Your Guide to 2025 Arizona Monsoon Season and Pests

Every summer, families throughout Phoenix and across the Valley brace themselves for the natural impacts of monsoon season. While the rain offers some relief from the heat, it also creates the perfect catalyst for insects, bugs, and other pests to retreat to the nearest shelter — your home.  After each summer storm, there’s an increase in moisture and humidity, which makes the perfect breeding ground for bugs and insects. 

You might have noticed a few more ants on your counters. Or maybe you caught a cockroach darting across your garage floor—it could have been a shadow, but this time of year it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

This blog goes over everything an Arizona homeowner needs to know about pest patterns during monsoon season. We explain why insects and creepy crawlers tend to invade after major rain storms, and which bugs cause the biggest problems. We also cover simple at-home tips to manage pest populations, and advice on when to call a professional. 

Why Do Bugs Invade During Monsoon Season?

Rain from heavy storms brings new vegetation to your yard, neighborhood, and the entire region. With all this lush growth comes more food sources for bugs. As the rain soaks into the desert ground, it drives pests out of their usual hiding spots. Many of these creatures seek dry refuge, and in a sprawling metro like Phoenix, the closest shelter is often your home.

Which Insects Thrive the Most During Rainy Months?

Certain pests (like mosquitoes and crane flies) are only an issue during monsoon season. Our dry climate naturally keeps populations under control, but monsoon rain leaves behind standing water where these insects  thrive.

Desert pests like Argentine ants, American cockroaches, scorpions, silverfish, termites, crickets, and mosquitoes don’t just stop at your doorstep. They find their way into kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and bedrooms, looking for food, water, and a safe place to breed. If you spot just a few after a storm, you can expect even more in the weeks ahead.

Common Monsoon Pests in Phoenix: What Families Need to Watch For

Many different insects are active during monsoon season. Knowing how to spot them early and understanding the risks they pose can help you protect your family and home. Here are six of the most common summer pests in Phoenix, Arizona:

Ants

How to identify ant infestations early

Argentine ants are small, dark brown insects that move in long, visible trails. They are noticeable along walls, countertops, and even outdoor patios. Early signs of infestation include groups of ants clustered near food sources, especially in kitchens and pantries. They contaminate food and their population grows quickly if not treated. 

Homeowners can prevent ant infestations by sealing entry points, keeping food sealed, and using targeted ant bait treatments.

Cockroaches 

Differences between German and American cockroaches

There are two common cockroach species to watch for: American cockroaches and German cockroaches. 

• American cockroaches are large, reddish-brown, and usually about 1.5 to 2 inches long. They move at a medium-fast speed, just slow enough to get squished by an attentive onlooker. 
• German cockroaches are smaller, light brown or tan with parallel markings on their head, roughly  ½ inch long. They move quickly, and they populate aggressively. A single female can lay thousands of eggs a month, so by the time you’ve even realized the issue, it’s already severe. 

Signs of a serious cockroach infestation

Identifying early signs of a roach infestation is challenging, since they tend to hide in dark, damp spaces. Common warning signs to look for include droppings that resemble coffee grounds, oily smears in unusual spots, and a lingering musty odor.  Professional treatment is often needed to fully eliminate roach colonies. Ongoing treatment usually requires an integrated approach. Managing moisture in the home and sealing cracks makes it harder for roaches to find their way in. Meanwhile, targeted spray treatments and bait stations handle the stragglers.

Scorpions

Why scorpions invade after a storm

The Arizona bark scorpion is common around Phoenix and is easily recognized by its slender body and curved tail. After a storm, be sure to check common scorpion hiding spots like shoes, closets, and garages. Scorpions flock indoors during monsoons as their burrows are flooded. The weather changes also affect their ability to hunt, forcing them to seek alternative food sources like your pantry. 

What to do if you see scorpions inside your house

Scorpion stings are painful and can be dangerous for children and pets. Regular home inspections, sealing gaps, and removing clutter can help. However, if you notice scorpions inside, reach out to our team for a free next-day in-home estimate. Even one scorpion in your home should be a cause for concern this time of year.

Mosquitoes

Common issues with mosquito infestations

Mosquitoes are small, flying insects that are most active at dawn and dusk. You may have a growing mosquito population if you notice more itchy bites, see mosquitoes hovering near standing water, or hear their high-pitched buzzing. In rare cases, they can spread diseases like West Nile or the Zika virus, but usually they are just a nuisance to have around. The first treatment approach should be focused on removing standing water around the home. 

How to get rid of mosquitoes permanently

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in still water and tend to linger nearby. Having large pools of still water on your property can be an issue for many other reasons. Beyond attracting several pest species, standing water is a host to bacteria and parasites, and can lead to mold and mildew issues over time. If mosquitoes are becoming unmanageable despite efforts to clear rainwater, it may be time to call an expert. Regular fogging treatments are a great option for keeping mosquitos out of your hair while you address water issues.

Termites

How to find and identify termite colonies

Termites are pale, soft-bodied insects often found in or near wooden structures. The most common signs of infestation are mud tubes along walls, hollow-sounding wood, and discarded wings near doors or windows. While termites don’t pose any direct threat to humans or animals, they cause nearly $40 billion in damages globally each year. Termites destroy a home’s structure by eating through wood and cellulose-based insulation. An infestation can go undetected for a long period of time while termites tunnel through major structural components. 

Hire a termite removal expert 

Professional treatment is expensive, but it is the only way to get guaranteed results. Professional inspection at the earliest signs of termite trouble will help preserve your home value in the long-run. This is not something to cut corners on!

Crickets

The hidden dangers of cricket infestations

Crickets are small, brown or black insects that chirp loudly at night. You might notice them around lights or find eggs in damp areas like laundry rooms or basements. While crickets themselves are fairly harmless, they can attract other pests such as spiders and scorpions. 

How to manage cricket problems at home

The best way to manage crickets, and their natural predators, is to keep landscaping trim and tidy. Applying diatomaceous earth is an easy, non-toxic option to handle occasional cricket activity. For long-term cricket management, avoid letting garbage or compost pile up and consider adding regular perimeter treatments.

More Than Just a Summer Problem

Some people assume that once the monsoon season ends and the storms die down, their pest problems will disappear, too. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. After they’ve found their way in during the wet season, problem pests will continue to live, breed, and build habitats throughout your home. Once they find food, water, and shelter, they’re not eager to move out. The population will continue to grow until they are exterminated or completely out of resources.

Monsoon Pests Affect Your Family’s Comfort and Health

Left unchecked, a small summer infestation can become a year-round headache. Pest problems that start during the monsoon often get worse through fall and winter, spreading deeper into walls, attics, and basements.

Understanding these pests and their risks can help families in Phoenix stay ahead of monsoon infestations. Act early and contact Sage Solutions Pest Control to keep your home pest-free and comfortable all year long. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. 

How to Target Infestations Now and Plan for Prevention

If you want to protect your family and your home, it’s important to take early action if you suspect a problem. Targeting infestations during monsoon season means you’re fighting pests when they’re most active and vulnerable. Effective treatment now can prevent a much bigger infestation later on. But getting rid of pests once isn’t enough. Ongoing maintenance is the best way to keep bugs at bay, both through the humid summer months and all year long.

An effective pest control plan goes beyond spraying for bugs. At Sage Solutions Pest Control, we do a thorough inspection to identify the root causes of your pest problem. Our targeted approach destroys active pest colonies while isolating and eliminating the source of your infestation. 

Why Professional Pest Control is Essential in Phoenix

Phoenix families trust Sage Solutions Pest Control for safe, family-friendly pest treatments. Our team understands the unique challenges of desert pests and the dramatic changes that come with Arizona’s desert climate. We offer customized treatment options tailored to your specific home, your family’s needs, and your specific pest population.

How Sage Solutions Pest Control Can Help Your Family

We don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Our experts carefully inspect your property to evaluate the true scope of your pest troubles. We use proven, safe methods to eliminate infestations right away, targeting pests like ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes, scorpions, termites, silverfish, and crickets at the source. Our technicians communicate every step in the process to help you feel comfortable with your unique treatment plan.

Contact Sage Solutions Pest Control today for a FREE next-day in-home inspection.