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Tag Archives: termite prevention

shrubs touching house foundation attracting pests in California
Categories Termite Inspections, Termite Treatment

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

Categories Termite Inspections, Termite Treatment

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 

Categories Termite Inspections, Termite Treatment

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

Categories Pest Control, Termite Treatment

Laguna Beach Real Estate Appreciates With Termite Removal And Pest Controlled Remodel

California is famous for its beautiful landscapes and real estate, which may explain why it has become a location sensation for hit reality shows like Selling Sunset, Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, and The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills. It can be hard for viewers to look away from the magnificent architecture and luxury that serves as the backdrop of all the drama on display! 

At Natural Science Exterminating, we were called to a stunning Laguna Beach home when the homeowner and their contractors discovered a termite colony while tearing down walls in the midst of their remodel. We are proud to share this story of how we successfully removed the termites and dry rot and also treated their remodel to pest-proof their investment. 

How Termites Affect The Value Of Your Real Estate

Real estate shows are fascinating as they vividly depict and dissect the various factors that influence the market value of a house. The homes featured on beloved real estate reality shows have earned their listing price due to a combination of factors, such as their location, size, and meticulous presentation.

Remodeling is a significant investment that can also drastically increase how much a property is worth. However the aesthetics of a home are only as valuable as long as they can be preserved with maintenance and care which includes that of pest control and management. 

While reality shows are notorious for being sensationalized, what's true in both a reality show and real life is that the real estate negotiation process involves the buyer's due diligence which includes inspection. The aesthetic beauty of a home is worth as much as the diligence with which it is preserved. Thus, what is underneath and inside of a home cannot be overlooked. 

Termite Treatments Preserve The Value Of Real Estate

Our client expressed that they felt disheartened—the termite discovery felt like a setback against the exciting new chapter of their remodel. However, they realized the blessing in disguise as the termite damage would have been exacerbated if it hadn't been discovered, costing more to repair. Upon our arrival, they were assured that they were in the right hands, and that our work would help them resume their project swimmingly.

Termites are not uncommon in Laguna Beach and the rest of California, given the biodiversity in the state. The climate is conducive to the mating and reproductive habits of termite colonies throughout the year, so without inspection and preventative measures like BoraCare, any home is potentially at risk of being hit with the health and financial consequences of a termite infestation.

Termite & Dry Rot Removal Plus Preventative BoraCare

Termites initiate structural damage by infiltrating homes through soil, entrances, or small crevices. They feed on wood for its cellulose content, excreting moisture in the process, causing dry rot, which compromises the strength of the wood fibers. Dry rot can become unsanitary and airborne, posing risks to human health. Not only is it unsightly, but it also attracts other pests.

Our approach to extermination is unique to each client. We’ve treated plenty of prestigious properties, including a Spanish tile roof mansion, 5000 sq ft barn, and even the Department of Fish and Wildlife! We prioritize spot treatments and reserve tent fumigation as a last resort. Whenever possible, we utilize plant-based solutions like orange oil, which dissolves termite exoskeletons, effectively killing them. However, if we deem tent fumigation or chemical treatments as absolutely necessary, we will always recommend what would be the most suitable treatment in the best interests of our clients. Honesty is a hallmark of our service, and we allow you to decide on the final approach.

Our aim is to eliminate the termite colony entirely. Whether the treatment plan involves spot treatment or tent fumigation, chemically or organically, we design every treatment to get the job done entirely, even when other exterminators have failed with repeat treatments. 

Our Laguna Beach client asked us to not only eradicate the termites and remove the dry rot, but also pest-proof their remodel, given that the demolition had opened up access to all of the affected wood structures. BoraCare is the termite prevention gold standard, a borate salt solution that effectively repels termites from consuming wood structures for the life of the wood when professionally applied to exposed wood.

If you are preparing for a remodel or construction project, ask us about our Laguna Beach pest control solutions. We safely and effectively treat and prevent even the most difficult types of termites so that you can enjoy the fruits of your labor without worrying about termites destroying your home.

Call Us Today: 1-714-451-2890
E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com

Categories Termite Inspections, Termite Treatment, Termite Wood Repair

Anaheim Hills Remodel & Termite Treatment Success Story

Change can be both exciting and scary, especially given the preparation and uncertainty involved making the right decision. Many people do not like change. Others tolerate change by taking small steps. And then there are the bold ones—people who like to say: “Go big or go home!”

Even bolder are those who have the appetite to go big and go home! 

We are proud to share the success story of our work in the remodeling project of a client who expanded their house by adding a new kitchen and new bedroom and repurposing the existing kitchen and bedroom into additional living space.

When we received the call to work for a client who was significantly expanding their home, we were excited to be a part of their big change. 

As professionals in pest control and prevention, we consider it an honor to be hired to make it so that your house is home only to you and yours—not home to pests. 

The Perfect Time For Pest Prevention

Termites cause billions of dollars of damage to homes every year in the United States. Their target? Wood cellulose. 

Remodeling is the perfect opportunity to pest-proof your home from the inside out. Under construction or remodeling are some of the only times walls and floors will be demolished and opened, providing access to the interior wooden structures of the home. 

Bora-Care is a low-toxicity solution of a borate salt that, when directly applied, prevents wood from becoming a termite food source. Professionally applying Bora-Care to exposed wood prevents termite damage, fungi, and rot throughout the life of the wood.

Click here to read about professional BoraCare treatments to pest-proof your remodel

Pest Pre-Treatment & Inspection

Remodeling is often confused with renovating. While both projects aim to upgrade space, a remodel is ultimately a reconfiguration that involves extensive structural changes. 

Remodeling is indeed hard work. In the midst of budgets and timelines, you may be eager to finish the project and hang your hardhat up. But keep in mind that remodeling is a big change that allows for an in-depth look at what you would otherwise not have access to. It is important for a remodeling project to be used as an opportunity to ensure that all of the hard work you invest into the space will hold its integrity and value over time. The “extra” work of pre-treatment during remodeling can actually save you a significant amount of stress and money that untreated wood could otherwise cost you. 

We conduct thorough inspections in multiple areas for pre-treatment. We will inspect the exposed wood for any signs of existing infestation. If found, we will determine the extent of the colony and the severity of any damage. Natural Science Exterminating prioritizes natural spot treatments, considering tent fumigation as a last resort. In addition to inspections of the wood, the soil, foundation, and areas of wood-to-soil contact may be inspected if structurally accessible.

We work with your remodeling contractors to achieve maximum results with Bora-Care so that you can enjoy your transformation with peace of mind.

Call Us Today: 1-714-451-2890

E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com

Categories Termite Treatment

Avoid Making These Termite Treatment Mistakes!

Unfortunately many homeowners don’t know the safest and most effective ways to prevent termites from their homes. There are many mistakes that homeowners make because they do not know what signs to look out for and what they should do when they suspect a termite infestation. Homeowners can save money and protect their precious homes by avoiding several mistakes.

Mistake: Skipping Termite Inspections

Termite prevention isn’t exactly a one-and-done treatment. The best way to prevent termites is with annual inspections. Just like regular checkups for your physical health, prevention is the best line of defense. 

Mistake: Skipping Pre-Treating Wood During Construction

As the real estate market booms, demand grows for custom-built homes. Some buyers are buying property in its construction state. During the construction stage, the wood foundations and structures can be treated to prevent termites for the life of the wood. Many home buyers make the mistake of skipping this treatment to save money, only to later experience a termite infestation that requires costly and extensive treatment. 

Mistake: Leaving Mulch And Firewood Close To The House

Termites feed on wood and wood-based materials. Leaving mulch or firewood close to the home is like leaving their favorite food close to your home; it draws them to your property and increases the likelihood of an infestation.

Mistake: Attempting To Do It Yourself Instead Of Hiring Professional Exterminators

Every homeowner wants to save money, and some will attempt to treat the infestation by themselves. However, most do not know the proper method to inspect and exterminate termites. DIY treatments may give you the illusion that you have killed the termites, when in reality, you haven’t killed the entire colony and now they are free to reproduce and spread, unbeknownst to you; this only worsens the situation.

Mistake: Skipping Bora-Care

The best exterminator will try to prioritize spot treatment and natural treatment whenever possible. However, the best exterminators will also let homeowners know when an infestation is so severe that it requires tent fumigation or traditional termiticide. Tent fumigation without Bora-Care will remove the termites, but won’t prevent them from coming back. Bora-Care is the industry gold standard for a reason: it removes the termites and keeps them away. 

Mistake: Using Orange Oil On Subterranean Termites

Orange oil works well to kill dry wood termites but not subterranean termites. Orange oil disintegrates the exoskeleton of the insect. Some termite invasions are so widespread that orange oil will not be effective enough. Orange oil is a practical treatment method for localized dry wood termites, but tent fumigation can assure total termite removal of the entire colony from the entire property. Tent fumigation and Bora-Care are often necessary to kill the termites and prevent them from coming back.

Natural Science Exterminating prioritizes spot treatment and organic treatment over tent fumigation and traditional chemicals whenever possible. However, we will always recommend the best approach for your unique situation. Instead of making costly termite treatment mistakes, you can count us to exterminate your home safely and effectively.

Call Us Today: 1-714-451-2890

E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com

Categories Termite Treatment

Why You Should Treat Your Home With Bora-Care During Construction

Are you thinking of buying a newly-built or custom-built home? Prospective home buyers should know that homeownership is a heavy responsibility, both financially and physically. 

Pest control and maintenance can be some of the most significant expenditures for home maintenance. In addition to the physical damage, termites also cause financial damage, being one of the most prevalent pests in the United States. Termites accumulate more than $5 billion in property damage every single year across the country. A colony of termites in your home could cause massive and widespread physical damage. These pests feed on anything that has wood cellulose, which includes wall studs, posts, and beams. In severe cases where termites go unnoticed for more extended periods, these pests make the home an unlivable and unsafe space, posing danger and potential health risks. 

When it comes to treating termite infestations, homeowners face two expenses. One expense is hiring pest control experts to use professional methods to exterminate the termites. The second expense is repairing the physical damage to the home.

Proactive termite prevention can help homeowners save money in the long run. By preventing the risk of a termite infestation, homeowners are less likely to have to worry about extermination and repair after the fact. Bora-Care, a salt-based solution that works on any exposed wood, including foundations, basement, or attics, is one of the most efficient solutions to protect your home against termite attacks. 

What is Bora-Care?

Bora-Care contains borate mineral salt, an active ingredient, that penetrates the wood and lasts the lifetime of the wood. Bora-Care works by preventing the wood from being a food source, rather than other methods that involve treating the soil. Many home builders have adopted the treatment since the construction stage is the only time where all of the wood is accessible. If you are buying a newly-built or custom-built home, consider hiring professionals to treat the wood with Bora-Care while the house is in the construction stage. 

Preventative treatments are a great investment, saving money from having to exterminate your entire house if an infestation were to occur after the construction. Natural Science Exterminating uses Bora-Care to pre-treat the wood during the “dried-in” stage of construction, when the exterior walls, studs, roof, sheathing elements are in place, but before the interior wall coverings and insulation are installed. 

Natural Science Exterminating tries to spot treat or use organic treatments like orange oil whenever effectively possible. However, the most severe cases of termite infestation require the entire home to be fumigated. The cost and stress of exterminating can be avoided if you have the home treated properly during construction. Some of the homes we have treated are still free of any signs of termites 10 years later! 

If you notice a termite attack in your home, do not hesitate to call our professional exterminators. We work with the construction team of your home to ensure that Bora-Care is applied correctly so that you can move into your new home with peace of mind.

Call Us Today: 1-714-451-2890

E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com

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