Why Wet Weather and Temperature Fluctuations Make it Prime Time for Pests.

It’s Raining, It’s Pouring, the Pests Are Swarming

If it feels like it’s been raining all month, you're not imagining it. More than half of May, 18 days to be exact, recorded precipitation. While the constant downpours might be good for your lawn, they also create the perfect storm for increased pest pressure in and around your home.

Excess moisture this season is setting the stage for a surge in pest activity from mosquitoes to flies. Stew Muir, Associate Certified Entomologist at JP McHale Pest Management, warns homeowners to stay vigilant.

“Increased moisture due to significant rain can create ideal breeding conditions for many pests, such as mosquitoes and certain types of flies, which can lead to population surges. Constant rain will also keep moisture around your foundation, allowing ‘occasional invader’ pests like centipedes, crickets, and certain beetles to gain a foothold.”

And it’s not just the rain, recent fluctuations in temperature, with days turning from hot and humid, to unseasonably cool in the 60s, can also create an environment for an increase in pest activity. These erratic conditions confuse pests like ants and mice, who typically rely on environmental cues to stay outdoors or go into hiding. Instead, the inconsistent temperatures drive them in and out of homes as they seek food, warmth, or dry shelter.

Homeowners may notice more ants trailing across kitchen floors or signs of rodents re-entering structures they’d normally avoid in the summer. Our current up-and-down weather pattern, combined with the excessive moisture, has created a revolving door for pests looking to exploit the comfort of your home.

What to Do After the Rain Stops

1. Eliminate standing water - Empty saucers, buckets, birdbaths, and anywhere water has accumulated to remove mosquito breeding sites.
   
   
2. Clean gutters and drains - Clear debris so rainwater moves freely and doesn’t pool.
   
   
3. Pull mulch and landscaping back -  Keep at least 12 inches of clear space from the foundation to prevent moisture buildup and entry points.
   
   
4. Inspect for entry points - Storms can crack foundations or open seals, check basements, crawlspaces, window wells, and door frames.
   
   
5. Increase airflow in cool, damp areas - Use fans or dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces to reduce humidity that attracts centipedes, millipedes, and silverfish.
   
   
6. Plan preventive treatments during dry periods – Take advantage of dry stretches by scheduling professional treatments around the perimeter of your home. Since most treatments can’t legally be applied during rain, prolonged wet weather can give pest populations time to grow unchecked.

For more information on our Organic Mosquito Management and other Pest Solutions, contact us at (833) 364-3955 or email us at sales@nopests.com.