April Showers Bring May Insects: Rain And Pest Problems
Original Publish Date: April 27th, 2017 | Updated: April 24th 2025
During an April downpour, insects are probably the last thing on your mind. However, you’re more likely to have pest problems on your property after rains than before.
Wet, rainy climates are the perfect environment for many insects because moisture aids development. Some bugs aren’t active while it’s raining, but they’ll be out in full force to take advantage of the weather as soon as it stops.
Here’s How Rain Showers Worsen Pest Problems + What to Do About It:
Standing Water Is a Mosquito Breeding Ground
One of the biggest pest problems associated with spring showers is mosquitoes. Because they are so well adapted to wet climates, mosquitoes can fly in the rain, while other insects, like ants, have to seek shelter.
Pesky mosquitoes exclusively lay their eggs in standing water, and they only need an inch-deep puddle to start the reproduction process.
More horrifically, those eggs will hatch and mature very quickly, progressing through a complete metamorphosis life cycle. In as little as 24 hours, eggs will hatch into larvae, and in about a week, they’ll progress to the short pupal stage before becoming an imago.
As soon as the rain passes, assess the outdoor area of your property around your home. Eliminate any standing water you see, whether pooling in planters, low spots in your yard, or elsewhere. Also, check the gutters and ensure they’re working correctly so the water will drain properly the next time there’s a rainstorm.
Termites LOVE Water-Damaged Wood
Termites love wood, but their absolute favorite snack is water-damaged wood because it’s softer and easier to chew through.
Termite colonies tend to prefer targeting the waterlogged and weakened parts of a home. Walk around the perimeter of your house and look for discolored or rotted spots. Pay careful attention to the roofline-skirting fascia, the underside of the decks, and around the foundation.
Rain Encourages Vegetation Growth
If you’re a gardener, you want your plants to grow, but bountiful blooming flowers and vegetables can attract the wrong attention from pests.
April showers ultimately increase the food source for many garden pests. Rain also increases the moisture content in plants, which is a water source for some insects. In addition to beneficial honeybees and butterflies, you may notice more destructive pests like aphids after it rains.
Rainy Seasons Allow Bugs to Grow Larger
Because insects’ usual food sources (plants) are abundant after a shower, a good rainy season is often marked by insects that are larger in size and number. Entomologists have noted that warm, moist climates are ideal for insect growth and development.
Ants Evacuate Hills and Seek Dry Shelter
Ground-dwelling ant colonies can handle a light shower without problem, but when it pours, their nests will flood and leave the colony homeless.
Upon the first sign of rain, ants evacuate their nests, either fleeing to the nearest dry, covered shelter or moving to higher ground to build a new nest.
Often, a person’s home is the first dry, safe haven ants find. To stop ants from entering your home, seal around the doors, windows, and foundation, eliminating ant access points.
Got Pest Problems After Rain Showers?
If you have pest problems on your lawn, in your home, or elsewhere on the property after rain showers, call Vulcan Termite & Pest Control at (205) 663-4200; we’re here to help!
Our team of integrative pest management professionals has proudly devoted the last 40+ years to providing families in Birmingham and nearby communities with the practical, lasting, and comprehensive solutions they need to end problems with pests on their property.
Call or contact us online today, and we’ll gladly perform a FREE evaluation and create and implement an effective strategy using our tried-and-true methods so you and your family can enjoy a pest-free home.