California Pests: What’s in Season Now!

If you’ve lived through even one Bay Area summer, you know we’re not the only ones who love the sunshine. Ants marching across the kitchen counter, wasps buzzing around the backyard BBQ, rats scurrying under the deck—summer’s their season too.

I’ve been in Pest Control for a good while now, and if there’s one thing I can tell you, it’s this: summer pests aren’t shy. Once the weather warms up, they’re ready to party—right in your pantry, garage, or garden shed.

So, what pests should you expect around the Bay Area, East Bay, and North Bay this time of year? Let’s break it down, neighbor to neighbor.

Ants: The Tiny Houseguests

Summer and ants go together like flip-flops and beach days. The moment it gets warm and dry, ants start hunting for water and food—and your kitchen is a five-star buffet.

How do they sneak in? Easy. Cracks in the foundation, gaps in windows, under doors. You’d be amazed how tiny an opening they need.

My advice: – Keep counters wiped down—no crumbs, no party. – Store pantry goods in airtight containers. – Seal up cracks and gaps.

If you’re seeing long lines of them, don’t just spray and pray. Give us a shout at ATCO Pest Control. Our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach doesn’t just knock them back—it gets to the root of the problem.

Wasps & Yellow Jackets: Uninvited BBQ Guests

There’s nothing worse than settling into a backyard cookout and suddenly you’re sharing your burger with a yellow jacket. These guys love the warm weather—and anything sweet or meaty.

I once had a homeowner in Richmond tell me they’d made peace with the wasps… until the nest doubled in size overnight. That’s how it goes—one day you see a few, next thing you know you’ve got a whole hive under the eaves.

What you can do: – Keep trash cans sealed. – Cover food and drinks outdoors. – Call in a pro if you spot a nest—don’t poke at it.

Our team handles nests safely and keeps them from coming back. Check out our complete pest and rodent control package if you want year-round peace of mind.

Rodents: Sneaky Summer Squatters

You might think rats and mice are a winter issue—and they are. But summer’s a prime time too. All that lush vegetation makes great cover for rats to run along fences and rooflines. Plus, the warm nights mean garage doors left open, pet food on the porch, and plenty of hiding spots.

I’ve done rodent control all over the East Bay—from Union City garages to old Richmond basements. The story’s the same: once they’re in, they’re in.

Keep rodents out by: – Trimming tree branches back from your roof. – Keeping pet food inside. – Storing firewood at least 18 inches off the ground.

If you hear scratching or find droppings, don’t wait. Contact ATCO to talk about our rodent control program. It’s not just traps—it’s prevention, sealing, and monitoring too.

Spiders: The Good, the Bad & the Creepy

Most spiders are harmless and actually help with other bugs. But black widows? Not so much. These shy ones love to tuck themselves into garages, sheds, and woodpiles.

If you’ve ever found one while grabbing a box of holiday lights, you know the feeling. Give them their space—better yet, knock down webs and wear gloves when digging through storage.

Fleas & Ticks: Summer’s Hitchhikers

If you’ve got pets, fleas and ticks are part of the summer deal. The warm weather kicks them into high gear. A single flea can turn into hundreds in no time, and ticks aren’t just a problem on hikes—they’ll hang out in your backyard too.

Stay ahead by: – Checking pets after walks. – Washing pet bedding regularly. – Talking to your vet about prevention.

Got an issue already? Our flea and tick control is thorough and pet-friendly.

Why IPM is a Game Changer

Here at ATCO, we don’t just blast pests and move on. Our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach means we look at the big picture: why the pests showed up, how they’re getting in, and what’s drawing them there.

It’s about: – Finding the source. – Blocking entry points. – Using targeted treatments only where needed.

It’s smarter and works long-term—whether you’re in the heart of Oakland or tucked into the hills of Marin.

Final Thoughts from Your Local Pro

I’ve seen just about every pest problem a Bay Area summer can throw at a house—tiny ants that won’t quit, wasps under the deck, roof rats having a field day. And here’s what I’ve learned: you don’t have to handle it alone.

Whether you’re in Richmond, Union City, or anywhere else we serve, ATCO’s here to help. We know Pest Control inside and out, and we live here too—so we know what works and what doesn’t.

If you’re seeing signs of trouble, don’t wait till it gets worse. Check out our areas we service and let’s get your summer back to being about pool days and late sunsets—not pests.

Ready to tackle pests the smart way? Give us a call or contact us here. We’ll handle the pests—so you can enjoy summer the way it should be.

FAQs

Q: Do I really need professional Pest Control in summer?
A: If the pests aren’t leaving on their own—and they rarely do—it’s worth getting help. DIY sprays might handle a few, but if you want to stop the cycle, professional IPM is the way to go.

Q: What areas do you cover?
A: We handle pest control Bay Area-wide, including the East Bay, North Bay, and spots like Richmond and Union City. See full list here.