Pests to know in Bakersfield
Termites in Bakersfield
The western drywood termite is commonly found from the Pacific coast into the Central Valley, which includes Bakersfield; subterranean termites occur statewide.[9]
Invasive species reported here
Pests local experts flag
- The Kern district added roof rat control in 1991, when it took its current name; roof rats are the major problem rat species in urban Kern County.[3]
- Roof rats in Kern County favor backyard fruit and nuts such as oranges, lemons, walnuts and almonds, and nest in ivy, untrimmed palms and woodpiles.[3]
Climate
Central Bakersfield (ZIP 93301) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 9b, where the average coldest winter night is 25 to 30°F.[11]
Public agencies that handle pests
- The Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District serves Bakersfield, Wasco, Buttonwillow, Shafter, Lamont and Arvin; it does not cover all of Kern County.[1]
- Kern's mosquito district was formed in 1916 as the Dr. Morris Mosquito Abatement District to control mosquitoes and malaria along the Kern River.[2]
- West Nile virus has affected Kern County residents every year since it was detected there in 2004; St. Louis encephalitis virus also persists in local mosquitoes.[7]
- Kern County Public Health says West Nile virus spreads mainly in summer and early fall, when mosquito activity is highest.[8]
Hiring a licensed company
UC IPM advises Californians to get at least three termite inspection reports and check a company's license status with the Structural Pest Control Board.[9]
Free local help
The Argentine ant is the most common ant in and around California homes and gardens, according to UC IPM.[10]
Through the year
- Spring to Fall
- Mosquito control season in the lower elevations of Kern County, including Bakersfield, typically runs from April through October.[4]
Sources
- Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District, “Service Area.” www.kernmosquito.com/service-area (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District, “About Us.” www.kernmosquito.com/about-us (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District, “Roof Rats.” www.kernmosquito.com/roof-rats (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District, “How Do We Control Mosquito Populations at KMVCD?.” www.kernmosquito.com/how-do-we-control-mosquito-populations-at-kmvcd (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District, “Which Types of Mosquitoes Are Present in Kern County?.” www.kernmosquito.com/which-types-of-mosquitoes-are-present-in-kern-county (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District, “Invasive Aedes Mosquito (aka Ankle-Biters).” www.kernmosquito.com/invasive-aedes-mosquito-aka-ankle-biters (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District, “What Are the Recurring Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Kern County?.” www.kernmosquito.com/what-are-the-recurring-mosquito-borne-diseases-in-kern-county (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Kern County Public Health, “West Nile Virus news release.” www.kernpublichealth.com/Home/Components/News/News/3961/37519 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- UC Statewide IPM Program (UC Agriculture and Natural Resources), “Drywood Termites.” ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/drywood-termites/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- UC Statewide IPM Program (UC Agriculture and Natural Resources), “Ants.” ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/ants/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 93301 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/93301.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)