Insects after the Rain

Rainfall Brings Pests Indoors

We can be expecting a little rain in the forecast and that means you can soon be providing refuge to some pests in the near future “weather” you like it or not. There are a few common insects that you can expect to see crawling around your home in the days and weeks to come.

• Ants

  Most anyone can come to expect ants, they are all around us pretty much any season we are in. Ants usually build their colonies in topsoil which can easily become flooded in turn they march straight into your home. Often found in the kitchen and sink areas, close to both food and water.

• Sowbugs aka Rollie Pollies or Pill Bugs

  Sowbugs stay near moister since they need it to breath but after a rain they are able to roam around a bit more freely which is why you see them crawling across sidewalks after a rain. When sowbugs find their way indoors they usually can’t live for too long because they need moisture to function but if they have decaying matter to feed on they could stay longer and given the time they may reproduce.

• Cockroaches

  Cockroaches thrive in places that flood easily. In the Winter and early Spring they need a place to stay out of the cold temperatures and your home is the perfect place. They can usually be hiding in drains, pipes, foundations and crawlspaces.

• Mosquitos

  Mosquitoes lay “dry eggs” that need water to hatch. They lay their eggs in places that will hold standing water after a rain such as buckets in the yard, birdbaths and empty containers. After a rain the eggs are able to hatch which in turns brings them close to your home and usually working their way inside. You may notice them flying around your patio making your front door easy access to the inside.

• Centipedes

  Centipedes are predatory insects which is why they are not only seeking shelter in your home after the rain but they are attracted to all the other pests that have made their way inside as well. They prefer humidity often found hiding in bathrooms, garages and damp crawl spaces.

How to keep insects out after the rain

You know the rain is coming but do you know what to do to keep the bugs out after? There are a few simple measures that you can take to help keep pests away. Here are some:

• Take a walk around your property and check for any holes or cracks in walls. Seal any you find.

• Check windows and doors they should be are sealed properly.

• Keep door shut and use screens for sliders and doors.

• Most insects are attracted to moisture, check to see that all pipes are sealed and there are no existing leaks. Use a dehumidifier if necessary.

• Store all open food items in air tight containers.

• Do not leave trash out over night. Dispose of garbage quickly.

• Do not leave pet food out.

• Declutter.

• If possible clear out buckets or anything that can hold standing water in the yard before an expected rain.

• Trim back branches and bushes around the property.

• Use a Monthly Pest Control Service.

Conclusion

There are so many sources now a days to inform us of the upcoming weather, use it to prepare yourself and your home from a possible infestation. Take some simple steps to help keep the pests at bay. Stop them before they have a chance to crawl through the front door by using Black Knight Pest Control and one of their Monthly Pest Control Service Plans.