shrubs touching house foundation attracting pests in California

How Landscaping Attracts (or Prevents) Pests in California Homes

Landscaping practices can reduce pest activity by controlling the food, water, and shelter that attract common California pests, such as termites, rodents, ants, mosquitoes, and cockroaches. Overgrown plants, standing water, wood, organic matter, and yard debris piled directly against or near the house can all increase the likelihood of an infestation. Fixing landscaping problems reduces—but doesn't eliminate—pest risk, which is why pest-resistant landscaping should be paired with regular inspections and ongoing pest control.

6 Landscaping Mistakes That Attract Pests in California

Many homeowners want a picture-perfect home without realizing that certain landscaping mistakes create ideal conditions for pests. Landscaping should do more than improve your home's curb appeal; it should help protect your property from pests capable of causing costly structural damage and exposing your household to fire hazards, bacteria, allergens, parasites, and other health and safety risks.

1. Dense Planting, Overgrowth, and Vegetation Touching the Home

  • Plant spaciously, as dense landscaping provides shelter for rodents, spiders, cockroaches, and other pests to gather, nest, and breed. 
  • Branches and foliage touching the walls act as a bridge—a “pest highway” from shrubs or trees straight to your home. Keep at least 1 meter (3 feet) of clearance between vegetation and your exterior walls, and prune regularly so air can circulate and moisture dries quickly.
  • Keep vegetation away from walls to improve airflow, allowing moisture to dry more quickly so that the area is less likely to attract pests.

2. Standing Water From Irrigation or Poor Drainage

  • Leaking sprinklers, overwatered flower beds, clogged gutters, and low-lying areas that collect water can create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. Excess moisture also attracts ants, cockroaches, rodents, earwigs, and other pests searching for reliable water sources. 
  • Regularly clean bird baths, decorative fountains, and other water features. Make sure fountains are operational and water is not stagnant. 
  • Regularly empty or remove any containers that collect rainwater. Toys, playhouses, buckets, and cups are common culprits. 

3. Planters Against the House

  • Planters set directly against your home's foundation can trap moisture that causes water damage, dry rot, mold growth, and conditions that attract wood-destroying pests. Move planters away from exterior walls and make sure they drain properly.
  • Subterranean termites, the most common termite species in California, build mud tubes to travel from the soil into your home. Planters placed against exterior walls can conceal these mud tubes, providing termites with easier access to your home's framing.
subterranean termite mud tube on California home foundation

4. Earth-to-Wood Contact Around the Home

  • Wood siding, lattice, fencing, deck posts, planter boxes, trellises, or other wooden structures should never be in direct contact with soil or connected to the house. Maintaining proper clearance between soil and wood is one of the most effective landscaping practices for reducing termite risk.
  • Damp or decaying firewood can attract termites and other wood-destroying insects, as well as rodents, spiders, earwigs, and cockroaches. Keep firewood elevated, dry, and several feet away from the house. 

5. Fruit Trees and Vegetable Gardens

  • Fruit trees and vegetables can attract unwanted pests. Harvest promptly and clear fallen or rotting produce before they become food sources for rodents, ants, cockroaches, flies, and other insects. 
  • Keep compost bins enclosed, clean, and away from your home's foundation to reduce odors and limit access to rodents, flies, cockroaches, and other pests.

6. Mulch and Organic Debris

  • Mulch helps retain soil moisture and improve plant health, but it should not be piled directly against your home's foundation. 
  • Use cedar mulch whenever possible, as it naturally resists insects better than many other wood mulches and retains less moisture, helping reduce pest pressure.
  • Wood (e.g., firewood and lumber) and wood-based materials (e.g., cardboard and newspapers) are food sources for termites. Leaves, brush piles, and yard debris provide shelter and nesting material for other pests. Keep your yard regularly maintained to prevent pests from establishing hiding places.

Why Landscaping Alone Doesn't Guarantee a Pest-Free Home

These tips can help reduce pest activity, but landscaping alone won’t prevent infestations. California's mild climate and biodiversity make pest problems not a matter of “if” but a year-round problem of “when”. 

  • Termites are wood-eating insects that cause severe structural damage requiring intensive carpentry repairs or wood replacement. Subterranean termites often enter homes through hidden cracks or areas in the foundation. 
  • A mouse can fit through a hole as small as ¼ inch (about the size of a pencil eraser). A rat can fit through a hole as small as ½ inch (about the size of a quarter). Rodents chew through electrical wiring and insulation. Their bodies, urine, or droppings can transmit bacteria and diseases such as hantavirus, salmonellosis, and leptospirosis.
  • Ants, cockroaches, and rodents are drawn to food and food waste. They can easily enter your home, contaminating food, surfaces, pantries, and storage areas.

Schedule a Residential Pest Inspection in Orange County and Los Angeles 

Natural Science Exterminating is a fast-response, eco-conscious pest control company providing science-backed, long-term protection and extermination tailored to Southern California homes and businesses. We service residential and commercial properties across Los Angeles County and Orange County—including Anaheim, Irvine, Garden Grove, Stanton, Cypress, Santa Ana, Mission Viejo, Costa Mesa, San Juan Capistrano, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Newport, and surrounding areas.

Ready to check your property?  

Call Now: +1-714-451-2890

Email: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com 

Schedule an inspection at the first sign of pest activity. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Landscaping & Pest Prevention

What Plants Help Naturally Repel Pests?

Lavender, marigolds, citronella, rosemary, basil, and lemongrass are popular choices for homeowners looking to make their landscaping less attractive to mosquitoes, flies, ants, and other insects. For eco-friendly pest control, Natural Science Exterminating offers botanical treatments powered by plant-based compounds to paralyze, kill, and repel pests. Pest-resistant landscaping combined with professional-grade botanical pest control creates comprehensive, long-term protection.

How Often Should I Have My Property Inspected in California?

Most Southern California homes benefit from professional inspection at least once per year, with more frequent checks recommended for older homes, homes near dense vegetation, or properties with a prior pest history.
Schedule an inspection with Natural Science Exterminating now. 

What Will a Pest Control Professional Inspect and Identify at My Home?

Professional inspections identify pest entry points, moisture problems, pest-prone conditions, and hidden pest problems before tent fumigation or expensive structural repairs are required. Our technicians will inspect overlooked areas such as:
- Foundations
- Crawl spaces
- Rooflines and gutters
- Exterior doors and windows
- Irrigation systems
- Storage sheds
- Fences and decks
- Waste bins, outdoor trash, and recycling

Does Insurance Cover Termite Damage in California? Long-Term Protection Tips for Homeowners

Every year, termites cause billions of dollars of damage to homes across the United States. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t think termites will affect them—until they discover costly damage hidden inside walls, floors, or framing.

As shocking as it may be to some, most homeowners insurance policies do NOT cover termite damage. Insurance providers typically classify termite infestations as a preventable maintenance issue rather than a sudden or accidental event, meaning the responsibility falls on the property owner to prevent and address problems before they cause significant damage. Termite destruction happens gradually, and is therefore not considered an insurable peril like fire or storm damage.

While your insurance may not cover termite damage, that doesn’t mean that you have to face the risk of termites unprepared. Even in regions where the risk of infestation is high, homeowners have the power to protect their homes by knowing the dangers and signs, and taking protective measures.

Why Termites Are So Destructive (and Common in California)

Termites aren’t your typical wild animal. They’re small and quiet—and they eat wood. The damage they cause to real estate can be extremely costly to repair and replace. Even the smallest of colonies can quickly expand, weakening floors, walls, and support beams before you even realize that your home is under attack. 

Termites do not go away on their own. The termites you see—often winged swarmers—represent only about 1% of the colony.

Termites thrive in the warm, moist climate of California, the most biodiverse state in the country, where pests are active all throughout the year. Drywood and subterranean termites are especially prevalent in San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles. Subterranean termites, which live underground, can chew through the wood that keeps your home standing, building extensive tunnels to reach support beams and framing. Drywood termites target anything wooden from walls and floors to furniture and decks.

How To Catch Termites Early

There are three essential ways you can protect your property from termites:

  1. Know the warning signs
  2. Schedule annual termite inspections
  3. Maintain an ongoing termite control plan

Warning Signs of Termites You Should NEVER Ignore

Flying or swarming termites are often mistaken for flying ants. Flying ants have front wings that are longer than their hind wings, and antennae bent at a 90-degree angle. Termites have wings that are roughly equal in length, with antennae that may droop but are mostly straight.

Call a licensed exterminator immediately if you notice anything unusual, such as:

  • Clicking sounds from within walls
  • Mud tubes along foundations or walls
  • Wood dust or droppings (frass)
  • Pinholes or bubbling paint on drywall
  • Sagging, warping, or cracks in walls, floors, doors, doorframes, or cabinetry
  • Soft or hollow-sounding wood
  • Discarded wings, typically along windowsills, door frames, or baseboards, which are a sign reproductive termites 

Stay Proactive with Annual Pest Inspections

Even if you don’t see visible signs, termites may still be hiding in your home and causing serious damage. You need an expert eye to inspect. 

Whether you’re a homeowner, in the process of buying or selling, or simply want peace of mind, our licensed inspectors deliver detailed termite reports, science-backed treatment recommendations, and customized solutions. 

With decades of experience and deep knowledge of pest behavior across all seasons, Natural Science Exterminating’s annual termite inspections go beyond surface-level checks. Our licensed termite exterminators know exactly where to look—from attics and crawl spaces to subareas and garages. We uncover signs of both drywood and subterranean termites, as well as other wood-destroying organisms like fungus or dry rot. We’ll also identify potential entry points to ensure comprehensive protection of your home. 

After the inspection, you’ll receive a clear, detailed report outlining our findings and the best treatment options for your situation. Our mission is not just to eliminate termites but also to prevent them with long-term, reliable solutions. 

We also provide fast, detailed escrow and real estate termite reports to meet tight timelines.

Protect Your Property with an Annual Termite Control Plan

Because homeowners insurance doesn’t cover termite damage, preventative protection is the smartest investment.

At Natural Science Exterminating, all of our termite treatments come with a one-year guarantee. After that, you have the option to continue coverage with our Annual Termite Control Plan for ongoing protection without the worry of unexpected costs. 

Ongoing protection is essential in Southern California, because even after a termite colony is removed, new colonies can always re-enter. Our Annual Termite Protection Plan keeps homes and businesses in Orange County and Los Angeles County protected year-round. It includes a yearly inspection by one of our licensed termite inspectors, along with spot treatments if new termites are found.

As long as you keep the renewal active, your property remains protected year after year. Most homeowners choose ongoing coverage for cost control, peace of mind, and prevention.

Coverage is tied to the type of initial treatment. If you received a drywood termite treatment, your plan will cover drywood termites indefinitely with annual renewal. If you received a subterranean termite treatment, your plan will cover subterranean termites indefinitely with annual renewal.

What to Do If You Think You Have Termites

If you suspect termites, do not wait.

Call a professional exterminator immediately. The sooner you call, the sooner we can stop the termites from multiplying, spreading, and causing costly damage.

Termite infestations that are detected early are often localized to a specific area of the home, and can be spot treated with minimal downtime. Deep, widespread termite infestations may require tent fumigation, which kills termites even in the hardest-to-reach places. 

Natural Science Exterminating offers both no-tent spot treatments and tent fumigation for all kinds of residential and commercial properties. We serve Orange County and Los Angeles County, including Anaheim, Irvine, Garden Grove, Costa Mesa, San Juan Capistrano, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, and surrounding areas.

Call Now For Fast, Reliable Service: 1-714-451-2890

E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com 

Is Eco-Friendly Extermination More Expensive Than Traditional Pest Control?

California’s biodiversity is unmatched by any other state in the country, and its year-round pest activity raises unique concerns among its residents. Many Californians are highly conscientious about health and environmental sustainability. These households need pest control solutions that are both highly effective and as low in toxicity as possible.

At Natural Science Exterminating, protecting your home from pests is just as important to us as keeping you and your loved ones healthy and happy. We've been trusted for decades as experts and leaders in natural pest control across Orange and Los Angeles Counties, offering safe, effective, and science-backed solutions.

One of the most common questions we get is: Does eco-friendly extermination cost more than traditional pest control?

Not with Natural Science Exterminating! We charge the same price for both natural and traditional pest control, so homeowners have zero worries about extra costs. We use several different eco-friendly, low-toxicity methods to treat a variety of different pests.  

EcoVia: A Botanical Insecticide Against Spiders, Ants, Cockroaches & More 

For the control of spiders, ants, and insects in general, we use EcoVia EC, an advanced and rigorously tested FIFRA 25(b) exempt formulation containing the essential oils of rosemary, thyme, cinnamon, lemongrass, and clove. 

This unique blend offers two significant advantages over synthetic pesticides. Firstly, each essential oil contains multiple active components with different modes of action to kill and repel pests. This diversity of natural ingredients makes EcoVia more effective against species that have acquired resistance to synthetic pesticides. Secondly, it does not use synthetic pyrethroids, which require direct contact to be effective. EcoVia has a vapor phase that creates a localized fumigant-like effect in enclosed spaces, making it a genuine repellent that can affect pests that have not been directly sprayed.

BoraCare: A Borate Salt-Based Treatment For Protection From Termites & Wood Decay

Termites chew through wood to consume cellulose, causing billions of dollars of damage every year.

Bora-Care is a borate salt-based termiticide, insecticide, and fungicide registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). When termites eat wood that has been treated with Bora-Care, the borate disrupts their digestive processes, ultimately killing them.

When applied correctly, Bora-Care penetrates deeply and lasts the life of the wood. It is the industry gold standard as a preventative whole-house treatment, ideally applied to structural wood during new construction or remodeling. This proactive approach offers long-lasting protection against termites and other wood-destroying pests.

In2Care: An Eco-Conscious Outdoor Mosquito Trap 

Mosquitoes can transmit Zika, Dengue, West Nile, and Chikungunya viruses through their bites, leading to rashes, fever, pain, and nausea as well as a number of serious and long-term health complications.

Natural Science Exterminating can treat standing water fixtures such as ponds, fountains, and bird baths. We also control mosquito populations using In2Care, an EPA-registered mosquito trap that kills both adult mosquitoes and their larvae. 

Mosquitoes are attracted to the traps, where they come into contact with a biologically active fungus that does not infect humans or pets but gradually kills mosquitoes within just a few days. As the mosquitos die, they may still travel and lay eggs, but the fungus has already reduced their ability to bite humans and disrupted the development of their viruses.

When female mosquitoes enter the trap and lay eggs, the smell of the hatched larvae lure more mosquitoes to lay their eggs inside of the trap. The trap contains a low-toxicity larvicide that kills the larvae before they develop further.

When mosquitoes leave the trap, they carry the larvicide and contaminate breeding sites, where the larvicide, even in small quantities, kills the mosquito’s own larvae as well as larvae of mosquitoes who use the same breeding sites.

Call Natural Science Exterminating For Natural Pest Control

These are only some of the tools we have at our disposal and we’re always aiming to stay on the cutting edge of clean pest control. Contact us today to request a free inspection. We offer a range of solutions to eliminate pests and prevent infestations in many different types of homes and properties.

Call Us Today: 1-714-451-2890

E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com 

We offer expert pest-proofing, rodent control, termite treatment, and pest extermination in Orange County and Los Angeles County, serving Anaheim, Irvine, Garden Grove, Costa Mesa, San Juan Capistrano, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, and surrounding areas. Call now for fast, reliable service!

When Rain Brings Termite Swarms, Call An Exterminator For Inspection Right Away

After a rainstorm in California, you hope to gaze upon a rainbow high in the sky, but what you should prepare for is something closer to the ground and far less pleasant. 

Those insects with long, translucent wings, often seen flying around in large numbers after rainfall, are swarming termites. 

Termite swarms are a major cause for concern for homeowners, a clear sign that a termite colony is nearby—possibly in your very own home. Termites have a dangerous appetite for cellulose and cause billions of dollars in damage each year across the United States, relentlessly chewing through homes.

Why Do Termites Swarm After Rain?

Termite colonies are generally made up of wingless workers and soldiers, and winged, reproductive termites called swarmers (alates). 

Subterranean termites nest underground in soil, needing moisture to survive. After rainfall, especially on warm spring days in Southern California, the increased humidity draws a large number of swarmers from their nests.

As they take to the air, the dramatic frenzy of dozens to hundreds, even thousands, of swarming termites is actually their primary strategy for mating and finding new places to burrow, lay eggs, and establish new colonies.

Will Termites Leave On Their Own?

Subterranean termites love the warmth and humidity after rainfall. You may not see any swarmers once the post-rain humidity settles down, but that doesn’t mean that the termites are gone. 

Killing or swatting them, or waiting for the moisture to subside won’t fix the root issue. After swarming, the swarmers have either died, found a mate and new nesting place, or returned to their nest—but most of the termites in their colony remain alive and hidden.

Do Swarming Termites Cause Damage?

Swarming termites do not cause damage, but they are part of a colony that contains an army of wingless termites, which are among the most destructive pests in the world. 

The goal of swarming is to mate and colonize new territory. As soon as a swarming termite finds a mate, it discards its wings and starts laying eggs. The offspring mature into termites that feed on cellulose inside of wood, compromising the structural integrity of homes and properties.

A mature termite colony may establish a subcolony at any time, quickly reproducing and increasing their numbers at an alarming rate. Outdoor termites can make their way to your home, infiltrating through entryways and the smallest of cracks. 

Do I Have A Termite Infestation?

Discarded wings, typically found along windowsills, door frames, or baseboards, are a sign of activity by reproductive termites. If you see mud tubes, droppings (frass), pinholes or bubbling paint on drywall, or soft or hollow-sounding wood, call a professional exterminator immediately.

Why Should I Call A Pest Exterminator?

If you live in California, the risk of a household termite infestation is high. Even if you don’t see visible signs, termites are experts at hiding underground and causing serious damage by quietly tunneling through wood. 

Book a termite inspection as soon as you suspect an infestation. Early detection is crucial to stopping termites from multiplying, spreading, and causing extensive, costly damage.

What Is The Most Effective Way To Control Termites?

Termites can be effectively controlled by a combination of different practices and methods.

  • Do not ignore signs of termites. Call an exterminator. Inspections and early treatment can save homeowners thousands of dollars and months of headache.  
  • Annual termite inspections are highly recommended for homes in California, where termites forage year-round. With decades of experience and deep knowledge of pest behavior across all seasons, Natural Science Exterminating inspections go beyond surface-level checks. We identify hidden infestations and potential entry points to ensure comprehensive protection of your home.
  • Localized, spot treatments can remove termites if the infestation is contained to a specific area. We have successfully spot treated homes with fragile property and minimized disruption while effectively removing pests in apartments and multi-family complexes.
  • Natural, plant-based spot treatments using orange oil may be applied to localized infestations in households of individuals that prioritize environmental consciousness or experience sensitivities to traditional, chemical treatments. 
  • Tent fumigation is considered a last resort, but offers the most thorough removal for widespread infestations. The sealed and controlled release of a gaseous termiticide kills termites even in the hardest-to-reach places. 
  • BoraCare is a low-toxicity, borate salt solution that kills and prevents all major termite types, an ideal pest prevention treatment for remodels and new construction homes.

Natural Science Exterminating removes termites of every kind, so you have peace of mind. 

Call Us Today: 1-714-451-2890

E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com 

We offer expert termite removal, pest extermination, and pest-proofing in Orange County and Los Angeles County, serving Anaheim, Irvine, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, and surrounding areas. Call now for fast, reliable service!

Rebuilding After The Palisades And Eaton Fires: Pest-Proof Your New Construction Home With Bora-Care & TAP Pest Control Insulation

To our neighbors and all those affected by the Southern California wildfires, we extend our heartfelt condolences for the losses and challenges you’ve faced. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. This tragedy is near and dear to all of us at Natural Science Exterminating, as our owner’s mother-in-law lost the home she had been lovingly remodeling for the last five years, as well as an apartment building.

After multiple decades of pest control and management in Orange County, we remain strong in our commitment to 100% customer satisfaction as we expand our service area to include Los Angeles. To support the people of LA rebuilding homes and communities after the Eaton Fire in Altadena and Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades, we are offering 20% off Bora-Care treatments for new construction homes. 

Bora-Care and Thermal Acoustical Pest Control (TAP) insulation are low-toxicity, eco-friendly solutions—two of the best in the industry for providing lasting protection against pests, preventing wood decay and structural damage, and preserving both the value and integrity of your property. It is best to install TAP insulation and apply Bora-Care during the build and remodel phases, as these are the only windows of time when the home's framework is fully accessible. 

What Is Bora-Care? The Industry Standard Against Termites, Insects, & Wood Decay

Bora‑Care is a termiticide, insecticide, and fungicide registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

When Bora-Care is applied directly to the wood at this stage, its active ingredient, a borate mineral salt, penetrates deep into the wood and remains effective for the life of the wood. It preserves the wood by preventing and killing termites and other wood-destroying organisms.

  • Termites: Termites are one of the most common household pests in the United States, particularly in California, where they cause billions of dollars in damage each year. They feed on wood for its cellulose content, making any wood or wood-based material a target for destruction. When applied as a preventative treatment or pre-treatment, Bora-Care is especially effective against termites, disrupting their ability to digest wood and ultimately killing them.  
  • Carpenter Ants, Powderpost Beetles, Old‑House Borers, & Wood‑Boring Beetles: These insects do not eat wood like termites do, but their burrowing and nesting weakens the structure of wood, causing significant damage and increasing the risk of structural collapse. Bora-Care acts as a delayed-kill insecticide for wood-damaging pests by disrupting their digestive systems and preventing them from feeding, leading to eventual death by starvation.
  • Wood Decay & Rot—Fungi and Algae Growth: When wood is exposed to moisture, fungi and algae can develop, leading to wood degradation. However, wood treated preventatively with Bora-Care helps stop wood-decaying fungi and algae from taking hold. If the wood already has fungi or algae, treating it with Bora-Care helps stop their spread and prevents further damage.

What Is TAP Pest Control Insulation? Energy-Saving Thermal Insulation, Soundproofing, Fire Retardation, & Pest Control

TAP insulation is an EPA-registered product that offers thermal insulation, soundproofing, fire retardation, and pest control, with a lifetime warranty.

In California, where the sunny heat and numerous species of pests can be relentless, poor insulation and pest damage can quickly escalate, leading to significant energy and repair costs. TAP insulation helps homeowners save thousands of dollars on energy bills by maintaining your ideal temperature at home. In the hotter months, it keeps cool air conditioning from escaping the home, and in colder months, it keeps the warm air from the heater from escaping. Made from cellulose fibers, primarily recycled newspaper, TAP insulation is infused with naturally derived borate, which repels pests and is toxic to them but safe and non-toxic to humans.

As the only pest control insulation product on the market today with the Energy Star® label, customers who choose to have TAP insulation installed are eligible for up to a $500 tax credit.

Call Natural Science Exterminating For Naturally-Derived Long-Term Pest Protection

At Natural Science Exterminating, we specialize in pest control and extermination, using industry-leading solutions and scientifically-proven, safe, and effective methods.

In this time of recovery, we understand the importance of protecting your home from pests and damage. Whether you’re rebuilding from recent events or simply looking to protect your home for the future, we’re here to help. Our priority isn't just focused on today—it’s about providing long-term peace of mind and protection for generations.

Call us today to learn how Bora-Care and TAP insulation can help reduce future costs and prevent problems before they start.

Call Us Today: 1-714-451-2890

E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com 

We offer expert pest-proofing, rodent control, termite treatment, and pest extermination in Orange County and Los Angeles County, serving Anaheim, Irvine, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, and surrounding areas. Call now for fast, reliable service!

Benefits Of A Free Termite Inspection

A free termite inspection costs zero dollars but it can easily save you thousands of dollars and protect your household from the time, disruption, and headache of tent fumigation and extensive damage repair. Termites are ravenous for cellulose in wood, notoriously silent and one of the most destructive property pests. They cause billions of dollars in damage across the United States annually, often feeding on structural wood for months and even years without being noticed by the average homeowner.

Natural Science Exterminating provides free termite inspections that thoroughly assess homes and properties for early warning signs of infestation. Red flags include discarded wings, mud tubes, and hollow-sounding or weakened wood. We also recommend annual termite inspections especially for homes in California, where termites are active all throughout the year.

Inspection Plus Prevention Saves Time & Money

A free inspection can detect termites early on, saving your home from structural damage and saving your wallet from hefty repair costs. It makes extermination easier, less invasive, less expensive, and more environmentally friendly, giving us the chance to spot treat your home with natural, plant-based solutions like orange oil. 

We can take action to stop termites colonies from expanding through the rest of your home and causing further structural damage by exterminating as soon as we detect signs of an infestation. Proactive termite control mitigates tent fumigation, preserves your home’s value, and protects your family from the dangers of living in a termite-ridden home.

Protect Your Home & The Environment 

Annual termite inspections improve our chances of being able to effectively remove all termites and their eggs without tent fumigation, targeting smaller infestations with naturally-derived orange oil. Our environmental consciousness at Natural Science Exterminating is why households and businesses in Orange County choose us. Many people prefer chemical-free and non-toxic pest control due to individual health concerns, medical conditions, or simply a commitment to a green and earth-friendly lifestyle. 

We prioritize natural spot treatments and consider tent fumigation as a last resort. Tent fumigation releases a gaseous chemical into an enclosed and sealed property. It is a large-scale termite treatment reserved for widespread infestations and deeply infiltrated structures that cannot be naturally treated or spot treated. Tent fumigation is often the least preferred method for most homeowners and residents, as it can disrupt your personal and professional schedule for several days, requiring people to vacate and take pets, plants, medications, perishables, valuables, and important items along with them.

Don’t Let Termites Ruin Your Happiness Or Holiday Celebrations!

Discovering termites right around special dates, celebrations, or holidays can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Recurring pest control can save Christmas parties and social gatherings from being ruined by the unpleasant surprise and scare of termites.

Termite damage can negatively affect the value of your home or property. The unexpected discovery of pests in a real estate sale can halt the process and cause financial stress and panic. By scheduling a free termite inspection, you give yourself peace of mind of not having to worry about your property as a home, business, or investment. 

Natural Science Exterminating is available within 24 hours for termite infestations. Call us today for a free inspection.

Call Us Today: 1-714-451-2890

E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com 

Tent Fumigation: What You Need To Know

The shocking discovery of pests, followed by the idea of your home or business in a big fumigation tent, can bring up a lot of questions. 

We’ve got you covered with a short overview of tent fumigation, answering some of the most frequently asked questions about how it works and when it is necessary.

A bit about us: Natural Science Exterminating is a residential and commercial termite & pest control company in Orange County with over 35 years of experience. We consider tent fumigation a last resort and we are experts at inspecting and determining whether it is truly necessary. Understanding the concerns around chemical pesticides, we specialize in natural and effective pest control treatments. We use environmentally safe, scientifically-proven ingredients such as borates and orange oil instead of chemicals whenever an infestation is localized and can be treated with a less invasive, targeted method.

How Does Tent Fumigation Work?

All people and pets must vacate the premises, and all plants, medicine, food, and liquids must be removed, before and during tent fumigation. They may only re-enter after a pest control safety test confirms it is no longer hazardous. 

Tent fumigation is performed by sealing the entire property into a tent, followed by the controlled release of a fumigant, a gaseous pesticide that fills every nook and cranny. 

Termites feed on cellulose, primarily found in wood. The fumigant penetrates the wood, killing the termites and their eggs, even in the cracks and tunnels created by termites living inside. 

Is Tent Fumigation Necessary?

Tent fumigation is not always necessary, but in extreme infestations, there may be no other way to remove certain pests that have spread extensively.

Tent fumigation is necessary when pests—rodents, bed bugs, cockroaches, and particularly termites—have deeply infiltrated the structure of a property in areas that cannot be accessed with spot treatments or eco-friendly solutions. Common scenarios include extensive drywood termite infestations, large-scale subterranean termite invasions that have escalated to above-ground damage, or when an infestation has spread through inaccessible parts of the home.

Are There Alternatives To Tent Fumigation?

There is no substitute for tent fumigation. It is the most thorough method of complete pest removal. Other companies who do not correctly identify cases that require tent fumigation will perform spot treatments that only end up failing, leading to recurring infestations that will cost you time and money and cause frustration and fear. 

Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction, which means that we will always be realistic and transparent about the nature of your pest problem, even if that means recommending tent fumigation. Termites are destructive pests that cause billions of dollars of damage across the United States every year. Termite colonies must be removed entirely, as any small number of survivors or eggs that still remain on site after an extermination gives them the chance to resurface and destroy again.

How Long Do The Results Last? 

Tent fumigation removes all existing pests, however it does not prevent new pests from re-entering. For long lasting pest-proofing, we recommend annual inspections and BoraCare treatment during construction, remodeling, or immediately following extermination. BoraCare is an eco-conscious borate salt solution that protects wood for its lifetime, the industry gold standard for preventing wood from being a pest food source.

The damage caused by pests like termites leaves wood hollow and weak, compromising structural integrity and household safety. We follow pest removal with expert carpentry and repairs, ensuring your home is safe and pest-free.

When Should I Call A Local Pest Company?

Mud tubes, discarded wings, and warped or hollow-sounding wood are all signs of termites. If you think you might have a pest problem, call a professional exterminator immediately to inspect and remove the colony before it expands and causes further damage. 

Natural Science Exterminating is available within 24 hours for bee, termite and wasp infestations. Call us today for a free inspection.

Call Us Today: 1-714-451-2890

E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com 

Recurring Pest Control Maintenance Saves Holidays From Insect & Rodent Surprise Infestations

As the holiday season approaches, excitement fills the air as we count down to a festive time of rest, relaxation, and reset! There is nothing quite as special as celebrating joyous occasions with family and friends. 

But before kicking off some of the most anticipated events of the year, crucial preparations are in order. Certain visitors, bearing misery rather than gifts, can ruin the holiday magic. 

Pests are never a pleasant surprise, especially if they pop up during what should be the most wonderful time of the year. No one wants the headache and horror of termites, wasps, bees, ants, mice, rats, or spiders disrupting festivities! 

Natural Science Exterminating prevents holiday disasters with preventative annual or semi-annual maintenance, stopping infestations before they start. We’ve saved clients in Orange County, Los Angeles County, and Riverside County thousands of dollars by catching and removing insects and rodents before they cause serious damage, helping homes and businesses avoid the pain of losing time and money.

Preventative pest control, like the holidays, only needs to happen once a year to leave a positive impact worth celebrating! All of our preventative extermination products are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and safe for children and pets. Our inspection process looks for infestation warning signs and possible pest entry points, with our decades of experience and extensive knowledge on pests and how they behave through every season in California. 

Keep Pests Out Of Your Home & Holiday Parties

Some of the things that make the holidays delightful can rile up pest activity. But with proactive pest control and maintenance, that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your holidays to the fullest. Natural Science Exterminating will pest-proof your home so that you can experience the finer things in life with peace of mind. 

Food, Drinks, & Ingredients

Baking and leaving cookies with milk out for Santa can unfortunately attract ants, wasps, or bees looking for sugary sweetness. Even the smallest crumbs of food or droplets of liquid can be sensed by insects and vermin. Rodents pose serious health risks, as they can carry rabies, fleas, typhoid fever, and hantavirus. Unlike store-bought traps or baits that leave surviving members, we exterminate the pests entirely. We not only remove the whole infestation—we also identify and seal entry points to prevent pests from coming back.

Aromas & Fragrance

As with food, the smell of almost anything—good or bad—signals to many pests that there is grub. From fresh fruit to rotten garbage, perishables left unattended can attract a hungry rodent or buzzing bee that gives someone a sting redder than Rudolph’s nose! We carefully remove wasp nests and bee hives so that you can ring in the New Year on the patio or deck without worry. We also control mosquito populations with natural, child-friendly solutions that kill mosquitoes and their larvae, preventing potential bites that can transmit Zika, Dengue, West Nile, and Chikungunya viruses.

Trees, Wreaths, & Plants

Christmas trees and fireplace wood are essentials for warmth and comfort to many people. Wood can attract a variety of creatures, the most concerning of all being termites. Termites damage and destroy homes by feeding on cellulose, which is abundant in wood and plants. The damage caused by termites in the United States alone equals billions of dollars annually. We use scientifically-proven and naturally-derived solutions, BoraCare, to prevent termites from feeding on wood, and orange oil, to kill and remove termite colonies. Natural Science Exterminating specializes in termite removal spot treatments for residential and commercial properties of all types, including multifamily and apartments in Orange County. 

Now is a perfect time ​to repair and spruce up your home before hanging the mistletoe and decking the halls with spirited decor! We are certified to install TAP pest control insulation and have our own carpenters to replace termite damage and dry rot.  

To avoid emergencies and last minute fixes, give us a call today to pest-proof your holidays for the most cheerful time of all!

Call Us Today: 1-714-451-2890

E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com

Book Termite Inspections Early To Save Thousands: Avoid Tenting & Prevent Wood Damage In Dove Canyon

Dove Canyon is “one of Orange County's best kept secrets” and among Southern California’s finest areas to live. Residents of this unique and exclusive gated community serenely enjoy many of the most desirable elements of real estate, all in one place: luxurious homes, refined facilities and infrastructure, and breathtaking natural splendor. 

Sometimes, however, paradise comes with a few pests. Natural Science Exterminating received a call from one Dove Canyon homeowner requesting us to inspect what we then discovered to be a serious pest infestation. Unfortunately, a substantial colony of drywood termites had spread throughout the home and hollowed out numerous structures of wood. 

By the time we received their call, the infestation had spread beyond a specific area that could have been isolated and thus spot treated. Localized treatments would not be effective in this state, which could have been avoided with regular inspections by a professional exterminator. 

The goal of termite treatments is to remove the entirety of the colony in the safest and most effective way, considering the uniqueness of the infestation and property. Extermination may be a localized application of a chemical or natural solution, or the entire property will be treated with a gaseous chemical treatment, tent fumigation.

As exterminators specializing in natural pest control and management, we absolutely prioritize and prefer environmentally friendly spot treatments. However, natural solutions are not suitable in every case, especially when a termite colony has gone unnoticed long enough to grow and multiply in size while creating vast networks of tunnels throughout the home. These severe cases of large, stubborn colonies require tent fumigation to reach every nook and cranny where termites exist and are otherwise inaccessible.

For our Dove Canyon client, neither natural nor spot treatment would be sufficient. We tented and fumigated the property and repaired the damaged and rotted wood, removing all termites and restoring the structural integrity that had been previously compromised.

Rotten wood

Avoid Tent Fumigation With Regular Pest Inspections

The truth is that the time and money that tent fumigation and wood repair had cost the homeowner could have been avoided with regular termite inspections. If caught early, termites can be eliminated with localized, chemical-free spot treatments using plant based ingredients such as orange oil. 

We get it. Until you’ve experienced a termite infestation, scheduling inspections can seem like an unnecessary expense. But in the most biodiverse state in America and prime breeding ground for many pests, California homes need pest control and management all year round. 

Termites are among the most detrimental species of pests, causing billions of dollars of structural damage and property devaluation across the country every year. Regular pest inspections protect what many consider to be their most cherished asset, their home. Anyone who has had to resort to tent fumigation will tell you that prevention is well worth peace of mind and avoiding the cost, headache, and time of a full-blown termite invasion. For health and safety, tent fumigation requires you to vacate your home for several days with your family, pets, medication, food, and any forms of life.

We understand that nobody wants to always worry about pests, which is why we make pest control and maintenance as hassle-free as possible. Just a few visits per year from your local professional exterminator can save your home from tent fumigation and wood damage. If you have questions about pest control, management, and maintenance, give us a call today for a free consultation.

Call Us Today: (714) 386-1998
E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com

Tent Fumigation Removes Laguna Niguel Drywood Termites in Roof

At Natural Science Exterminating, we consider tent fumigation as the last resort. We prioritize spot treatments and natural solutions, whenever possible, for termite removal.

Sometimes, however, our inspections uncover infestations that local and natural treatments will not be effective enough against. When we were called to a Laguna Niguel home in Orange County, California, we discovered drywood termites on the roof, deep into the fascia and tails. Spot treatment would not be effective here for several reasons. In these cases, we recommend tent fumigation as a sure-fire way to completely remove termites. Our termite treatments include a 1-year warranty that the property will remain termite-free.

When Should We Tent To Remove Termites?

Our consultations are free, and each one is an opportunity to explain the situation and our strategy to the client. As a company known for customized and natural pest control, our clients appreciate our insight and the assurance that we are taking the most well-reasoned approach, even if it involves tenting. 

Termites cause billions of dollars of damage across the country every year by consuming cellulose within wood. Drywood termites are known for burrowing into wood by creating tunnels, known as galleries, in order to nest deeply inside. This alone often makes it inaccessible for exterminators to apply treatments to the affected areas. Furthermore, the applied treatments may not penetrate the depth of the extensive galleries in order to kill the colony.

Our client’s severe case of drywood termites was heightened, quite literally, by the location of the infestation. Without tent fumigation, we ran the risk of leaving members of the colony in some parts of the roof untouched. This would allow the surviving members of the colony to repopulate and continue causing damage. 

Tent fumigation allowed us to reach every nook and cranny, without limitations to areas that are otherwise inaccessible or not visible. The process of tent fumigation starts with vacating the premises; humans, pets, food, medicine, and forms of life must be removed. The property is tightly sealed with a tent. The gaseous termiticide is released within the enclosure, killing the termite colony. After a designated waiting period, the fumigant dissipates, and residents may move back into their home, which is now termite-free.

Our job doesn’t stop with eradicating termites. In conjunction with pest control, Natural Science Exterminating is licensed to perform carpentry and wood repair to restore your home’s structural integrity. 

We emphasize the importance of protecting your home’s value by preventing new colonies from entering your home. Our BoraCare treatments last the life of the wood once applied while preventing it from becoming a food source to termites.

Call A Professional Exterminator

With decades of experience in residential and commercial pest control, our goal remains 100% customer satisfaction. While tent fumigation is our last resort, it is sometimes the best course of action. For one client who had multiple failed spot treatments performed by another pest control company, we successfully removed every trace of termites with tent fumigation.

If you have questions about pest control, management, and maintenance, give us a call today for a free consultation.

Call Us Today: (714) 386-1998
E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com

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