Pest Control in Del Aire, South LA

As August's heat bakes Del Aire's flat, sandy streets, two pests are making their presence known: subterranean termites and roof rats. The dry, 85°F days push termites deep into the soil, but your 1950s-70s raised foundations, often enclosed with lattice or skirting, create the perfect dark, moist crawlspace they crave—especially after any recent irrigation or plumbing leaks. Meanwhile, the airport's vast impervious surfaces and noise barriers create a heat island that drives rats from their usual haunts toward residential areas, where they find shelter in the dense hedges and fences that line properties near the 405 freeway and industrial zones. The constant roar of planes overhead may also alter their nocturnal activity, making them bolder in daylight. For homeowners, check the base of your foundation for mud tubes—thin, pencil-sized tunnels on concrete or wood—which signal termite activity. For rats, listen for scratching in attics or walls at dusk, look for droppings near pet food or garbage, and inspect for gnaw marks on wires or wood, especially around the crawlspace vents and under the eaves of your ranch-style home. If you notice these signs, act quickly, as both pests can cause significant structural damage in the coming weeks. Below are the top-rated Hawthorne exterminators who specialize in these specific seasonal threats.