Pest Control in Ladera Heights, South LA

This August’s hot, dry weather is driving two pests into Ladera Heights homes: Argentine ants and roof rats. The dense, mature landscaping—especially along the slopes near Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area—provides shade and moisture that ants crave, while the rolling terrain and canyon pockets collect leaf litter, creating ideal harborage. Argentine ants are likely marching in trails along foundations and through crawlspaces of your mid-century ranch homes, seeking water and food. Roof rats, meanwhile, are using overhanging branches from the area’s mature trees to access roofs and attics, particularly in the stucco and wood-frame houses that offer easy entry points. With minimal rainfall and temperatures in the 80s-90s, these pests are actively foraging; you may notice ant trails on patios or along baseboards, or hear scratching in attics at night. Check for rat droppings near pet food or in garages, and look for gnaw marks on eaves or utility lines. The sandy loam soils and slopes also mean ants may nest under debris or in erosion-prone areas, so keep mulch and leaf piles away from your foundation. Below are the top-rated Inglewood exterminators who specialize in these specific seasonal threats.