Heat pushes pests indoors
Fresno summers are extremely hot; National Weather Service records show 69 days at or above 100°F in 2021. During heat waves, ants, cockroaches, spiders and other pests look for water and cooler shelter, and homes are an obvious refuge. Leaking pipes, condensation from air conditioners and evaporative coolers, pet bowls and irrigation leaks near the house all attract them. Fixing water sources and sealing gaps around doors, windows and utility penetrations are the first lines of defense.
Termites
Both subterranean and drywood termites are found in the Central Valley. Older Fresno homes with crawlspaces, wood siding and wood touching soil are vulnerable, as are homes with long-standing moisture problems. Look for mud tubes, swarmers in spring, pellets below wood, and damaged or blistered wood. A termite inspection is standard when buying a home and worth doing periodically.
Cockroaches
Fresno's heat suits some cockroach species, which shelter in sewers, water meter boxes, garages and around foundations and move indoors through drains and gaps. Sealing gaps, keeping drains in good condition, cleaning up food and grease, and using baits and targeted treatments are effective. Repeated broad spraying is less effective than baits placed where cockroaches feed and hide.
Rodents
Roof rats and mice are common in Fresno, especially in neighborhoods with fruit trees, dense vegetation and older homes. Keep fruit picked up, trim trees away from the roof, store food securely and have entry points sealed with durable materials. Rodents chewing on wiring in attics and cars is a common and costly problem.
Scorpions and spiders
Scorpions are found in parts of the San Joaquin Valley and shelter under rocks, woodpiles and debris. Spiders are common in garages and around outdoor lighting. Reducing clutter, moving woodpiles away from the house, sealing gaps and controlling the insects they feed on helps.
Winter
Fresno winters are mild, and NOAA's engineering weather data records only about 10 freeze-thaw cycles in an average year. That means many pests stay active through much of the year. Rodents still move indoors as nights cool, and ants often invade after winter rains.
Before you hire
Ask Fresno pest control contractors to identify the pest and explain why it's present, what products they'll use and where, what precautions to take for kids and pets, and what follow-up is included. For termites, ask for a written inspection report with a diagram. Look up the company's California license with the CSLB; structural pest control in California is also regulated by the Structural Pest Control Board.
Mosquitoes and standing water
Standing water from irrigation, neglected pools, clogged gutters and containers can breed mosquitoes in Fresno's warm months. Empty or cover containers, keep pools maintained and fix leaking irrigation. Local mosquito and vector control districts in Fresno County provide mosquito control and can answer questions about standing water.
Prevention plans
Because pests stay active much of the year in Fresno, some homeowners choose seasonal service. Read what any plan includes, how to request extra visits, and how to cancel.
Garages and storage
Garages with cardboard boxes, pet food and open gaps under the door are favorite shelter for rodents and insects in hot weather. Store items in sealed plastic bins, keep pet food in closed containers, and replace a worn garage door bottom seal.