March winds and April showers bring May flowers, as the saying goes. April rain also brings insects to your home, and it coincides with warmer weather waking some insects from dormant states.
Why Does Bug Activity Increase in Your Home After a Heavy Rainfall?
Like humans, insects seek shelter during the rain. In the case of flying insects, rain can make their wings stick together or add weight that makes flying difficult for them. Heavy rain can even damage the wings of some insects. Unfortunately, mosquitoes can easily fly through rain.
Some insects can sense changes in atmospheric pressure, warning them of a coming storm. Most such insects, such as honeybees, will then stay in their hive or nest. Insects that live on or close to water are often unaffected by rain.
For a normal shower, rain doesn’t necessarily have much impact. Insects typically burrow deep into the ground for protection, but when a storm is especially heavy or rain goes on for days, the water can work its way into its holes and tunnels. The resulting mud can also cause problems, such as making movement difficult, etc.
Insects will then typically seek higher ground, instinctively knowing it’s more likely to be drier. They won’t return to their prior nest until it has dried out.
Your home is cozy, dry – and provides a food source. It also means they’re less susceptible to predators.
How to Deter Insects From Invading Your Home
In addition to preventative treatments to keep insects from entering your home during rainy season, a few simple tips can deter bugs:
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Trim foliage
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Bushes, plants, and tree branches touching your home act like insect highways into your house. Trimming them back will make it harder for bugs to get into windowsills, gutters, etc.
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Seal any holes
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Cracks in masonry, the foundation, vents, shingles, and gaps around pipes, etc. are like open doors for insects. Caulk and fill those openings.
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Have a clean kitchen
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Improperly sealed containers, dirty dishes, etc. are like sending out an invitation for bugs. It basically provides them a free buffet. If you regularly take out trash, vacuum, sweep, and clean up after eating, it creates a less friendly environment for bugs.
What Insects Come Out During Rainy Season?
Long Island gets rain year-round, and that can include extended periods of rain that lasts for days. Spring, however, is prime time for bugs fleeing the rain. During this time of year, you’re most likely to find:
Arrow Can Keep You Insect Free
Don’t risk the health of your family and pets. Call us at Arrow Exterminating for preventative treatments to keep your home bug free. To get started, contact Arrow Exterminating today.
