Why Does My Garage Get So Many Pests After Rain or Storms in Florida?

After rain or storms in Florida, pests often enter garages because moisture pushes insects out of the ground, humidity rises, and small gaps around the garage door become easy entry points. Storms also wash debris against the door, loosen seals, and create damp areas that attract bugs, roaches, lizards, and spiders.

Storm-Season Garage Pest Guide for Florida Homes

In coastal Florida areas like:



  • Palm Coast
  • St. Augustine
  • Jacksonville
  • Palatka
  • Orange Park
  • Tampa
  • & nearby counties


rain and storms bring sudden humidity, standing water, and ground movement — and pests don’t want to stay outside.

So they look for shelter… and your garage becomes the first dry landing zone.

Why Storms Push Bugs Into Your Garage

Moisture forces pests to move
Ants, roaches, and spiders leave soaked soil and flooded yards to stay dry.


Warm, humid garage air attracts them
Humidity rises inside garages, especially if seals are worn or ventilation is poor.


Wind blows dirt and debris against seals
Sand and debris weaken seals and open tiny door gaps — perfect for crawling insects.


Storm runoff pushes pests toward the home
Water flows downhill, and insects go with it — often right to your garage foundation line.


Lights attract nighttime pests after rain
After storms, insects follow outdoor lights → lizards follow insects → spiders follow lizards.


What You Can Do to Reduce Pests After Rain

Refresh your bottom door seal
A tight rubber seal helps stop crawling pests and blowing sand.


Add side & top weather-stripping
Most bugs enter through hairline cracks around tracks.


Check for gaps after wind & rain
Storm pressure can shift doors slightly — even a tiny gap is an open door for pests.


Improve airflow
Drying the garage faster helps discourage humidity-loving bugs.


Keep lights dim near the garage
Less light = fewer insects = fewer predators following them.

If you see daylight around your garage door, storms will push pests right in.

  • Why are storms worse for garage bugs?

     Heavy rain and heat create moisture that drives pests indoors.

  • Which pests show up most after rain?

     Ants, roaches, palmetto bugs, spiders, silverfish, and lizards are common.


  • Does sealing the garage help?

     Yes — tight seals and proper alignment make the biggest difference.

  • How often should I check weather-seals in storm season?

     Every few months is smart in Florida, especially after hurricanes or long rains.

 When to Call a Garage Door Technician


Contact a garage door professional if:


  • The door isn’t sitting flush on the floor
  • Weather-seals are cracked or soft
  • Water or sand enters under the door
  • You see pests coming through corners or tracks
  • The door shifted after a storm


Correct alignment plus good seals helps protect your garage year-round.


Need Help With Garage Door Sealing in Florida?


If you’d like assistance checking or replacing weather-seals, or making sure your garage door closes tight after storms, you can contact a local garage door technician for support.


Storm-ready. Pest-smart. Built for Florida living.