Arizonans are very familiar with the word, Monsoon. Whether this sparks excitement or fear, one thing we can all agree on is that the increase in thunderstorms and rainfall offers a break from the summer heat and dryness. However, we are not the only ones that like a break from the heat – insects do too.
Tucson has had very little rainfall for the past few years and that changed this summer with this year’s record-breaking monsoon storms. And now we are seeing an increase in swarming insects, including pests like flies, mosquitoes, and moths.
Monsoons and Swarming Flies
The monsoon rains provide the perfect conditions for flies to thrive. When you have an increase in rain, you will see an increase in flies. Flies need a moist environment to lay and hatch their eggs. Only 2-4% of the 900 eggs that flies lay ever hatch. If there is more rain, this increases the chances of the eggs hatching.
Also, monsoons bring more weeds and they can grow fast and tall! Weeds provide shelter for the flies, so remove the weeds and discourage flies from hanging around. Grow a little basil too, flies can not tolerate the smell of basil and it may help keep flies away from your home.
Swarming Mosquitoes
Flies may be obnoxious; however, we all know the pest most associated with water is the dreaded mosquito. An increase in rainfall will bring mosquito infestations. Swarming mosquitoes are looking for places with standing water to lay eggs. Monsoon rains fill birdbaths, old tires, buckets, outdoor pools, and other areas where rainwater has collected. These provide perfect places for mosquitoes to breed.
Make sure you empty any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes take no time to lay their eggs and shortly after you will provide a buffet for their babies!
Conquistador Pest & Termite recently introduced a US-EPA registered mosquito trap that provides a solution to the mosquito infestation the monsoons have brought. With a mosquito trap, you no longer worry about mosquito bites and the diseases they may transmit. You can relax and enjoy your mosquito-free yard.
The mosquito trap attracts the female mosquito to the smell of water in the trap. As she lays eggs in it, she becomes contaminated by larvicide. Then she finds another site to lay eggs, spreading the larvicide there as well. Thus, the adult mosquito and its offspring are killed, both inside the trap and in surrounding areas.
Swarming Moths
Mosquitos aren’t the only swarming insects you have to worry about right now – we have moths too! Have you seen lots of the big yellow/green caterpillars, so many that it looks like the ground is rolling or a yellow sea? Due to the intense monsoon, there is plenty of food for these guys to munch on! These caterpillars turn into the white-lined sphinx moth.
Now moths aren’t the most harmful of the pests nor can they give you a deadly disease like the mosquito; however, they can cause plenty of damage to your clothes, food, and other items in your home they consider food. Moths are also known to stir up allergies, adult moths produce glycoproteins located on their bodies and wings if inhaled can cause an allergic reaction.
Moths thrive in humid surroundings so make sure your food and clothes are kept in a dry place. Make sure clothes are washed and place clothes that aren’t worn often in airtight containers. Also, consider pungent mothballs and keeping the outside lights on at night to a minimum.
Make sure your home is not easy for these swarming insects to get inside. They’re probably going to continue to be out there through most of the rest of monsoon season.
Conquistador Pest & Termite Control offers pest control measures for swarming insects. Call us today to speak with our qualified professionals about getting your pest problem taken care of!
Call us today for more information or visit our services page. You won’t regret it!
Sources
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Spalding Labs... https://spalding-labs.com/support/fly_control_support/w/guide_to_fly_control/220.more-rain-more-flies.aspxSpalding Labs... https://spalding-labs.com/support/fly_control_support/w/guide_to_fly_control/220.more-rain-more-flies.aspx
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AZ Family... https://tucson.com/news/local/whats-up-with-all-of-the-flies-and-mosquitoes-blame-tucsons-monsoon-rainsAZ Family... https://tucson.com/news/local/whats-up-with-all-of-the-flies-and-mosquitoes-blame-tucsons-monsoon-rains
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AZ Family....https://www.azfamily.com/AZ Family....https://www.azfamily.com/
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Healthline....https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-moths#takeawayHealthline....https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-moths#takeaway
