Pest Information for Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles

As the heat of August bakes the concrete around Mariachi Plaza, two pests are thriving in our neighborhood: German cockroaches and roof rats. The hot, dry weather drives both species to seek out moisture and cooler microclimates, and our aging infrastructure provides perfect harborage. The dense cluster of food vendors around the plaza, combined with outdoor dining, leaves a constant supply of crumbs and grease that attracts cockroaches. These pests are especially prevalent in the 1920s courtyard apartments and Craftsman bungalows with raised foundations, where they enter through cracks around pipes and electrical penetrations. Meanwhile, roof rats are exploiting the nearby concrete-lined Los Angeles River channel as a highway, moving into our attics and wall voids through gaps in rooflines and utility lines. The poor drainage and frequent puddling after rain—even minimal summer showers—create the water sources they desperately need in this dry spell. Homeowners should watch for droppings that look like black grains of rice (cockroach) or larger, capsule-shaped droppings (rat), as well as greasy rub marks along baseboards and walls, gnaw marks on food packaging, and sounds of scurrying in ceilings at night. If you notice these signs, act quickly to seal entry points and eliminate food sources. Below are the top-rated Boyle Heights exterminators who specialize in these specific seasonal threats.