Monsoon season in Arizona brings a much-needed break from the heat, but it can also invite a surge of unwanted visitors. Dessert blossoms and vibrant brittle brush aren’t the only things that bloom after the rainy season; pests are a common sight after Arizona rainstorms.
Arizona Pests
Arizona’s unique desert landscape is home to a wide variety of pests, and pest activity peaks during the monsoon season, which typically runs from June through August. The combination of warm weather and sudden rainfall creates the perfect environment for insects to thrive. As the storms arrive, you’ll notice a surge in insect activity.
By staying alert and understanding which insects are most common during monsoon season, you can better protect your home and family from unwanted guests. Let’s explore five of the most common Arizona monsoon bugs and how to keep them from invading your space.
1. Arizona Monsoon Beetles
Often seen clumsily flying around porch lights after a summer rain, Arizona monsoon beetles, also known as June beetles, are large, shiny, and unmistakable. They’re most active at dusk and are especially drawn to moisture and light, two things abundant during monsoon season in Phoenix. The adult beetle is most visible during the monsoon season, while other beetles, such as fig beetles and rhinoceros beetles, may also be active at this time.
How to Deter Them:
- Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights at night.
- Use yellow “bug” light bulbs, which are less attractive to insects.
- Seal gaps around windows and doors.
2. Cockroaches
Monsoon rains can flood the underground habitats of cockroaches, driving them into homes for shelter. These resilient pests thrive in the moisture-rich conditions that monsoons create, and once they’re inside, they’re hard to get rid of.
How to Deter Them:
- Keep drains and garbage disposals clean and dry.
- Eliminate standing water around your home.
- Seal entry points like vents and wall gaps.
3. Scorpions
Scorpions are a year-round issue in Arizona, but they’re more active during the monsoon season. Heavy rains can displace them from their burrows, forcing them to seek shelter inside homes, garages, and sheds.
How to Deter Them:
- Clear debris, firewood, and rocks from around your house.
- Install door sweeps and weather stripping.
- Use UV light to inspect and remove them safely.
4. Mosquitoes
Rainwater from monsoons creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes, turning flower pots, gutters, and puddles into nurseries. These pests are not just annoying, they can also carry diseases like West Nile Virus.
How to Deter Them:
- Dump standing water every 2–3 days.
- Install screens on windows and doors.
5. Termites
While they often go unnoticed, termites become more active during the monsoon season due to the increased moisture. Swarming termites are a common sight in the evenings after heavy rains.
How to Deter Them:
- Keep woodpiles and mulch away from your home’s foundation.
- Fix leaky faucets and improve drainage around your home.
- Schedule annual termite inspections, especially after monsoon season.
Don’t Let Monsoon Season Bugs Ruin Your Summer
Arizona’s monsoon season brings beauty and bugs. But with a few proactive steps, you can keep these pests at bay. At Bill’s Pest and Termite Control, we know how to protect your home from the seasonal surge of monsoon bugs in Arizona. From monsoon beetles in Arizona to elusive scorpions, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today, and we’ll help you keep your home bug-free, rain or shine.
