Arizona’s monsoon season, typically running from June through September, brings a dramatic shift to the desert environment. While it offers a welcome break from the intense heat with its much-needed rainfall and increased humidity, it also triggers a significant surge in insects and arthropod activity.

Increased Moisture and Breeding Grounds

  • Boom in populations: The abundance of water is a primary driver.Many insects, like mosquitoes, lay their eggs in standing water, which becomes plentiful after monsoon rains. This leads to rapid population booms.
  • Favorable conditions: The increased humidity and dampness create ideal environments for many insects to thrive and reproduce.
  • Displaced pests: Heavy rains can flood underground habitats, forcing insects and other arthropods like scorpions, ants, and cockroaches to seek higher and drier ground, often leading them indoors.

Abundant Food Sources

  • Vegetation growth: The rains spur a surge in plant growth, providing ample food and shelter for various insects. Herbivorous insects like aphids, whiteflies, and various beetles flourish.
  • Food chain ripple effect: The thriving insect populations, in turn, provide more food for predators like spiders and scorpions, increasing their numbers as well.

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Mating and Emergence

  • Nuptial flights: Winged ants and termites engage in large mating swarms after the rains.
  • Beetle emergence: Many beetle species, such as Palo Verde root borers and fig beetles, emerge from underground as adults during this time to mate.
  • Tarantula activity: Monsoon season is also tied to increased tarantula activity as males wander in search of mates.

Common Insects, Arthropods You Might See During Monsoon Season

Fernando Torres is the owner of CimeX Control Pest Management.
  • Ants: Various species, including harvester ants, carpenter ants, crazy ants, and fire ants, can be displaced by floods, leading them to seek shelter indoors.
  • Beetles: Fig beetles (Cotinus mutabilis) – Green-bodied with yellowish markings, these scarabs are active during the day and attracted to fruits and plants; Palo Verde root borers (Derobrachus hovorei) – Large, noticeable beetles that fly during the evening. Their grubs develop underground, feeding on roots; Rhinoceros beetles – Harmless but may exude a foul-smelling liquid as a defense; Jewel beetles – Abundant in higher elevation juniper-oak zones.
  • Cicadas: Their buzzing sound is a familiar prelude to and presence during the monsoon season. They spend most of their lives underground as juveniles before emerging.
  • Cockroaches: They thrive in warm, moist environments and can be driven indoors by excessive rain.
  • Crickets: Often swarm during the summer monsoons, seeking water and shelter.
  • Giant Mesquite bugs (Thasus neocalifornicus): Found on mesquite trees, feeding on plant juices.
  • Mosquitoes: Their populations surge due to abundant standing water for breeding.
  • Scorpions: Often flee flooded areas and seek refuge indoors, increasing their visibility.
  • Spiders: Increased insect activity means more food for spiders, leading to their increased presence.
  • Termites: Swarmers emerge after rainy weather to establish new colonies, posing a risk to homes.
  • Tarantula hawks: Large wasps known for their painful sting, often seen during monsoon season.

Protecting Your Home from Monsoon Pests

  • Seal entry points: Inspect and seal cracks, holes, and gaps around doors, windows, and utility lines.
  • Eliminate standing water: Regularly drain puddles, clean gutters, and remove any containers that collect water.
  • Clear debris: Keep your yard tidy by removing piles of wood, leaves, and other debris that can provide shelter for pests.
  • Maintain indoor humidity: Use dehumidifiers in damp areas of your home.
  • Regular pest control: Consider professional pest control services before and during the monsoon season for proactive management.

Understanding the behavior of insects during Arizona’s monsoon season can help residents prepare for and manage the increased presence of these creatures.  Please reach out to Cimex Control for any and all of your pest control needs.

Author: Fernando Torres is the owner of CimeX Control Pest Management. For more information call (480) 364-7499 or visit cimexcontrol.com.