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In Middle Tennessee, the weather can be… unpredictable. A nice winter day can be followed by an unexpected cold snap complete with ice and snow, while summer temperatures can go from the 60s to the 90s in the blink of an eye.
We sure get our fair share of rainy days around here. And while the kids might be thrilled to splash around in puddles, homeowners often have a different checklist in mind, like wondering if the crawlspace will flood or whether the laundry made it inside in time.
But here’s one more thing to consider after a good downpour: pests.
You might think all that rain would wash them away, but nope, they just pack up and move. And unfortunately, your home can look like the perfect new spot.
The truth is, standing water and soggy soil can send ants, roaches, rodents, and other unwelcome guests searching for drier ground… and often that means inside your house.
The good news? A few simple steps can make a big difference when it comes to keeping pests out. Let us help you stay a step ahead, because no one wants surprise visitors after the rain stops.
Why Rain and Flooding Lead to Pest Problems
A lot of pests love moisture—some even need it to reproduce. After a big rain, it’s not unusual to see a surge in mosquitoes, ants, and roaches since all that extra water gives them the perfect conditions to thrive.
Unfortunately, rain doesn’t wash pests away like we’d hope. Instead, it often drives them to find new shelter. Flooded nests can send rodents scrambling for dry ground, which might mean your attic, crawlspace, or walls. And when the soil shifts from too much water, pests like termites and ants may start looking for new places to nest, yep, you guessed it, inside your home.
Rain and flooding can also cause water damage, leading to mold and rotting wood, two things pests like carpenter ants and termites can’t resist. So while the rain might seem like a break from bugs, it could actually be the beginning of a new infestation if you’re not prepared.
Common Pests That Appear After Heavy Rain
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes need standing water to breed. They’ll lay their eggs in water that collects in clogged gutters, yard puddles, and other areas after a rain shower or storm. As little as a quarter inch of standing water is necessary for mosquito eggs to hatch.
Ants
When heavy rain falls, the water soaks into the soil, saturating it and flooding ant nests in the process. Ants will often relocate their colonies indoors to avoid saturated soil after a storm.
Roaches
Roaches love moisture, but they can’t handle flooding. If it becomes too wet outside, cockroaches will often move into kitchens, bathrooms, and basements for dry refuge that still offers them the moisture they need to survive.
Centipedes and Silverfish
Centipedes and silverfish are two species of pests that thrive in damp areas. If water seeps inside your home during a storm, these pests will seek out the moist areas in your house.
Rodents
Storms can send rodents fleeing from their flooded burrows in search of dry shelter and food. They may end up in your crawl space, attic, or garage.
How to Prevent Pest Problems After a Storm
If a storm hits, there are things you can do to minimize the chances of pest problems occurring in the days and weeks following. Some of these prevention tips can be done either before or after a storm, while others have to happen after the rain has stopped.
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Remove standing water around your home and property within 24-48 hours.
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Repair and seal cracks in the foundation and siding.
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Clear gutters and downspouts before and after storms.
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Use dehumidifiers in basements or crawl spaces to reduce dampness.
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Keep food tightly sealed and floors clean to avoid attracting pests.
What Not to Do After Flooding
If you’re dealing with flooding in or around your house, it’s easy to make some mistakes that can either lead to pest problems, allow pest problems to grow, or cause other pest-related issues. Avoiding these mistakes following a heavy rainfall can help:
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Never assume pests will leave on their own after the water recedes. If you see pests around your house, they are likely to stick around even after the excess water is gone.
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Try to steer clear of using DIY sprays around water-damaged spots. Most don’t work well when things are damp, and some can even spread through the water.
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If you’re spotting things like droppings or new bugs around the house, don’t brush it off. Those could be early warning signs that it’s time to call in the pros, like our team at All-American Pest Control, to check things out and help you stay ahead of a bigger problem.
When to Call a Pest Control Pro in Middle TN
After a storm hits, do you know when to call the pest experts at All-American Pest Control? You’ll likely see an increase in pest activity after a storm, so how do you know the difference between a one-time sighting and an actual issue? We recommend contacting us if:
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You start having persistent pest sightings after a rainfall
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There are signs of structural damage caused by insects or rodents around your house
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The storms are followed by indoor insect swarms or rodent activity
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You’re concerned about pests in the attic, crawlspace, or foundation of your home
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You’re ready to proactively prevent pest infestations
Contact All-American Pest Control for a Free Home Evaluation
There’s never a bad time to contact All-American Pest Control. Whether you’re reading this because a storm just hit or while in the middle of a dry spell, we offer the services and help necessary to protect your house from pests, no matter the conditions.
By scheduling your free home evaluation, you can get professional recommendations about what needs to be done around your house to protect it from pests. Our experience and training allow us to easily identify entry points, conducive conditions, and pest activity that the untrained eye might miss.
If you’re ready to start protecting your home from pests, we offer a variety of solutions to meet your needs. Our Green Choice Pest Control provides eco-conscious treatments, our Perimeter Plus plan covers over 47 common pests for year-round pest protection, and our Complete Care bundle includes termites and yard pests in addition to our basic pest coverage. Get in touch with us today for all of your pest control needs, storm-related or not.
Your Trusted Nashville, TN Pest Control Experts
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: Adams, Ashburn, Barren Plains, Bethpage, Bransford, Castalian Springs, Cedar Hill, Coopertown, Cottontown, Cross Plains, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Greenbrier, Hartsville, Hendersonville, Madison, Millersville, Orlinda, Pleasentville, Portland, Ridgetop, Springfield, Westmoreland, White House, and the entire Robertson County, Sumner Country and Greater Nashville areas.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or schedule your free home evaluation online.