Common San Diego household pests
Argentine ants are a frequent complaint in Southern California, especially when weather turns hot or wet. Other common visitors include silverfish in humid spaces, pantry moths and carpet beetles that feed on natural fibers and lint.
Seal entry points
- Weatherstripping and door sweeps
- Caulk around windows, pipes and cable entries
- Repair torn window screens
- Cover attic and crawl-space vents with fine mesh
- Keep plants and mulch trimmed back from the foundation
Remove food and water
- Wipe counters and sweep kitchens nightly
- Store pantry food in sealed containers
- Don't leave pet food out overnight
- Fix dripping faucets and leaks under sinks
- Empty trash regularly and use lidded bins
Where cleaning helps
Vacuuming carpet edges, under beds and inside closets removes lint, hair and crumbs that some fabric pests feed on. Wool rugs and stored textiles benefit from periodic inspection. Professional carpet cleaning is not pest control, but it removes buildup in areas vacuums miss.
Use an integrated approach
The EPA describes integrated pest management as combining prevention, monitoring and targeted treatment rather than relying on chemicals alone.
Important: Don't apply pesticides to carpets or upholstery yourself unless the product label allows it.
When to call a professional
For active infestations, call a licensed pest control company. For carpet and upholstery maintenance, see carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning and our carpet care tips.
