Southern California, with its lush landscapes and temperate climate, offers an idyllic lifestyle for many – and unfortunately, for one particularly persistent pest: the roof rat. As professionals in pest management, we have spent decades understanding the intricate behaviors of these elusive rodents, and we can tell you unequivocally that addressing a roof rat problem requires a strategic, multi-faceted approach. There’s no magic bullet; only diligent, informed action.

What is a Roof Rat

Roof rats, scientifically known as Rattus rattus, are agile climbers, often characterized by their sleek bodies, pointed muzzles, and tails longer than their head and body combined. Unlike their ground-dwelling Norway rat cousins, roof rats prefer the elevated spaces of our homes and yards – attics, rafters, dense vegetation, and, of course, the roofline itself. They are nocturnal, a trait that often allows an infestation to grow significantly before homeowners even realize the extent of the problem. That tell-tale scampering in the attic late at night is frequently the first clue.

Dangers of a Roof Rat Infestation

Beyond the disturbing sounds, the presence of roof rats carries tangible risks. These rodents are notorious for gnawing on electrical wiring, which presents a significant fire hazard. They contaminate insulation with their urine and droppings, rendering it ineffective and then needing costly replacement. Furthermore, they are carriers of various diseases, including leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and murine typhus, which can be transmitted to humans and pets. They can also introduce fleas, ticks, and mites into your living space, creating a secondary pest issue.

How to Get Rid of Roof Rats

Effective roof rat management begins with understanding their needs: food, water, and shelter. Southern California’s abundant fruit trees, dense foliage, and accessible water sources provide a veritable buffet and ideal harborage. Therefore, the first line of defense is habitat modification. This isn’t about eradicating every plant in your yard, but rather strategically managing it. Keep tree branches pruned at least three to four feet away from your roofline and any structures. Remove dense ivy, overgrown shrubs, and brush piles that offer cover and pathways. If you have fruit or nut trees, ensure fallen produce is picked up regularly. Pet food should never be left outside overnight, and garbage bins must have tight-fitting, secure lids. Even a small drip from an outdoor faucet can be an attractive water source, so address any leaks promptly.

The next critical step is exclusion, or “rat-proofing” your home. Roof rats can squeeze through incredibly small openings – as little as a half-inch gap. A thorough inspection of your home’s exterior is very important. Look for any cracks or holes in foundations, around utility lines, and where pipes enter the structure. Vents, especially those leading to attics or crawl spaces, should be screened with quarter-inch hardware cloth. Ensure all doors and windows fit tightly, and consider installing door sweeps. Pay particular attention to the roof itself: inspect for damaged eaves, loose tiles, or gaps where the roof meets the wall. Sealing these entry points with durable materials like steel wool, concrete, or metal mesh is essential, as roof rats can chew through plastic, wood, and even some caulks.

Once the exterior is secured, addressing any existing rats inside is the next phase. While snap traps can be effective for smaller, early infestations, they require careful placement and consistent monitoring. Rats exhibit neophobia, a wariness of new objects, so it may take time for them to approach and interact with traps. For significant infestations, or if you’re uncomfortable dealing with trapped rodents, a Craig & Sons treatment strategy is highly recommended. We utilize a combination of advanced trapping techniques and, when absolutely necessary, targeted baiting programs, always prioritizing the protection of your family and pets. Any rodenticides used are placed in tamper-resistant bait stations, out of reach of non-target animals, and with careful consideration of potential secondary poisoning risks.

Pest Control Inspections

Finally, long-term success against roof rats in Southern California hinges on a commitment to ongoing vigilance. Regular inspections, both by the homeowner and a pest management professional, are vital to detect new activity early. Maintaining a clean, well-manicured yard and a sealed home provides the best defense against these adaptable and pervasive pests. It’s an ongoing partnership between homeowner and expert, ensuring your Southern California haven remains free from the unwelcome presence of roof rats.

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The beautiful weather of San Bernardino County and Riverside County happens within diverse landscapes are attractive to both humans and, unfortunately, mice. These tiny rodents can quickly become a big problem for homeowners, bringing with them the risk of disease, property damage, and general nuisance. Effective mouse prevention is key to keeping your Riverside or Redlands home rodent-free. There are common sense measures that you can take to reduce the chance you need to call Craig & Sons.

Why Inland Empire Homes Are Vulnerable

Our mild climate allows mice to thrive year-round. Unlike some other regions, we don’t experience harsh winters that naturally reduce rodent populations. This means consistent vigilance is crucial. Also, the abundance of food sources, from gardens and fruit trees to improperly stored pet food, provides ample sustenance for these opportunistic creatures. Furthermore, the close proximity of homes in many Inland Empire neighborhoods allows mice to easily travel between properties, making community-wide rodent control efforts even more effective.

Proactive Mouse Prevention Strategies

The best defense against mice is a good offense. Here are some proactive steps homeowners can take to prevent infestations:

• Seal Entry Points: Mice can squeeze through incredibly small openings. Thoroughly inspect your home’s exterior and interior for cracks, gaps, and holes. Pay close attention to areas around pipes, vents, windows, and doors. Use caulk, steel wool, or wire mesh to seal these potential entry points. Steel wool is particularly effective as mice cannot chew through it.
• Landscape Management: Keep your landscaping trimmed and tidy. Bushes, shrubs, and overgrown vegetation provide ideal hiding places for mice and can offer easy access to your home. Keep firewood stacked away from your house and regularly remove debris from your yard.
• Proper Food Storage: Store all food items, including pet food, in airtight containers. Don’t leave food out overnight and promptly clean up any spills. Be mindful of storing dry goods like grains, cereals, and pet food in secure containers, as these are especially attractive to rodents.
• Garbage Management: Keep garbage cans tightly sealed and dispose of trash regularly. Avoid letting garbage accumulate, as it provides a readily available food source for mice.
• Eliminate Water Sources: Fix any leaky pipes or faucets promptly. Standing water can attract mice and provide them with a necessary resource. Ensure proper drainage around your home to prevent water from pooling.
• Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of your home, especially in less frequently used areas like attics, basements, and garages. Look for signs of mouse activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or nests. Early detection is critical for effective mouse control.

When to Seek Professional Help

While DIY methods can be effective for minor infestations or preventative measures, a severe mouse problem often requires the expertise of our professionally trained rodent control team. If you’ve tried these preventative measures and are still experiencing a mouse infestation, or if the infestation is large, call us at 909-335-1486. We use specialized tools and techniques and exclusion methods, that can effectively eliminate the problem and prevent future occurrences. Our experts can also identify the source of the infestation and provide valuable recommendations for long-term mouse prevention.

By implementing these mouse prevention tips, Inland Empire homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of infestations and protect their homes from these unwanted guests. Consistent vigilance and proactive measures are the keys to maintaining a pest-free environment. Remember, a little prevention goes a long way in keeping your home protected and healthy.

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Mice and rats are more than just a nuisance in the Inland Empire; their presence in homes and businesses poses significant health risks. Rodent infestations can lead to the spread of various diseases, contaminate food and surfaces, and trigger allergies and asthma. Understanding these dangers is crucial for protecting yourself, your family, and your customers.

Disease Transmission: A Major Concern

Rodents are known carriers of numerous pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These pathogens can be transmitted to humans through several routes:

• Contaminated Food and Water: Rodents often contaminate food and water sources with their urine, feces, and saliva. This can lead to the spread of diseases like salmonellosis (food poisoning), leptospirosis (bacterial infection), and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).
• Direct Contact: Handling rodents, their droppings, or nesting materials can also lead to infection. This is particularly relevant for diseases like rat-bite fever and tularemia.
• Airborne Transmission: Dust contaminated with rodent excrement can become airborne, allowing pathogens to be inhaled. This is the primary mode of transmission for hantavirus.
• Vector Transmission: Rodents can also carry fleas, ticks, and mites, which can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, murine typhus, and rickettsialpox.

Specific Health Risks

Here are some of the key health risks associated with rodent infestations:

• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS): This severe respiratory illness is caused by hantaviruses, which are found in rodent urine, droppings, and saliva. Inhalation of contaminated dust is the primary mode of transmission. HPS can cause flu-like symptoms initially, progressing to severe respiratory distress and potentially death.
• Leptospirosis: This bacterial infection is spread through contact with water or soil contaminated with rodent urine. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like illness to severe kidney and liver damage.
• Salmonellosis: This common bacterial infection causes gastrointestinal distress, including diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. It’s often contracted through consuming food contaminated with rodent feces.
• Rat-Bite Fever: This bacterial infection can be transmitted through bites or scratches from infected rats or through consuming food or water contaminated with rodent excrement. Symptoms include fever, rash, muscle pain, and joint pain.
• Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM): This viral infection is carried by house mice and can be transmitted through contact with their urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting materials. LCM can cause flu-like symptoms, neurological complications, and even meningitis.
• Plague: While less common in modern times, rodents can carry fleas that transmit the bacteria responsible for plague.
• Allergies and Asthma: Rodent droppings, urine, and shed fur contain allergens that can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks in susceptible individuals. This can lead to respiratory problems, skin rashes, and eye irritation.

Risks of Rodent Infestation in Businesses

For businesses, especially those in the food service industry, rodent infestations can have devastating consequences. Contamination of food products can lead to product recalls, fines, and damage to reputation. Rodent droppings and gnaw marks on packaging can deter customers and lead to loss of business.

Prevention and Control:

The best way to mitigate these health risks is to prevent rodent infestations in the first place. Here are some key prevention strategies:

• Seal Entry Points: Seal any cracks, gaps, or holes in foundations, walls, windows, and doors.
• Maintain Cleanliness: Keep food preparation areas clean, store food in airtight containers, and dispose of garbage regularly.
• Proper Food Storage: Store pet food and other potential food sources in sealed containers.
• Landscaping Practices: Keep vegetation trimmed away from buildings and remove debris that could provide harborage for rodents.
• Professional Pest Control: If you suspect a rodent infestation, it’s crucial to contact a qualified pest control professional. They can assess the situation, identify the rodent species, and implement effective control measures.

Protecting Your Health:

Rodent infestations pose serious health risks that should not be ignored. By understanding these dangers and taking proactive prevention measures, you can protect yourself, your family, and your business from the potential consequences of rodent-borne diseases. Call Craig & Sons to schedule a free inspection of your home or office. Early intervention is key to preventing serious health issues.

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Gophers, with their industrious digging and characteristic mounds of dirt, are a common sight in Southern California landscapes. While they might seem like simple garden pests, their tunneling activities can cause significant damage to properties. Understanding their habits, diet, and the specific species found in our region is crucial for effective management.

Gopher Species in Southern California

Several gopher species inhabit Southern California, but the most frequently encountered are:

• Botta’s Pocket Gopher (Thomomys bottae): This is the most widespread gopher species in California and is commonly found throughout Southern California. They are medium-sized, with brown fur and prominent cheek pouches (hence the “pocket” in their name).

Gopher Habitat and Lifestyle

Gophers are fossorial mammals, meaning they spend the majority of their lives underground in extensive tunnel systems. These tunnels serve as shelter, nesting sites, and foraging pathways. Gophers prefer well-drained soils that are easy to dig in, making gardens, lawns, and agricultural fields prime targets. They are solitary animals, with each gopher maintaining its own tunnel system, except during breeding season. Gophers typically have one to three litters per year, with each litter containing one to six young. The breeding season usually occurs in late winter and early spring. Young gophers are born in underground nests and remain with their mother for a few months before dispersing to establish their own territories. Gophers are herbivores, feeding primarily on plant roots, tubers, bulbs, and other underground plant parts. They can also pull entire plants down into their tunnels to consume them. This feeding behavior is what makes them such a significant problem for gardens and agriculture.

Damage Caused by Gophers

Gopher activity can result in a variety of problems for property owners:

• Damage to Lawns and Gardens: Gopher tunnels create unsightly mounds of dirt on lawns, making them uneven and difficult to mow. They also damage or kill plants by consuming their roots, causing them to wilt and die.

• Damage to Irrigation Systems: Gopher tunneling can disrupt underground irrigation lines, leading to leaks and inefficient watering.

• Damage to Trees and Shrubs: Gophers can girdle tree roots, weakening or killing the tree. Young trees are particularly vulnerable.

• Damage to Agricultural Crops: In agricultural settings, gophers can cause significant crop losses by consuming roots and tubers.

• Structural Damage: In some cases, gopher tunnels can undermine building foundations, sidewalks, and driveways, potentially leading to structural instability.

• Safety Hazards: Gopher mounds can create tripping hazards for people and animals.

If you are experiencing significant gopher damage on your property, your best choice is to call us at Craig & Sons and speak to a licensed professional. Call 909-335-1486. Our team has the expertise and tools to effectively manage gopher populations and prevent further damage.

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There is a wide variety of mice, rats, and other rodents that call the Inland Empire home. Riverside and San Bernardino counties share the same types of environment including arid land, hills, and plenty of open space where rodents find room to live.

Here is list of the rodents in the Inland Empire and some general tips on how to keep some unwanted pests out of your property.

Common Species of Mice

The mice you’ll find in your home aren’t quite the same as Mickey who lives in Orange County. There are a few mouse species that will be found in our area. In most cases, they are seeking food, water, or a safe place to make a home. Species such as Bailey’s pocket mouse or the California pocket mouse are very common. They are related and have a few cousins as well.

All of them have the ability to stuff large amounts of food in their cheeks. They eat mainly seeds or grains but won’t be too picky if they find human food accessible. Strangely, these particular mice can be helpful to the environment because they distribute seeds from a variety of plants into new areas and help increase plant populations. They are all brown and can breed very quickly. These are nocturnal mice so you are very unlikely to see then scurrying during the day.

Common Species of Rats

Multiple rat species all Riverside and San Bernardino counties home. But they vary greatly. Some are the ugly, common brown rat (also called a Norway rat) with long snout and tail, while others are often mistaken for mice because they are so small and similar in shape.

One particular rat known to Inland Empire residents is the kangaroo rat, specifically the giant kangaroo rat. This species is endangered at the state and federal level.

The word “giant” is misleading. It is the largest of all 20 kangaroo rat species, but it grows no more than six inches in length. They live in ground burrows and are extremely social. They communicate with other members of their colony by drumming their feet on the ground in specific patterns. It is highly unlikely that you will encounter these rodents.

A Norway rat (brown rat or sewer rat) is far more common and likely to be what you find. They love to inhabit the same area as people.  These rats will make a home near trash cans or trash piles, along with areas of stacked wood. They can be six to 11 inches long and are very recognizable rodents.

If you don’t see them, you may hear them. They make a noticeable chirping sound. They don’t climb well so expect to see them or their droppings in areas along the ground, indoors or outdoors.

Gophers in the Inland Empire

If you see a gopher in the Inland Empire, it is likely to be a Botta’s pocket gopher. They are extremely common and can make burrows throughout a huge area of land within a matter of days. They are a neutral shade of brown like most desert-dwelling rodent species. The only environments they don’t enjoy are rivers and rocky areas.

Their diet consists entirely of plant matter including grasses and roots. This makes them a common destroyer of lawns, flower gardens, and produce gardens. They will spend approximately 90% of their lives in their burrows. We have very specific tools and treatment methods for gopher control so if you have any destroying your property, give us a call for a fast solution.

Common Squirrels

Anyone who has lived in the Inland Empire has seen squirrels. Parks, neighborhoods, and outdoor trail areas offer a wide variety of home options for squirrel species found in California. They come in a variety of shades of grey and live in and around trees.

As you may know, their diet consists of seeds, nuts, insects, and even eggs. But they will chew on many other things including electrical cables, crops, and even the wood of a building wall. Because they can be destructive and carry diseases such as rabies, they are not a good species to keep around a home.

Have a Rodent Problem?

If you suspect rodents are invading your home or office property, give us a call at 909-335-1486 or 951-530-1653 for a complimentary inspection. One of our expert technicians and take a look at your property, identify the pest, and give you a recommendation for treatment methods.

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Why did your DIY mouse control fail? You tried to save money to eliminate your rodent problem without help. But now they’re back – and have grown in numbers. Take a look at the reasons why your do-it-yourself pest prevention failed and how a professional can help.

The Wrong Bait

What type of bait attracts mice? If cheese is your answer, think again. Even though movies, cartoons, and TV shows may have popularized cheese as the mouse’s snack of choice, rodents don’t necessarily jump for this dairy option.

While mice will eat almost anything, they prefer grains, fruits, and nuts. With pest control trap bait, peanut butter, other types of nut butter (or hazelnut spread), and chocolate are the best options. If you did use a nut butter, seed, or similar mouse-friendly treat to bait the traps and your efforts still failed, a professional can:

Assess the bait . You possibly didn’t provide the right amount of bait or apply it in the correct way.

Prepare the bait . Human scent on a trap or bait can deter mice. The expert has the experience and know-how to avoid this extermination issue.

Provide another option . Some traps use a scent – and not the actual food. The pest control professional can evaluate the rodent issue and suggest a scented trap treatment plan if it applies to your home’s situation.

Even though incorrect bait use is a primary problem DIY pest controllers experience, it isn’t the only one. Read on for more information on potential mistakes and how to correct them.

The Wrong Trap

Several different mousetrap options are available. While they all work in some situations, the specific type you use should depend on your individual needs. If your mice are able to sneak food away without springing a trap or completely avoid your best efforts, call a professional.

The most common types of mousetraps include:

Spring traps . Spring, or snap, traps are inexpensive options that may not get you the results you want. As the name implies, these traps use a spring-loaded mechanism to snap down on the rodent. Failure to set or bait the trap correctly can leave you with a lingering pest problem.

Glue traps . These traps use scented glue (inside of a cardboard box) to catch mice.

Electronic traps . An electronic trap lures the rodent inside and delivers a lethal shock to stop your pest problem.

The wrong trap choice can waste money and time. Instead of a watch, wait, and replace approach, leave the trap selection to the professional. A pest control technician can recommend and install traps that meet your home’s needs.

The Wrong Placement

You have the right bait and the right trap. But you still have mice. What’s the problem? Chances are you have the wrong placement. Where you put the trap is a key piece of the pest control puzzle.

Trap placement problems may include:

Constant movement . Did you place the trap and then move it a few hours later? Mice are wary of traps (and other strange objects). Give the mice time to adjust to the sight of the trap.

Open area arrangement . Mice shy away from open areas. If you place the trap in a spacious place, you may not attract rodents. Walls and concealed areas are typically the best options.

Too few traps . Did you place enough traps to handle your pest problem? If you’re not sure, a pest control technician can evaluate the issue and recommend the right number of traps for your home’s space.

The pest control professional can also help you to place traps that won’t interfere with your family’s daily life. This helps to ensure the safety of your children, other family members, and pets during the extermination process.

Do you need professional help with your pest problem? Contact Craig and Sons Termite & Pest Control, Inc., for more information.

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Think you have a pest problem? It is fairly easy to determine if mice, rats, or bats are inhabiting your home; their droppings and the noise will indicate if your home is infested. Take care of the issue swiftly and effectively with a pest control professional to prevent the property and health damage that an infestation can cause. 

Mice

If you spot a mouse in your home, you may already have an infestation. Mice carry diseases as well as fleas and ticks; their urine and droppings can cause respiratory illness with prolonged exposure. If you suspect you have a mouse (or more) in your house, don’t delay calling an exterminator- mice can reproduce very quickly!  

The best ways to prevent a mouse sighting from becoming an infestation are:

• Clean your home thoroughly. Get rid of any food, trash, or debris that could be attracting mice.
• Seal cracks around windows and doors. Use caulking or wads of steel wool to deter mice from gaining entry.
• Pick up and cover your pets’ food dishes at night. Prevent your pet food from becoming a food source for pests.

Talk to your exterminator about the most humane way to rid your home of mice quickly.

Rats

There are a few stages to successful rat removal: inspect, seal, trap, and listen. The key to getting rid of rats is to first seal any and all points of entry and trap later-on. There is no point in wasted efforts trapping rats when you leave holes and gaps for them to continue to enter the home.

Don’t believe the hype about holistic tactics like mothballs or ammonia getting rid of rats; seal your cracks, crevices, and call an exterminator.

Other Rodents

There are a lot more rodents to be concerned with than mice and rats; the rodent family includes other gnawing mammals that can easily gain access, infiltrate, and infest your home and yard this summer. Some rodents to watch for include:

• Squirrels
• Porcupines
• Voles
• Gophers
• Beavers

Even if these rodents don’t gain access inside your home, they can wreak havoc outside gnawing, chewing, and digging around your property. Call a professional exterminator for help.

Bats

Brown bats are quite common in homes across the nation. They are typically found in barns or attics, as they nest where it is dark and sheltered. Bats live in colonies of 20 to several hundred, so if you see one in your attic or crawlspace, you could have a lot more. Bats can carry rabies and may attack when under stress, so don’t try to remove bats without the assistance of a pest control professional.

Keeping bats out of the home is easier than getting rid of them:

• Seal up any cracks or gaps. Openings could provide entry to bats. Use caulking to seal up anything bigger than a half-inch.
• Screen in your pool and outdoor living area. Outdoor structures could also provide refuge for bats.
• Rid your attic of bats. If you notice bats taking up residence on your porches or decks, it could indicate that they are also inside the home. . If you remove the ones indoors, the ones outside will move on.
• Trap bats during the day. Bats are most active at night. During the daytime, they are often hanging around sleeping; this is key when trapping bats.

Remember that time is of the essence when it comes to pests. The faster you call an exterminator or wildlife removal expert and address the issue, the less likely there will be a full-blown infestation.

Seeing the signs of rodents or bats? Call the pest control specialists at Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control, Inc to prevent pest problems fast. An infestation can occur quickly; call the pest professionals today.

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Gophers are not as cute and cuddly as some people believe. Classified as small to medium-sized rodents that are known to dig and create tunnels all through your yard and even under your home, gophers can be problematic. Of course, if you are like many homeowners, you may think these rodents are not small nuisances. Proper understanding of the potential dangers they bring to your home is essential. With this guide and the help of your gopher pest control team, you will learn a few dangers of gophers.

1. Damaged Landscape

Again, gophers like to dig, so one of the first problems of having gophers is damage to your landscape.

These rodents dig holes pushing dirt out of the holes, which creates mounds of dirt, clay, sand, or mud on your lawn and other areas of your landscape. These mounds are usually shaped like a horseshoe or a crescent. If you notice round or conical mounds of dirt, you have moles, not gophers.

On average, the holes dug by gophers will measure about 3 inches in diameter.

Gophers will not only burrow in your lawn, but also your flowerbeds, garden, and other areas of your yard. The digging is not the only way they can damage your landscape, though.

Because they are strictly vegetarians, gophers will also eat your plants. You may notice areas of your grass have been eaten or your shrubs, flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables have been consumed.

2. Decreased Home Value

Most people are surprised to learn that landscaping has a big role in your home’s curb appeal and value. By updating your landscape design, you can add up to 20 percent of value to your home. Unfortunately, if your landscaping has been damaged by gophers, you will see a decrease in your home’s curb appeal and value.

You may think spending time or money on gopher control is wasteful, but it can be a great investment. Not only will it help you gain back control of your landscape design and your home’s appearance, but it will also reduce the risk of further damage while improving home value.

3. Damaged Utilities

Remember that gophers not only dip a few inches into the ground – they can also create feeding burrows 6 feet into the ground. This means that these rodents not only dig up and damage your landscaping, but also dig up and damage parts of your different utility systems.

If you have an underground irrigation system, for example, gophers may damage the pipes while digging their tunnels. Electrical wiring, drain lines, cable, internet, and phone connections, and septic pipes and tanks could also be damaged if you have gophers wreaking havoc on your yard.

Damage to your utilities will affect their function, but this damage can also lead to water leaks, an increased risk of house fires, and costly repairs or replacements in some cases.

4. Increased Risk of Disease

Another damage of having gophers around your house is the potential risk of disease. Even though they tend to stay underground, making contact with a gopher can be dangerous because they may carry the same diseases that other rodents carry.

Rabies, plague, hantavirus, and leptospirosis are all common diseases that gophers and other rodents and wildlife around your home may carry. Therefore, if you or a pet attempt to make contact with a gopher, you may be bitten, increasing your risk of contracting one of these diseases.

Proper understanding the dangers of gophers is smart for all homeowners who care about their home’s appeal, value, utilities, and health. For assistance ridding or preventing gophers from your yard, contact Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control, Inc. today.

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If you live in Southern California, you are probably familiar with the number of squirrels present. Unfortunately, even the cutest squirrels can present problems for homeowners who do not want rodents living in their home, eating their food, and destroying their property.

Are squirrels damaging your insulation or wiring? Do you find squirrels in your yard are becoming more aggressive? You need to consider pest control options available in your area.

Squirrels Found in Southern California

Several types of squirrels are commonly found in Southern California. The western gray squirrel, identified by its gray coat, and the eastern fox squirrel, known for its brown coat, are among the most common.

The squirrels in California are omnivores, so they will essentially eat anything offered to them. They eat seeds, nuts, fruits, veggies, bugs, eggs, and even other animals when they are very hungry. Some of these items are foods you might have out and available without realizing it.

Squirrel Behavior in Southern California

Squirrels enjoy large expanses of grass, and they burrow in dirt and rocks to make a home. Essentially, squirrels look for any potential space to avoid predators and rest, especially if ample food is available nearby. This is why your home may be a target for squirrels.

Squirrels that live in California could be active throughout the year because the weather is so mild. As a result, rodent damage caused by squirrels is something you might have to worry about all year. Mating is also not relegated to one part of the year, so you may notice signs of nesting at any point.

When squirrels are desperate for food and have others to compete with, they may become aggressive. Changes in squirrel behavior can be alarming, and you should avoid handling these rodents.

Squirrel Damage in Southern California

Unfortunately, squirrels pose many problems for those who live in Southern California. Whether you own a home or you have a garden you love, squirrels can become an issue.

If you have trees or a garden in your yard, squirrels can damage the trees and eat your crops. Whether you grow walnuts or fruit, your plants are at risk. Squirrels making their homes can also tear up the roots of your favorite plants.

Additionally, squirrels damage electrical and telephone lines. Unfortunately, this can be not only an annoying hassle, but also an expensive problem to fix.

Burrowing is also destructive. Not only do these holes make it difficult to maintain your yard, but they can also pose a risk of injury if somebody steps in them.

Finally, you should be concerned about the potential for squirrels to spread diseases. In communities with large numbers, diseases are more common. Take notice if you begin seeing dead squirrels on your property, as it may be a sign of something even as dramatic as bubonic plague.

Squirrel Control & Prevention Is Possible

California has many rules and regulations surrounding pest control. This means your options may be limited as far as what you can do at home. Preventative measures are available, but management may require a professional service.

One way you can prevent an infestation of squirrels in your home is to ensure every potential entrance is sealed. Even cracks around doors and windows or the opening of your chimney can provide entry for sneaky squirrels.

In order to get rid of squirrels on your property, you need to work with a professional. Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control, Inc. , offers pest control services in Southern California. Call us today to set up an appointment with a professional who has seen it all before.

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North and Central America are home to about 35 species of gophers. At some point, a healthy garden is likely to entice at least one species to your yard. No one wants to spend their spring and summer tending a garden only to lose their crop to a pest. Here are some simple ways to help prevent that unhappy outcome.

Build Mesh Enclosures

A mesh enclosure with a tight weave can prevent the pests from entering the garden. The tunneling nature of gophers means that you must dig down a couple of feet into the earth when you install the mesh. The average gopher tunnel is often 18-inches at its deepest, so it is helpful to have the mesh lower than they normally dig.

Make certain any mesh installed underground is coated for protection against moisture so it will not corrode. The fence should be about one-foot tall. Gophers do not jump very high, but they can climb, so bend the top of the fence at a 90-degree angle to prevent them from climbing over the barrier.

Use Raised Beds

A raised garden bed with an enclosed bottom protects the roots of the plants from gophers and restricts their access to the produce from underneath. A fence around the bed is still needed to keep them from climbing over the side, but the box reduces the effort you expend because a buried fence is unnecessary.

Plant Unappealing Crops

Gardeners that are not particularly fussy about what they grow, but just want some type of vegetable garden, may want to swap out their current crops. Gophers do not like garlic, peas, and beans. Peppers, squash, and tomatoes are also not the most tantalizing meal choices to gophers.

Flower gardens are usually safe from the furry thieves. Gopher repelling flower options include daffodils, marigolds, or lavender. Oleander and hydrangeas are other floral options popular with humans but less liked by gophers. Either choose to spend time gardening with flowers or surround a vegetable garden with flowers.

Euphorbia lathyrism, a plant also known as gopher spurge, releases a milky sap that is a skin irritant. The gophers dislike being near it because of the discomfort the sap causes their eyes and skin. Unfortunately, it causes the same problems for any animals (and humans) that come too close. Dogs can suffer other health problems after exposure to the toxic plant.

Try Natural Repellants

Natural repellants spread around the yard can help to deter some visitors. Pet waste may frighten off gophers that want to stay away from cats and dogs. Of course, most people would rather not be in a yard sprinkled with pet waste, so this method may only work for the perimeters of large yards that do not have neighbors directly next door.

You can use other products that are unappealing for gophers, but less offensive for people. Items with strong odors placed into the gopher tunnels can sometimes chase the animals away. Mothballs, coffee grounds, or tabasco sauce are examples.

Some of these items can also be dangerous for pets so always check the item’s toxicity to household animals before use. Mothballs, for example, can sicken cats and dogs. Only use these items in areas where your pets cannot reach and remember to remove them once the gopher threat is managed.

A gopher population may be too high for repellants to work effectively. Homeowners should avoid the use of gopher poison by themselves because the chemicals can harm innocent wildlife and sicken or kill cats and dogs. Use professional services instead. At Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control, Inc. , we perform safe removal services. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

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