Monsoon Season and Rodents in Apache Junction, AZ.

We cannot say how many animals move because of a storm, and nobody can promise it. What is well understood is that heavy rain can flood burrows and dens and soak nesting material. Animals that lose their shelter look for another, and a house, garage or vehicle can look like a dry place.

Storms also move debris, knock branches onto roofs and create gaps. Damaged flashing or a loosened vent can become a new way in.

• Walk the roofline and check vents, flashing and tile or shingle edges.
• Trim branches and fronds that touch the roof so they cannot bridge to it.
• Clear debris from the base of walls and from under stored material.
• Seal gaps at garage door corners and utility entries.
• Store pet food and birdseed in sealed containers.

These are the same steps in our seasonal walk-around guide, with the storm timing in mind. See the seasonal rodent-proofing walk-around for the full list.

When the rain stops and it is safe, look around. A few minutes can catch problems early.

If your lot borders open ground, storm runoff may change the lot edge. Soil can erode, brush can pile up and burrows can be exposed. Mention the lot edge on the call, and the technician will check it. We do not claim that your property is more or less at risk. We look and report.

• Do not climb on a wet or hot roof to inspect it.
• Do not plug a hole while an animal may be inside.
• Do not spread loose bait where rain, pets or children can reach it.
• Do not sweep up droppings dry.

Federal rules limit consumer rodenticides to bait stations, and the EPA page in our sources explains why. Rain also spreads loose poison, which is a risk to pets and wildlife.

You do not have to treat monsoon as an emergency. Treat it as a good moment for a short walk-around, one before and one after the season. If you find signs, call and describe them. Rodent exclusion closes the gaps and inspection and estimates covers the first visit.

Storm runoff leaves behind wet leaves, branches and trash that can pile up against walls. That debris is shelter. Clear it back from the base of the house once it is dry, and check places where water pools near the foundation.

If you see a burrow that appeared after rain, photograph it and keep pets away. Do not fill it yourself without advice, because blocking a burrow can push an animal toward the house.

Noise in the ceiling during a storm can be thunder, wind, a loose roof piece or an animal. Wait until it is safe, then listen again at night, and note the time and place. The line is open 24/7 if you want to talk it through.