After a good rain, the Sonoran Desert around Tucson transforms. The air feels clean, the plants look vibrant, and the smell of creosote is everywhere. While the rain brings welcome relief from the dry heat, it also encourages some unwanted residents to come out of hiding. Many common household pests thrive in the moist conditions that follow a downpour, often making their way into our homes for shelter and food.
Understanding which pests become more active after a storm is the first step in keeping your home protected. This guide will walk you through the most common pests you might encounter in the Tucson area after it rains. We’ll cover why they show up and what you can do to prevent them from becoming a bigger problem.
Why Rain Increases Pest Activity
Rain fundamentally changes the environment for insects and other pests. Here’s how a simple rainstorm can lead to a surge in pest sightings:
- Flooded Shelters: Many pests, like ants and scorpions, live in underground burrows or nests. Heavy rain can flood these homes, forcing them to seek higher, drier ground—which often means inside your house.
- Increased Humidity: Pests such as mosquitoes, cockroaches, and termites thrive in high humidity. The moisture in the air after a storm creates the perfect environment for them to breed and become more active.
- New Food Sources: Rain helps fungus and mold grow, providing a food source for some insects. It also brings out other bugs, creating a feast for predators like spiders and scorpions.
Common Pests in Tucson After a Storm
Keep an eye out for these pests in and around your home following a rainy period.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are drawn to moisture and can often be found in damp, dark places. Rain can drive them from their outdoor homes in sewers or garden beds, pushing them indoors through cracks, pipes, and drains. The increased humidity inside your home after a storm makes it an even more attractive shelter for them.
Prevention Tips:
- Seal any cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation, walls, and around utility lines.
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets to reduce moisture indoors.
- Keep your kitchen clean, storing food in airtight containers and taking out the trash regularly.
Ants
Ant colonies can be quickly flooded by a heavy downpour. When their nests are washed out, ants will march in search of a new, dry place to live. They often enter homes in large numbers, following scent trails to find food and shelter. You might see long lines of ants along baseboards, countertops, or near pet food bowls.
Prevention Tips:
- Trim back trees and shrubs that touch your house, as ants use them as bridges to get inside.
- Keep surfaces clean and free of crumbs and spills.
- Seal entry points around windows, doors, and foundations.
Scorpions
Bark scorpions, the most common type in Arizona, are excellent climbers and can be found in block walls and attics. Rain can flood their usual hiding spots, forcing them to seek shelter elsewhere. They often find their way indoors through small openings, searching for a dry place to wait out the wet weather.
Prevention Tips:
- Seal cracks in your home’s exterior, especially around pipes and wiring.
- Remove potential hiding spots near your home, such as woodpiles, rocks, and debris.
- Check shoes and shake out clothing before putting them on, as scorpions can hide in unexpected places.
Termites
Subterranean termites, which are prevalent in Arizona, live in underground colonies and need moisture to survive. After a good rain, winged termites (known as “swarmers”) will emerge from their colonies to mate and start new ones. If you see a swarm of what looks like flying ants near your home after a storm, they could be termites.
Prevention Tips:
- Ensure soil around your foundation is graded to drain water away from the house.
- Fix any leaks that could create moist wood, which attracts termites.
- Schedule a professional termite inspection annually to catch any problems early.
Staying Ahead of Post-Rain Pests
While the rain is a blessing for the desert, it doesn’t have to be an open invitation for pests. By taking a few proactive steps, you can enjoy the aftermath of a storm without dealing with an infestation. A routine check of your property for standing water, sealed entry points, and potential hiding spots can make a significant difference.
If you find that pests have already made their way inside, or if you’re dealing with a recurring problem, it might be time to call in professionals. A pest control expert can identify the source of the infestation and create a targeted treatment plan to protect your home year-round, rain or shine.
