Living in a farming region
Modesto sits in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley's farming country, surrounded by orchards, fields and irrigation canals. That landscape supports a lot of insect and rodent life, and some of it moves into homes, especially at harvest time, after fields are worked, and when the weather turns hot or wet. Homes at the edge of town near orchards and fields often see more rodents and insects than homes in the center of the city.
Termites
Subterranean and drywood termites are both present in the Central Valley. Older Modesto homes with crawlspaces, wood siding and wood touching soil are vulnerable. Watch for mud tubes on foundation walls and piers, swarmers in spring, and pellets under eaves and sills. A termite inspection is standard when buying a home and worthwhile periodically for older houses.
Rodents
Mice and rats move toward homes for food and shelter, particularly after harvests and as the weather cools. Roof rats travel along fences, wires and tree branches into attics. Trim branches back from the roof, keep fallen fruit and nuts picked up, store pet food and birdseed in sealed containers, and have entry points sealed with durable materials. Snap traps inside and tamper-resistant bait stations outside are common tools.
Fog, moisture and wet-weather pests
Winter tule fog keeps outdoor surfaces damp in the San Joaquin Valley for days. Damp crawlspaces, leaking pipes and poor drainage attract moisture-loving pests such as earwigs, silverfish and some ants. Fix leaks, keep gutters clean and downspouts directing water away, and make sure crawlspace vents aren't blocked.
Ants and summer heat
Ants invade during hot, dry spells looking for water, and again after heavy rain. Baits placed along trails reach the colony better than sprays. Clean up crumbs and spills, fix leaks and seal gaps around doors and windows.
Dust and air quality
Stanislaus County is part of the San Joaquin Valley area the EPA has classified as not meeting federal fine-particle standards. If anyone in your household has asthma or other breathing problems, tell the technician before treatment, and ask about targeted methods, such as baits and crack-and-crevice applications, that minimize airborne pesticide.
Mosquitoes
Irrigation, canals and standing water after rain can breed mosquitoes. Empty containers, maintain pools and fix leaking irrigation. Local mosquito abatement districts in Stanislaus County provide mosquito control and can answer questions about standing water.
Before you hire
Ask Modesto pest control contractors to identify the pest and explain why it's present, what products they'll use and where, what precautions to take, and what follow-up is included. For termites, ask for a written inspection report. Look up the company's California license with the CSLB; structural pest control in California is also regulated by the Structural Pest Control Board.
Wasps and yellowjackets
Wasps and yellowjackets are active in Modesto's warm months and nest under eaves, in shrubs and in the ground. Ground nests in lawns are easy to disturb; nests near doors and play areas are best handled by a professional.
Garages and storage
Keep stored food, birdseed and pet food in sealed containers, and use plastic bins rather than cardboard in garages and sheds. A worn garage door seal is one of the easiest ways in for rodents.