Direct Hit Pest Control Blog
If you’ve ever had an unexpected visit from ants, spiders, or even rodents, you’re not alone, pests are a common problem for homeowners in Sacramento. Thanks to the area’s mild winters, warm summers, and proximity to rivers and farmlands, pests are active nearly year-round. But how exactly are these unwelcome guests getting in? We discuss the top culprits. When you need pest control services in Sacramento or the surrounding towns, contact Direct Hit Pest Control . Cracks and Gaps Around Doors and Windows Tiny openings around doors and window frames are like open invitations to pests. Ants, spiders, and even cockroaches can squeeze through the smallest gaps. Sacramento homes, especially older ones, often settle over time, causing seals to loosen. Weatherstripping and caulk can wear out too, making these entry points even more accessible. Unsealed Vents and Utility Openings Check the spots where cables, pipes, and vents enter your home. The gaps in these areas are a perfect entryway for rodents and insects. It only takes a dime-sized hole for mice to get inside. The rodent population is especially persistent in the winter when they are seeking warmth. Garage Doors and Basement Access Garages are often overlooked when it comes to pest prevention. Poorly sealed garage doors, especially in homes with attached garages, provide a clear path indoors. Basements and crawl spaces are also common targets, especially when moisture levels are high, which is a problem during Sacramento’s wet winter season. Pet Doors and Screen Tears That convenient pet door might be letting in more than just your dog or cat. Rodents and insects can slip through if the flap doesn’t seal tightly. Damaged window screens or door screens are another popular way for bugs to find their way inside during warm spring and summer months. Trees Near Roofs Keep your trees trimmed at least three feet away from your roof. Overhanging branches act like highways for rats, squirrels, and ants trying to move in rent-free. Once on your roof, it's a short trip into the attic through vents or gaps, especially where rooflines meet. And if you have a tile roof? That’s prime real estate for sneaky critters. While you're at it, give your shrubs and bushes a trim too. Keeping them neat and away from walls and windows makes it harder for pests to hide out or find their way inside. Pest Control in Sacramento Direct Hit Pest Control provides professional residential and commercial pest control in Sacramento, Rio Linda, and the surrounding California communities. Our team has more than 30 years of pest control experience, giving us the knowledge and know-how to provide the highest quality services. We routinely help our clients with insect infestation and prevention. If something unwanted is living in your trees, yard, or under your roof, it’s best to let a professional pest control technician remove it so you don’t put yourself at risk of bites or other injuries. To request an estimate or more information about pest control in Sacramento, give our friendly team a call at (916) 992-6870 today.
Running a restaurant means juggling food prep, customer service, and business operations, all while keeping unwanted guests (aka pests) out of your kitchen. With Sacramento’s warm climate, restaurants are prime targets for common pests like cockroaches, rodents, and flies. A pest infestation can lead to health violations, bad reviews, and even temporary closures. We discuss how to tackle the problem below. When you need pest control services in Sacramento or the surrounding towns, contact Direct Hit Pest Control . Common Restaurant Pests Sacramento’s climate makes it a hotspot for various pests, but in restaurants, a few troublemakers stand out: Cockroaches – These fast-moving insects love warm, dark spaces and food crumbs. They spread bacteria and can trigger allergic reactions. Mice and Rats – These rodents chew through food packaging, contaminate supplies, and pose a serious health risk with their droppings. Flies – Fruit flies, house flies, and drain flies are drawn to food, garbage, and moisture, making them a constant nuisance in restaurants. Ants – These tiny invaders quickly take over if they find a food source, and once they establish a trail, they’re tough to eliminate. Treating an Infestation If pests invade your restaurant, take swift action. Start by identifying the source of the problem, whether it’s an unsealed food container, a leaking pipe, or gaps in doors and windows. Once you locate the issue, deep clean the affected areas by eliminating food scraps, standing water, and grease buildup. Using targeted treatments like traps, baits, or eco-friendly pest control sprays can help manage the problem, but for larger infestations, bringing in a professional pest control service is the safest and most effective solution. Preventing Future Infestations Preventing infestations is much easier than dealing with them. Seal entry points by closing gaps in walls, doors, and windows. Proper food storage is also essential; keep all food in sealed containers and dispose of trash regularly to avoid attracting pests. Maintaining a strict sanitation routine, such as cleaning spills immediately, deep-cleaning drains, and taking out the trash daily, will further reduce the risk. Finally, scheduling routine pest inspections with a professional can help catch early signs of trouble before they escalate. Pest Control in Sacramento Direct Hit Pest Control provides professional residential and commercial pest control in Sacramento, Rio Linda, and the surrounding California communities. Our team has more than 30 years of pest control experience, giving us the knowledge and know-how to provide the highest quality services. We routinely help our clients with insect infestation and prevention. If something unwanted is living in your trees, yard, or under your roof, it’s best to let a professional pest control technician remove it so you don’t put yourself at risk of bites or other injuries. To request an estimate or more information about pest control in Sacramento, give our friendly team a call at (916) 992-6870 today.
Spring in Sacramento brings blooming flowers, lush trees, and unfortunately, a surge of annoying ants. As the temperatures rise, these little critters become increasingly active, and certain species can turn from a minor nuisance into a full-blown pest problem. Here’s what you need to know about some of the most common and invasive ant species to watch out for this spring: Argentine ants, carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and pharaoh ants. When you need pest control services in Sacramento or the surrounding towns, contact Direct Hit Pest Control . Argentine Ants Argentine ants are notorious for their rapid spread and high population densities. These small, light-to-medium sized ants are easily recognized by their uniform light brown color. In Sacramento’s warm spring, they can quickly invade homes, outcompeting native species. Argentine ants form massive colonies with multiple queens and are attracted to sweet substances, making kitchens and dining areas a prime target. Their persistence means that if you see a few, you might be looking at an infestation that requires professional management. Carpenter Ants Carpenter ants differ from their Argentine cousins in both appearance and behavior. Larger and darker, these ants are known for their wood-damaging tendencies. Instead of consuming wood like termites, carpenter ants excavate galleries in wooden structures to build their nests. In older homes, especially those with some exterior damage or decay, carpenter ants can pose a serious threat. Regular inspection and prompt repair of any wood damage are key to preventing these ants from establishing a home in your property. Odorous House Ants True to their name, odorous house ants emit a distinctive, rotten coconut-like odor when crushed. These tiny ants are common in urban settings, where they forage for food in kitchens and bathrooms. Their presence can be a sign of food residue or moisture issues inside the house. Keeping surfaces clean and storing food in sealed containers can effectively deter these pests. Pharaoh Ants Pharaoh ants are small, yellowish, and particularly troublesome in warm environments. They are known for establishing numerous small colonies that are hard to eradicate. In spring, these ants can infiltrate buildings, especially hospitals and apartment complexes, where sanitation challenges make them hard to control. Due to their ability to quickly spread, professional pest control is often the best course of action when pharaoh ants are detected. Pest Control in Sacramento Direct Hit Pest Control provides professional residential and commercial pest control in Sacramento, Rio Linda, and the surrounding California communities. Our team has more than 30 years of pest control experience, giving us the knowledge and know-how to provide the highest quality services. We routinely help our clients with insect infestation and prevention. If something unwanted is living in your trees, yard, or under your roof, it’s best to let a professional pest control technician remove it so you don’t put yourself at risk of bites or other injuries. To request an estimate or more information about pest control in Sacramento, give our friendly team a call at (916) 992-6870 today.
