Identify Your Pest

Periplaneta americana

The largest cockroach species commonly found in homes, also known as the palmetto bug or water bug. They are strong flyers in warm conditions and can infest entire structures if left untreated.

Linepithema humile

The most common and persistent ant species in Southern California. They form massive supercolonies with millions of workers and multiple queens, making them extremely difficult to eliminate without professional treatment.

Cimex lectularius

Parasitic insects that feed exclusively on human blood. They are expert hitchhikers, easily spreading through luggage, used furniture, and clothing. Elimination requires specialized professional treatment.

Latrodectus hesperus

One of the most recognizable and venomous spiders in Southern California. While their bite can be medically significant, they are generally non-aggressive and bite only in self-defense.

Pogonomyrmex californicus

Large, seed-collecting ants that are a defining species of the Southern California desert landscape. They build large, cleared nest areas and have a powerful, painful sting. They play an important ecological role in desert ecosystems.

Camponotus spp.

Large ants that excavate wood to build their nests, causing structural damage similar to termites. Unlike termites, they don't eat wood — they hollow it out for nesting. They are one of the largest ant species in North America.

Hadrurus arizonensis

The largest scorpion species in North America, commonly found in the high-desert regions of the Antelope Valley. While their sting is painful, it is not considered medically dangerous to healthy adults.

Blattella germanica

The most common and troublesome cockroach species in homes and businesses. They reproduce rapidly — a single female can produce hundreds of offspring in her lifetime, making professional intervention essential.

Mus musculus

The most common rodent pest in homes. These small, adaptable mammals can squeeze through openings as small as a dime and reproduce rapidly, making early detection and exclusion critical.

Aedes aegypti

Small flying insects that feed on human blood and are vectors for several diseases. In Southern California, they are active year-round but peak in warm months. Standing water is the key breeding ground.

Rattus norvegicus

Larger and heavier than roof rats, Norway rats are burrowing rodents that prefer ground-level living. Also known as sewer rats or brown rats, they are aggressive and can cause significant property damage.

Tapinoma sessile

Small ants that emit a distinctive rotten coconut smell when crushed. They are one of the most persistent indoor ant pests, forming large colonies with multiple queens that are difficult to eliminate without professional treatment.

Blatta orientalis

Dark, slow-moving cockroaches that thrive in cool, damp environments. Also known as water bugs or black beetles, they are less common in homes than German or American roaches but can be a persistent problem in damp areas.

Polistes dominula

Common stinging insects that build distinctive umbrella-shaped paper nests. While less aggressive than yellowjackets, they will fiercely defend their nest if threatened, and multiple stings can be dangerous.

Rattus rattus

Agile climbers that infest attics, roofs, and upper levels of buildings. Also known as black rats or ship rats, they are the most common rat pest in Southern California's warmer climates.

Solenopsis xyloni

Aggressive, stinging ants native to the Southern California desert. When their mound is disturbed, they swarm and sting en masse, causing painful welts and potentially dangerous allergic reactions.

Vespula pensylvanica

Aggressive, social wasps that are common throughout Southern California. They are responsible for most stinging incidents in the region and can sting multiple times. The western yellow jacket is the most common species in the area.