Southern California’s sunny climate is a dream for homeowners — but it’s also a dream for pests. Unlike much of the country, where harsh winters knock back pest populations, Los Angeles and Orange County enjoy mild year-round weather, allowing insects, rodents, and other invaders to stay active in every season.
Our coastal climate, warm inland valleys, and urban sprawl create an ideal habitat for pests ranging from ants and cockroaches to termites and rodents. Each pest species has its seasonal peaks, and understanding these patterns is the first step toward protecting your home or business.
At Admiral Pest Control, we’ve been serving LA and Orange County since 1947. We know exactly which pests to expect each month — and how to stop them before they become a serious problem.
Spring: Pest Populations Surge in the Mild Climate
Spring in Southern California doesn’t bring thawing snow — but it does bring longer days, rising temperatures, and increased pest activity. Many species use this time to breed and expand, making early prevention critical.
Common Spring Pests
- Argentine Ants: One of SoCal’s biggest nuisances. These ants form massive colonies and create foraging trails into kitchens and bathrooms, especially after rainfall or irrigation changes.
- Termites: Both drywood and subterranean termites swarm in spring. Discarded wings near windows or doors are often the first sign of a colony.
- Mosquitos: Rain and overwatering create small pockets of stagnant water in birdbaths, gutters, or planters — perfect breeding sites.
- Stinging Insects: Paper wasps and bees begin building nests in eaves, sheds, and mailboxes.
Spring Prevention Tips
- Repair leaky faucets and remove standing water.
- Trim vegetation and keep landscapes free of excess moisture.
- Schedule your annual termite inspection — LA & OC homes face year-round termite pressure.
- Seal cracks around doors, windows, and utility lines.
👉 Admiral offers Yearly Termite Control Service (YTCS), which includes annual inspections and no-charge treatments if activity is found.
Summer: Peak Pest Pressure in the Heat
Summers in LA and Orange County bring triple-digit inland temperatures and humid coastal evenings — conditions that drive pests into homes and businesses seeking shelter, food, and water.
Common Summer Pests
- Cockroaches: German and American roaches thrive in hot weather, especially in kitchens, drains, and garages.
- Mosquitoes: Remain active in shaded yards and near standing water.
- Ants: Drought conditions push large colonies indoors in search of moisture.
- Spiders: Black widows and wolf spiders are common in garages, patio furniture, and sheds.
- Fleas & Ticks: Spike in pet-friendly neighborhoods and areas with opossums or raccoons.
Summer Prevention Tips
- Check window and door screens for tears.
- Keep trash bins tightly sealed.
- Limit watering to avoid puddles.
- Treat pets for fleas and ticks.
👉 Admiral offers one-time flea treatments with prep instructions for customers and ongoing quarterly pest control plans starting at $39/month.
Fall: Pests Seek Shelter Indoors
Fall in SoCal is marked by Santa Ana winds, warm days, and cooler nights. This transitional season drives many pests indoors looking for warmth and food.
Common Fall Pests
- Rodents: Roof rats, Norway rats, and house mice look for entry points into attics, garages, and crawl spaces. Roof rats are especially common in Orange County’s palm trees and ivy.
- Spiders: Orb weavers spin large webs in gardens, while black widows take shelter in dark corners.
- Occasional Invaders: Silverfish, earwigs, and sowbugs sneak inside when outdoor air dries out.
- Ants: First rains often trigger ant invasions indoors.
Fall Prevention Tips
- Seal rodent entry points at rooflines, garages, and crawl spaces.
- Trim vegetation at least 3 feet away from your home.
- Store firewood away from structures.
- Sweep away spider webs around doors and windows.
👉 Admiral’s rodent control services include exclusion work to seal entry points, along with baiting and trapping programs.
Winter: Mild Temps, Persistent Activity
Unlike much of the country, LA & OC winters rarely dip low enough to slow pest activity. While some species quiet down, many remain active all year.
Common Winter Pests
- Rodents: Still a major concern. House mice and roof rats enter attics, garages, and wall voids seeking warmth.
- Cockroaches: Especially active in multi-unit housing, kitchens, and laundry rooms where heat and humidity are consistent.
- Spiders: Black widows, house spiders, and cellar spiders remain active indoors.
- Termites: Drywood termites continue damaging structures year-round, even in cooler months.
Winter Prevention Tips
- Store food (including pet food) in sealed containers.
- Reduce clutter in garages and storage areas.
- Don’t skip winter inspections — pests don’t take holidays in SoCal.
👉 Admiral provides fumigation services with Vikane® gas for severe termite infestations, ensuring complete structural eradication.
Year-Round Protection with Admiral Pest Control
With LA & OC’s climate, pest control isn’t seasonal — it’s constant. That’s why Admiral Pest Control designs customized plans to protect homes and businesses all year long.
- Quarterly Home Protection Service: Covers 20+ pests, includes spider web removal, wasp nest removal, and free call-backs between visits.
- One-Time Targeted Treatments: For ants, roaches, fleas, and more — with guarantees up to 90 days.
- Specialty Services: Termite fumigation, rodent exclusion, bed bug treatments, and eucalyptus beetle suppression.
- Local Expertise: Serving LA & Orange County since 1947, we know the unique pest pressures of our region better than anyone.
Stay Protected Every Season
From spring ant trails to summer cockroach surges, from fall rodent invasions to winter termites, pests in Southern California are active year-round. The best defense is a proactive plan tailored to your property.📞 Call Admiral Pest Control today at (866) 801-7378 or visit www.admiralpest.com to schedule your inspection. Protect your home or business with guaranteed pest control from the company Southern Californians have trusted for more than 75 years.
