Arizona residents should start to take precautions to protect themselves and their homes from pests that emerge in large amounts during monsoon season.

Many insects, rodents, and reptiles start to shift and migrate to cool, moist areas including spaces in and around homes.

Here are a few simple ways to protect and inform yourself during monsoon season:

1. Insect Infestation
Insects love humidity, it’s what sets them off when it comes to reproduction. Keep an eye out for ants, termites, bees, and ticks. Be aware that bugs may congregate in irrigation systems, pools, or leaks around the house. Dogs can be affected by the large amounts of ticks, take careful precautions to protect animals from infestation.

2. Rodent Invasion
Big roof rats will multiply in September-November and throughout the winter. These are very destructive rodents and will eat tree fruit, destroy insulation in homes, and spread fecal waste wherever they go. Make sure to set plenty of traps and keep all food in sealed containers during these winter months.

3. Reptile Raid
Scorpions, rattle snakes, and Sonoran Desert toads all love monsoon season. They are looking for a cool, moist place to stay. They can be found in plant pots, in garages, under bushes and trees in the morning, puddles, run off ponds, and in pools. Be very aware during monsoon season to not approach or handle any of these animals as they are all dangerous and poisonous.

4. Spider Conquest
Many spiders such as the black widow and wolf spider can be poisonous so it is very important to be aware of the areas they thrive in. Leaking water, hose bibs, irrigation systems, and air conditioning pipes are all places dangerous spiders might be found. Tarantulas are also out and about during this time, although they are not known to bite people.

Taking proper precautions could prevent a harmful encounter with a monsoon pest. Cutting off these pests water supply is the best ways to keep them from ransacking a home.