Summary: Rain may seem like a natural pest deterrent, but most insects and rodents are experts at surviving storms. Ants, cockroaches, rodents, spiders, and mosquitoes all find creative ways to hide, often moving closer to our homes. This blog explains how pests survive the rain and why professional pest control is key to keeping them out.
Heavy rain can feel like an easy solution when it comes to preventing pests. After all, how could tiny insects and rodents possibly survive the downpour? The truth is that most pests are resourceful survivors. Rain may temporarily disrupt their activity, but it also drives many of them closer to our homes in search of shelter.
Let’s take a closer look at how common pests in the Pacific Northwest survive storms, where they hide, and why that often means more pest activity inside your house.
Ants on the Move
Ant colonies are especially vulnerable to flooding because many species build their nests in soil. When heavy rain soaks the ground, ants evacuate before they drown. This is why you might suddenly notice long lines of ants invading kitchens and bathrooms after storms. They’re looking for dry ground, food, and warmth. If they find entry points into your home, they will start establishing their colonies indoors.
Cockroaches Thriving
Cockroaches are notorious for thriving in damp environments, which makes damp weather a blessing and a curse for them. Flooding can destroy outdoor roach habitats, the excess moisture driving them into nearby houses. Once inside, cockroaches seek out dark and damp spaces in the basement, garage, bathroom, and kitchen. Due to their resistance to standard pesticides, roaches are tough to eliminate without professional services.
Rodents Seeking Shelter
Rats and mice are skilled at finding safe hiding places when it rains. But sewers, storm drains, and burrows often flood during heavy rain, so rodents are forced to look for dry alternatives. Unfortunately, homes, garages, and sheds make perfect shelters. Rodents can squeeze through tiny openings, as rats fit through gaps the size of a quarter and mice the size of a pencil. This gives them plenty of choices for safe shelters from the water.
Ground-Dwelling Pests
Spiders, earwigs, silverfish, and centipedes often get displaced when their natural hiding spots are soaked. Although the latter 3 pests love moisture, heavy rain can be dangerous due to their small sizes. These pests usually take refuge under siding, in wall voids, or inside basements. While spiders help control insect populations, most of us (we don’t want to speak for everyone) don’t want them moving in after every storm.
Mosquitoes After the Storm
Rain doesn’t eliminate mosquitoes – as nice as that would be – since they need water for their eggs. Standing water after a storm creates ideal breeding sites for these bloodsuckers. Birdbaths, clogged gutters, and puddles can turn into mosquito nurseries within days. That’s why mosquito problems often spike a week or two after periods of heavy rain, especially in spring and summer.
Keep Pests Out, Rain or Shine
Pests are survivors, which means they won’t let a little water stop them. Storms often push them closer to our homes, especially in the colder months. Sealing entry points, clearing gutters, and reducing clutter are great preventative steps, but professional pest control ensures lasting protection.At Pointe Pest Control, our licensed technicians provide year-round solutions to keep your home protected. Whether you’re dealing with ants after a storm or mosquitoes in the summer, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our customized service plans that will keep your home pest-free, rain or shine!
Citations
Battling pests during the Pacific Northwest rainy season. (n.d.). Brooks. Retrieved September 29, 2025, from https://www.brookspest.com/blog/battling-pests-during-the-pnw-rainy-season/
