Pests to Watch For Following Heavy Rain in Crawfordsville
Here in Crawfordsville, a good summer rainstorm can be a welcome sight, breaking the heat and watering our lawns. But once the storm passes, you might notice some unwelcome visitors inside your home. Heavy rain saturates the ground, flooding the natural habitats of many common pests and forcing them to seek higher, drier ground—often, that means your house.
If you’re suddenly seeing more creepy crawlies than usual after a downpour, you're not alone. At Green Haven Pest Control, we understand the unique pest pressures that Indiana weather can create. Here’s a look at which pests to watch for after heavy rain and what you can do about them.
Which Pests Come Indoors After Rain?
When the soil becomes oversaturated, many ground-dwelling creatures need to escape or risk drowning. This forces them to migrate, and your home's foundation offers the perfect refuge.
Ants: Just like us, ants don't appreciate a flooded home. Heavy rains will wash away their nests and pheromone trails, sending entire colonies scrambling for a dry place to regroup. You’ll often find them marching into kitchens and bathrooms, seeking food and a safe place to rebuild.
Cockroaches: These notoriously resilient pests thrive in damp environments, but even they have their limits. Sewers and pipes where they often live can flood during a storm, pushing them up through drains and into your home. They will typically head for dark, moist areas like basements, crawl spaces, and under-sink cabinets.
Millipedes & Centipedes: You'll commonly find these "hundred-leggers" in your basement or on the ground floor after a rainstorm. They typically live in mulch, under rocks, and in the soil. When these areas get too wet, they migrate indoors in search of shelter. While mostly a nuisance, their appearance is a sure sign of moisture issues.
Mosquitoes: While not seeking shelter in your home, the aftermath of rain creates a perfect breeding ground around your home. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, and even a small bottle cap full of rainwater is enough for a new generation to hatch. This is why you'll notice a spike in their population a few days after a storm, making your yard an itchy, unpleasant place to be.
Rodents: Rats and mice often live in burrows that can quickly flood during a heavy downpour. This will send them scurrying for a warm, dry place to nest, and a small crack in your foundation or a gap under a door is an open invitation.
Proactive Prevention: Your First Line of Defense
As a homeowner, you can take several steps to make your home less inviting for these rain-loving pests.
Seal Entry Points: Carefully inspect your home's foundation, walls, and siding for any cracks or holes. Use caulk or sealant to close these gaps. Pay close attention to where utility pipes enter the house.
Ensure Proper Drainage: Make sure your gutters are clean and that downspouts direct water several feet away from your foundation. Poor drainage creates the damp conditions that attract pests.
Eliminate Standing Water: After a rain, walk around your property and empty any containers holding water—flowerpots, birdbaths, old tires, tarps, and toys are common culprits. This is the single most effective way to reduce the mosquito population.
Keep Basements and Crawl Spaces Dry: Use a dehumidifier in damp areas to make them less hospitable to moisture-loving pests like cockroaches and millipedes.
When Prevention Isn't Enough: Green Haven to the Rescue
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, pests find their way in. That’s when you need a professional "pest control near me." At Green Haven Pest Control, we offer solutions tailored to your specific needs and budget.
One-Time General Pest Service (Starting at $150): If you’re dealing with a sudden invasion of ants or millipedes after a storm, our one-time service is the perfect solution to quickly address the problem and restore your peace of mind.
Monthly Pest Control Plans (Starting at $39/month): For homeowners in Crawfordsville looking for year-round protection, our monthly plans are the most effective and affordable option. Our Basic Plan ($39/mo), Standard Plan ($59/mo), and Premium Plan ($99/mo) create a continuous barrier around your home, stopping pests before they can get inside, rain or shine. These plans are especially effective for controlling persistent issues like mosquitoes and ants.
Don't let the rain bring an army of pests into your home. For a personalized consultation and a free, no-obligation quote, contact the local experts at Green Haven Pest Control. Visit us at greenhavenpestcontrol.com or give us a call today, and let us help you keep your home safe and dry.
