Why You’re Seeing More Pests After the Rain — And What to Do About It

How Rain Triggers Pest Infestations

Rain does more than soak your lawn. It disrupts the ecosystem pests rely on and changes the conditions both outside and inside your home. Here are the top reasons pest activity spikes after it rains:



1. Flooded Nests and Burrows

Many pests — ants, rodents, and termites included — live underground. When their tunnels or burrows fill with water, they’re forced to find new shelter. That new shelter? Your dry, climate-controlled home or commercial space.

2. Increased Humidity

Moisture attracts pests. Rain increases humidity levels indoors and outdoors, creating perfect breeding grounds for insects like silverfish, cockroaches, and mosquitoes.

3. Standing Water

Water that collects in planters, clogged gutters, or depressions in your yard becomes a mosquito breeding ground. Even a bottle cap of standing water can lead to hundreds of larvae.

4. Structural Vulnerabilities

Rain often reveals or worsens small cracks, leaks, or drainage problems. These become easy entry points for pests like ants, spiders, and rodents.

If your home has poor drainage or is already prone to moisture issues, it becomes a magnet for pest activity following a storm. That's why ProForce Pest Solutions always encourages clients to schedule a post-rain inspection — especially in spring.

5 Common Pests You’ll See After Rain in Long Island

Let’s break down the top offenders that tend to show up after wet weather and how to deal with each.

1. Ants

Why They Appear:

Rainwater floods ant colonies underground, forcing them to relocate quickly. Your home offers warmth, shelter, and a food supply — making it a perfect backup plan.

Where You’ll See Them:

• Around baseboards and window frames
• In the kitchen near food or crumbs
• In bathrooms or laundry rooms seeking moisture

What to Do:

Wipe down counters and floors frequently, store pantry items in sealed containers, and seal small entry points. But if you’re seeing large numbers or repeated trails, that’s a sign of a nearby colony.

ProForce Pest Solutions offers professional ant control that targets both the visible ants and the hidden nest — preventing future invasions.

2. Cockroaches

Why They Appear:

Roaches are drawn to moisture. After rain, damp basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms provide the perfect environment to hide and breed.

Where You’ll See Them:

• Under sinks and appliances
• In laundry rooms and utility closets
• Near drains or floor vents

What to Do:

Eliminate leaks, use a dehumidifier, and clean under appliances. Cockroaches are notoriously hard to eliminate without professional help, especially if you’re seeing them during the day — a sign of a large infestation.

Call ProForce Pest Solutions for fast, effective roach extermination that includes targeted treatments and prevention planning.

3. Termites

Why They Appear:

Spring rains trigger termite swarm season. These winged termites (swarmers) are looking to start new colonies, and damp wood makes an ideal nesting site.

Where You’ll See Them:

• Around windowsills or door frames
• Discarded wings near light fixtures
• Mud tubes along your home’s foundation

What to Do:

Don’t disturb visible termites or their tubes — call for a professional inspection immediately. Damage can escalate quickly and silently. Our termite solutions at ProForce Pest Solutions are designed to stop colonies before they take hold — or eliminate them if they already have.

4. Mosquitoes

Why They Appear:

Mosquitoes breed in standing water. After just a day or two of rain, stagnant puddles around your home can become mosquito nurseries.

Where You’ll See Them:

• Around gutters, planters, and yard debris
• Near ponds, bird baths, or tarps
• Around deck or patio furniture

What to Do:

Dump standing water, clean out gutters, and trim back overgrown vegetation. Still seeing mosquitoes? ProForce offers safe, effective mosquito control that keeps your yard usable all spring and summer long.

5. Rodents

Why They Appear:

Flooded burrows and saturated soil drive rats and mice to seek higher, drier shelter — often inside your home or business. Once in, they may nest in walls, attics, or basements.

Where You’ll See Them:

• Droppings in pantries, garages, or under sinks
• Chewed food packaging or wiring
• Noises in the walls at night

What to Do:

Seal up gaps around vents, foundations, and doors. Keep food sealed and trash covered. Rodents can reproduce quickly, so don’t wait — contact ProForce Pest Solutions for professional rodent control, trapping, and exclusion services.

Post-Rain Pest Prevention Tips

You can’t stop the rain — but you can take steps to protect your home after a storm. Here’s how:

1. Check Drainage

• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Direct water away from your foundation
• Fill low spots in your yard with soil or gravel

2. Eliminate Standing Water

• Dump water from plant pots, buckets, and tarps
• Change water in bird baths every few days
• Store outdoor items upside down when not in use

3. Seal Entry Points

• Use caulk or weather stripping to seal gaps
• Install mesh screens over attic and vent openings
• Repair torn screens and door sweeps

4. Reduce Indoor Moisture

• Use a dehumidifier in basements and crawl spaces
• Fix leaky faucets, pipes, and appliances
• Increase ventilation in bathrooms and laundry areas

5. Keep Things Clean

• Store food in sealed containers
• Wipe up spills promptly
• Take out the trash daily

Even with the best prevention, some pests are too persistent to tackle alone. If you're still noticing pest activity after following these steps, it's time to bring in the professionals.

When to Call ProForce Pest Solutions

You don’t have to wait for a full-blown infestation to take action. In fact, the best pest control is proactive.

Here’s when to call ProForce Pest Solutions:

• You notice pest activity within 48 hours of a storm
• DIY solutions aren’t working
• You’ve found signs of termites or rodents
• You want a full evaluation to catch issues early

Why ProForce?

• Over 30 years of local experience
• Family-owned and community-focused
• Same-day and emergency services available
• Free evaluations
• Licensed and insured technicians
• Discounts for veterans, seniors, and first responders

We provide residential and commercial pest control across Suffolk County, Nassau County, and the five boroughs. No job is too big or too small.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Rain Turn Into a Pest Problem

Rain is unavoidable — pest problems don’t have to be.

Whether you're seeing ants in your kitchen, roaches in your basement, or mosquitoes in your yard, spring weather creates the perfect conditions for pests to move in. Knowing what attracts them and how to keep them out is your first line of defense.

Your second line? ProForce Pest Solutions.

We understand the specific pest pressures that Long Island homeowners and business owners face after rain, and we have the tools and experience to stop infestations before they start.

✅ Schedule a free evaluation
✅ Ask about seasonal pest control plans
✅ Get same-day service when you need it most

👉 Visit ProForce Pest Solutions now to book your service