickly, it's important to take action at the first sign of activity. If you see one, you can be sure there are more. Cockroaches are attracted to food, water, clutter, warmth, and darkness. The best way to keep cockroaches away is to keep your home clean and free of clutter, fix any leaks or moisture problems, and store food in airtight containers to help prevent cockroach infestations. It's important to note that cockroaches can easily contaminate food and surfaces, spreading disease-causing pathogens. If you have a cockroach issue, contact your local Terminix team to set up an inspection.

Mice

The most common types of mice to invade homes in California are house mice, deer mice, and white-footed mice. Once inside a building or structure, mice may build nests, chew through food packaging, or gnaw through wiring in the walls, which could result in a fire hazard. As mice move about, they contaminate surfaces and leave behind droppings and urine. They may also leave oily "rub marks" on the walls as they enter and exit small spaces. Because mice are nocturnal, it's not likely that you'll see one crossing your path during the day, but the evidence they'll leave behind is a good indicator that you have a rodent problem.

It's important to take preventative measures to keep mice out of your home and/or business, such as sealing up any cracks or openings in walls and foundation, and keeping food in sealed containers. If you suspect mice activity, give your local Fresno Terminix team a call to schedule a pest inspection.

Rats

There are two types of rats that are a common issue for home and business owners in Fresno – the roof rat also known as the “black rat" and the Norway rat also known as the “brown rat." Roof rats are skilled climbers, making their nests in higher areas like attics and drop ceilings. Norway rats prefer to stay lower to the ground and will often nest in burrows underground. Both species of rat can be found in urban and suburban areas throughout Fresno, particularly in areas that offer a variety of food and shelter options. It's important to take steps to prevent rat infestations, such as keeping food stored in sealed containers, maintaining a clean and clutter-free environment, and sealing up cracks and gaps on the exterior of buildings. Don't risk handling rats on your own. Call Terminix to address your rodent issues.

Ants

No matter where you live in the Fresno area, you have probably had to contend with ants at one point. House ants are attracted to food and water, both of which can be found in and around your home. House ant colonies live outdoors, sending scout ants to find food and water. Once a scout ant finds what it's looking for, it will send a signal. That's when you may see masses of small ants in your kitchen or bathroom. Keeping food and trash in sealed containers, cleaning up crumbs and spills in your kitchen, and repairing any leaks will help reduce ant activity in your home. Another important factor for eliminating ants is to identify where the nest is located. Your local Fresno Terminix pest control team can help keep ants away with innovative and effective solutions.

Moths

There are two types of clothes moths in Fresno, CA: the webbing clothes moth and the casemaking clothes moth. Clothes moths are small, winged insects that are cream or light brown in color. Clothes moth larvae will feed on natural fibers (feathers, wool, silk, cotton, animal fibers) that are commonly used in carpets, upholstered furniture, clothing, and rugs. If you find holes in your favorite wool sweater, you may have a clothes moth infestation. To prevent clothes moth infestations, it's important to store clothing and other textiles in airtight containers or bags, and to regularly clean and vacuum closets and other storage areas. If you suspect you have clothes moths, contact your local Fresno Terminix branch for a pest inspection. 

Spiders

There are several species of spiders that invade homes and businesses in Fresno, CA. The most frequently encountered are: common cellar spiders (daddy longlegs) live indoors in sheltered areas; wolf spiders (large and harmless) are found indoors and outdoors, they can move quickly and may bite if provoked; and jumping spiders (small and colorful) are found indoors and outdoors, they are known for their ability to jump long distances. Most spiders will hide in areas of your home or business with the least amount of foot traffic and air flow. This may include the corners of rooms, your garage, cabinets, closets, and attic. To help avoid being bitten by any spider, wear protective gloves when reaching into dark areas. Can't stand the thought of creepy spiders lurking in the dark? Terminix's quarterly pest control plan can help.

Fleas

These incredibly small pests can plague Fresno pet owners. Fleas can enter homes on pets or on other animals, such as rodents or wildlife, and can quickly reproduce and infest a home. Fleas thrive in temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes Fresno a hotspot for flea activity starting in early spring through late fall. Because fleas may carry disease-causing pathogens and can put your health and the health of your pets at risk, it's important to implement a professional flea control program early in the year, before an infestation grows out of control. Call Terminix today for a free quote.

Ticks

Ticks can be found in all 50 states, California included. However, different types of ticks live in different areas and carry different disease-causing pathogens. The most common ticks in Fresno are the Western black-legged tick (deer tick), Pacific Coast tick, and brown dog tick. Common tick-borne illnesses in Fresno include Lyme disease, tick-borne relapsing fever, and tularemia. Ticks typically live in areas with tall grass, dense vegetation, or wooded areas. Keeping the vegetation around your property trimmed back and implementing a preventative tick control program can help keep ticks away from your outdoor spaces and help keep your family and pets safe from these blood-sucking, disease-causing pathogens.

Mosquitoes

Because mosquitoes have the potential to transmit disease-causing pathogens to humans and pets when they bite, it's a good idea to be cautious if you live in a Fresno suburb where mosquitoes are present. Help protect yourself, your family, and your pets by hiring a professional mosquito control technician – before the height of mosquito season. Monthly mosquito treatments will reduce overall mosquito populations living in your yard and keep them from coming back. Another way to reduce mosquito populations lingering around your property is by eliminating standing water, removing dead/rotting trees, and trimming back vegetation – a resting spot for adult mosquitoes.

Earwigs

Typically found living in dark, damp environments such as under rocks, logs, and plant debris, earwigs are primarily a nuisance pest; however, they have been known to feed on leaves, flowers, and fruit. To prevent earwigs from entering your Fresno home, it's important to seal any cracks or gaps around doors and windows, and to keep the area around the foundation of the home free from organic debris such as leaves and mulch.

Stinging Insects

There are several species of stinging insects that are common in Fresno, CA, including: