Blog
Ants and Rats – Why Summer Brings Them In and How to Stay Ahead
When the weather heats up in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas, it's not just people looking for shade and water—ants and rats are, too. Every summer, pest control professionals see a spike in infestations, especially involving these two common intruders. But why does it happen, and what can you do to prevent it?
Ants, particularly species like Argentine ants and carpenter ants, are extremely sensitive to heat and moisture. When temperatures rise, they often migrate into homes in search of food and water. Even the tiniest crumbs or a slow-dripping faucet can attract entire colonies.
Rats, on the other hand, become more active in warmer months as their breeding cycles accelerate. A single pair of rats can produce hundreds of offspring in a year if left unchecked. They also tend to seek shelter in cooler spaces—like your attic, basement, or crawl spaces—when outdoor heat becomes extreme.
What Happens If You Wait?
Waiting until you see ants or rats usually means the problem is already well underway. Ant colonies can expand into your walls, under floors, and through plumbing access points. Rats chew through wires, insulation, and even pipes—causing fire risks and costly structural damage.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rats can also carry harmful pathogens like hantavirus and salmonella. (Source: CDC on Rodents and Health Risks)
The Smart Move: Inspection Before Infestation
Here’s what you can do now to stay ahead of the curve:
Schedule an inspection before you notice signs. Professionals are trained to identify subtle entry points and activity that the average homeowner might miss.
Seal your food tightly, clean kitchen counters regularly, and repair any plumbing leaks that could attract ants.
Inspect your home's exterior for potential rat entry points: vents, roof gaps, loose screens, and crawl space access.
Trim vegetation away from your foundation—rats and ants both use overhanging branches and shrubs as entry pathways.
Preventive Maintenance = Peace of Mind
Just like regular dental checkups prevent cavities, periodic pest inspections keep infestations from taking hold. If you're not already enrolled in a seasonal maintenance plan, now is the perfect time to consider it.
For more information on the science behind pest behavior, check out:
Final Thought
Ants and rats don’t take summers off—and neither should your pest prevention strategy. The earlier you act, the easier (and less expensive) it is to keep your home safe, clean, and pest-free.
If you’d like to schedule an inspection—or if you’re already seeing signs of ants or rats—don’t wait. Contact us by giving us a call at (818) 292-9392 or use the form below to get in touch. We’re here to help.
