It’s that time of year again. With the warmer weather comes the critters that share our home. Due to Santa Clarita’s location, you can find many different types of critters in our valley. From snakes, to spiders, and yes, scorpions. Were going to discuss what types of pests found in Santa Clarita, and what you can do to prevent contact with and injury by them.

Snakes:

There are many different types of snakes found in the Santa Clarita valley. Most are harmless, and actually prevent other critters from infesting your home, for example keeping rat/mice populations lower. Here are some tips on avoiding contact with our snake residents:

• Check your swimming pool jumping in.
• Be cautious on cooler days and in the evening hours.
• If stepping outside in the evening hours, be vigilant.
• Be cautious when getting in your car, snakes may be under your car in a parking lot
• Be vigilant in your garage, snakes seek out cool areas during hot days.
• Do not allow pets or children unattended in your backyard–especially in evening hours.
• Make sure to take a strong flashlight with you when heading outside at night.
• Keep your dogs leashed at all times, and do not let them run freely.
• Be cautious when walking or hiking,  our canyons and natural areas have an abundance of rattlesnakes.
• Remove standing water in your yard, and tighten any dripping hoses
• Remove wood piles carefully, wood piles attract rodents and provide a food source for snakes.
• Remove rock piles carefully, they provide cover for snakes.
• Snakes can slip into holes over 1/4 inch, seal your garage properly
• Consider installing a snake fence as snakes may travel up to 1/2 mile between yards. It is usually up to 3′ high with mesh no larger than ¼”. The bottom should be buried six inches in the ground, and the fence should be slanted outward at a 30-degree angle. Keep bushes and shrubs away from the fence as a snake can crawl from the vegetation over the fence.
• Remember, if the temperature outdoors is ‘just right’ for you, it’s perfect for snakes too!
• If bitten, don’t panic! An increased heart rate causes the venom to spread more quickly. Head to Henry Mayo for treatment.

Henry Mayo Hospital is the only location in Santa Clarita Valley with antivenin on hand. Urgent Care facilities do not store antivenin. Henry Mayo recommends you contact 911 enroute so they may evaluate how much antivenin they have on hand.

Spiders:

There are many types of spiders found in Santa Clarita, most of which are harmless. But there are a few that can be dangerous to humans. Black Widows, Tarantulas, and Wolf Spiders can be found here. Spiders can be found in dark quiet places of the home, such as woodpiles, and garages.  If bitten, Henry Mayo recommends you seek medical attention promptly. Way to avoid spiders is:

• Spray for Pests Regularly, Santa Clarita has many Pest Control Companies
• Use gloves when moving woodpiles
• Be Cautious when cleaning out garages

Scorpions:

We in fact do have Scorpions in Santa Clarita. According to the Placerita Nature Center, the type of scorpion found here is the Vejovis, which at maturity is approximately two inches in length. They can be found in the hillsides of our community or wandering across patios, and decks in some of the more rural parts of the community,  but are not of great concern to this community. Just be sure to check your shoes before putting them on if left outside.

Termites:

Termites are common in Santa Clarita. But, with preventative measures can be caught early to avoid any serious damage to your home. Santa Clarita has quite a few pest control companies that can assist you if you see any signs of infestation.

Ticks:

Ticks can be found in many of our brushier parts of the community. They carry many diseases so it is best to spray with bug spray and wear proper clothing when hiking many of our wonderful trails in Santa Clarita.

Coyotes:

Coyotes are very common here. They are very clever animals that can make their way into our back yards, and possibly hurt our furry family members. It is best to keep pets inside at night, and to always have them on a leash when letting them out in the evening.  If you own a pet, it is best to contact your local veterinarian if they are injured.

As you can see we have many types of pests in Santa Clarita. With the proper amount of education and prevention, we as a community  can coexist peacefully with nature. If you need a recommendation on pest control, snake removal, or are just thinking about moving, you can contact us here.