Summer in Arizona brings more than lightning storms and cooler temperatures. Monsoon season also brings increased pest activity as insects and rodents search for food, water, and shelter around homes and businesses.
At Sexton Pest Control, we like to joke that monsoon season is Arizona’s version of Pest Bingo. That’s why we’ve created a free Arizona Pest Bingo Card for homeowners to play along with this summer.
The goal? Have some fun, but don’t let your card fill up before giving us a call.
Why Do Pests Become More Active During Monsoon Season?
Arizona’s hot, dry climate keeps many pests hidden for much of the year. When monsoon rains arrive, moisture and humidity create ideal conditions for insects and other pests to become active.
Rain can also flood underground nests and burrows, forcing pests to relocate. Unfortunately, that often means moving closer to homes, garages, patios, and businesses.
Here are some of the most common pests we see during Arizona’s monsoon season.
Ants
If you’ve ever noticed a trail of ants suddenly appear after a summer storm, you’re not alone.
Monsoon rains can flood ant colonies, causing workers to search for new nesting locations and food sources. Many homeowners first notice ants in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and around pet food.
A few ants may not seem like a big deal, but they often indicate a much larger colony nearby.
Scorpions
Scorpions are one of Arizona’s most recognizable pests, and monsoon season is one of the busiest times of year for sightings.
As soil conditions change and insect activity increases, scorpions become more active hunting for food. Rain can also drive them from their hiding places.
Common areas where homeowners encounter scorpions include:
Block walls
Landscaping rocks
Garages
Patios
Exterior walls
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes don’t need much water to reproduce.
Standing water left behind by summer storms can quickly become a breeding site. Bird baths, clogged gutters, plant saucers, toys, and even small puddles can support mosquito development.
With forecasts predicting a wetter-than-normal summer, mosquito activity may increase across many Arizona communities.
Rodents
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that rodents become more active during monsoon season.
Roof rats and mice often seek dry shelter when storms arrive. They can enter homes through surprisingly small openings in roofs, garages, vents, and utility penetrations.
Some warning signs include:
Droppings
Scratching noises
Chewed materials
Nesting activity
Weeds
Okay, weeds aren’t technically pests but they definitely belong on our Arizona Monsoon Bingo Card.
Monsoon moisture can cause dormant weed seeds to explode into growth almost overnight. Besides affecting curb appeal, weeds can provide shelter for insects and other unwanted pests around your property.
Palo Verde Beetles
One of Arizona’s most famous summer insects is the Palo Verde Beetle.
These giant beetles often emerge during monsoon season and can grow over three inches long. While their appearance may be alarming, adult Palo Verde Beetles are generally harmless to people and homes.
They’re often attracted to lights and become a common sight during summer evenings.
Download Our Arizona Pest Bingo Card
We’ve created a free Arizona Pest Bingo Card to help you track what you’re seeing around your property this summer.
How many spaces can you check off?
If your card is filling up a little too quickly, it may be time to call in the professionals.
Don’t Let Your Pest Bingo Card Fill Up
Monsoon season is one of the busiest times of year for pest activity in Arizona. The earlier pest issues are identified, the easier they are often to manage.
Whether you’re dealing with ants, scorpions, rodents, mosquitoes, termites, or other Arizona pests, Sexton Pest Control has been helping Arizona families and businesses since 1960.
Give us a call today for a free quote and let us help keep your Pest Bingo Card as empty as possible this summer.