Hosting this year? A few quick checks can stop pantry pests, fleas, rodents, and bed bugs from making an appearance. Here’s your fast, practical guide.
Before you open a cookbook, give ingredients a quick check. Flour, oats, pasta, nuts, spices, cake mixes, boxed puddings, dried fruit, and even chocolate chips can harbor pantry moths, beetles, or larvae—especially if ingredients aren’t rotated regularly. Learn how to spot the signs.
Bringing the outdoors in? Fall leaves, acorns, twigs, and cut greens can carry hitchhiking pests—especially spiders. Don’t skip them; just inspect for small holes, chew marks, or webs. Then give items a good shake outside (or a light spritz of water) to dislodge critters before you decorate.
Fleas are a year-round issue in San Diego, and when pets spend more time indoors, fleas may breed inside your home. Keep pets on veterinarian-approved prevention and vacuum regularly—that’s your first line of defense. If you start getting bites below the knees, call the pros; it’s a sign you may have an indoor infestation.
Pro tip: Empty your vacuum canister into a sealed bag and dispose outdoors.
As nights cool, mice and rats head indoors for warmth. Be alert to the signs of rodents: scurrying or chewing sounds in the attic or walls after dark; tiny, dark droppings (mouse ≈ rice-grain size; rat droppings are larger); gnaw marks on baseboards or food packaging; and pets fixating on walls or appliances.
See our rodent control options.
Hosting overnight? Bed bugs can hitchhike in with luggage, coats, and blankets—so take the simple, non-awkward precaution of installing mattress/box-spring encasements. After guests leave, run guest linens and blankets through a hot dryer, and vacuum along baseboards and bed frames. If you spot suspicious signs—or wake to clustered bites—call a professional promptly.
Learn about bed bug inspections & treatments.