Humid and Desert Pests: Curb Your Climate’s Critter

No matter where you live, they will find you. 

From the driest of deserts to the stickiest of swamps, pests inhabit every corner of the Earth, including Antarctica. Unless you’re Bubble Boy, you can’t escape the creepy crawlies — but you can do a few things to prevent them from invading your house.    

Check out this list of the top dry climate and humid weather pests and how to keep them outdoors where they belong. 

HUMID CLIMATE PESTS

1. Silverfish

They’re not silver, nor are they fish, but these bugs do love water. Often found in damp areas like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens, these wingless insects find their way into your home through unsealed cracks and gaps. Keep these fake fish away by cleaning up dirty dishes, fixing torn screens, and using a dehumidifier in moist spaces.  

2. Earwigs

Don’t let the name fool you. Earwigs won't wiggle inside your ear and into your brain, but once they've infested your home, you won't be able to get them off your mind. The misnomer comes from tales told by early Europeans, who believed earwigs laid eggs inside the heads of sleeping victims. In reality, they’re much more interested in burrowing into moist topsoil, and finding dark, humid areas inside your home. If you have earwigs, consider adding a vapor barrier to areas like crawlspaces and basements to help dehumidify your home.   

3. Drain Flies

Drain flies really live up to their title. They love dirty, damp places, and your drain is just that. Standing water in kitchen sinks, bathrooms, and garbage disposals are where they breed — and fast. It only takes 48 hours for these intruders to reproduce, which means a nuisance can turn into a full-blown infestation in no time. The best tip for prevention? Use a drain trap to catch scraps and never put oil or grease down the sink — it’ll just solidify into a tasty meal for flies.       

DRY CLIMATE PESTS

1. Rats & Mice

Turns out we aren’t the only ones who like chilling inside with the AC on in the summer. Unfortunately, rodents do too. In humid climates, rats and mice seek shelter during colder months, but in the desert, it’s just the opposite. When the weather’s hot and dry, rodents come inside in search of food, water, and relief from the sun. These pests can do structural damage to your home, so if a few mousetraps don’t prevent a looming ratpocalypse, it’s best to call in the pros.

2. Scorpions

Fun fact: scorpions are more closely related to spiders and ticks than insects (being terrifying must run in the family). But unlike their arachnid cousins, scorpions only crawl indoors when they’re hunting or seeking shelter from extreme weather, like heavy rain or severe heat. Once inside, they hide under cabinets or in garages and basements. Scorpions eat other bugs, so cut off their food source with regular pest control to keep their prey away.

3. Subterranean Termites

Termites in the desert? That’s not a mirage. Even if you’re surrounded by sand and cacti without a tree in sight, these tiny monsters can still thrive. Subterranean termites are dry climate pests that settle into soil. Once they’ve built a colony underground, they dig mud tubes to reach wooden structures like your home. They’ll look for water inside, so if you see a suspicious winged bug in your sink, toilet, or tub, it’s time to schedule a termite inspection.

Need a hand? Give Arrow a call.
You can’t run. But pests can’t hide — especially from the professionals. We’re ready to help, with locations in nearly every climate. Contact us anytime, rain or shine.