Thunderstorms can be a welcome reprieve from the relentless heat in southern Arizona, but they can also bring a host of pest problems into homes and yards. As a local, family-owned pest control business serving greater Tucson and the southern Arizona region, Bill’s Home Service prioritizes educating homeowners on what to look out for after a storm and the best methods for home protection.

Scorpions

Why They Appear: The increase in insect activity after a storm can attract scorpions, as insects are their primary food source.

DIY Solutions:

• Reduce Clutter: Remove debris and clutter from your yard and around your home’s foundation which makes great hiding places for scorpions to escape the daytime heat.
• Seal Openings: Inspect and seal gaps around doors, windows, and utility lines. Scorpions only need the width of a credit card to fit through a gap!

Professional Solutions: Pest control maintenance programs are effective in targeting scorpions directly. In addition, consistent pest control treatments will also target the pests that scorpions feast on – making your home less appealing for scorpions.

Cockroaches

Why They Appear: Heavy rains can flush cockroaches out of their outdoor hiding places and into your home in search of food and shelter.

DIY Solutions:

• Seal Entry Points: Check and seal cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and foundations. In addition, cockroaches commonly find their way in through drains, so securely cover drains in sinks and showers that aren’t frequently used.
• Keep It Clean: Maintain a clean kitchen and store food in airtight containers to reduce attractants.

Professional Solutions: Our pest control maintenance programs are specifically designed to apply targeted treatments that create and maintain a barrier around your home and keep roaches out.

Ants

Why They Appear: Heavy rains can flood ant nests, driving them indoors in search of dry ground. Once inside, they often establish new colonies.

DIY Solutions:

• Seal Entry Points: Check and seal cracks around windows, doors, and foundations.
• Bait Traps: Place ant baits near entry points to attract and eliminate the entire colony.

Professional Solutions: Proper identification of the ant species is essential to effective ant control. Our experts can identify ant species and apply targeted treatments to eliminate infestations and prevent future problems.

Termites

Why They Appear: Subterranean termites are attracted to moisture, and the damp soil after a thunderstorm can make your home more appealing to them.

DIY Solutions:

• Reduce Moisture: Ensure proper drainage around your home and repair any leaks promptly.
• Regular Inspections: Walk around the perimeter of your home looking for mud tubes or damaged wood.

Professional Solutions: Although some pests can be treated using DIY methods, the destructive capabilities of termites call for professional treatments. Our team can conduct thorough inspections and provide effective treatments options to protect your home from termites.

Rodents

Why They Appear: Rodents, like rats and mice, seek shelter from the wet conditions and may find their way into homes through small openings.

DIY Solutions:

• Seal Openings: Inspect and seal gaps around doors, windows, and utility lines. Rats can typically fit through a hole the size of your thumb and mice only need a hole the size of your pinky finger!
• Keep Food Secure: Store food in airtight containers and maintain a clean kitchen.

Professional Solutions: We offer comprehensive rodent control, including trapping, exclusion, and monitoring to keep your home rodent-free.

Thunderstorms can bring much-needed rain to our arid region, but they can also lead to an increase in pest activity. By being proactive and taking preventive measures, you can minimize the impact of these pests on your home. If you’re dealing with persistent pest problems, don’t hesitate to contact us at Bill’s Home Service. Our experienced team has served southern Arizona for 60 years and we’re here to help you protect your home and enjoy a pest-free environment.

For more information or to schedule a service, visit our website at www.BillsHomeService.com or call us at (520) 277-2719. Stay safe and pest-free!