When Drought Strikes Montville: How Thirsty Insects Are Invading Your Home

Montville Township residents are experiencing an unprecedented challenge as ongoing drought conditions across New Jersey are driving water-desperate insects directly into their homes. The environmental consequences of drought include losses in plant growth; increases in fire and insect outbreaks, creating a perfect storm that’s forcing local pests to seek alternative water sources in residential properties.

Understanding Montville’s Water Vulnerability

Montville’s water supply system, which relies heavily on the Towaco Valley Aquifer and supplemental sources, faces significant stress during drought periods. Over 90% of Montville’s drinking water supply originates from the crystal-clear Towaco Valley Aquifer. During the summertime peak usage period, the aquifer water is occasionally supplemented by a limited amount of water from the Jersey City Reservoir in Parsippany. In recent years, however, excess water usage, increased population, and repeated droughts have tested the limits of water resources throughout the state of New Jersey.

The nearby reservoirs that serve the region, including the Taylortown Reservoir and connections to larger systems like the Monksville Reservoir, are also feeling the pressure. The Monksville Reservoir is being lowered by the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission (NJDWSC) to supply the Wanaque Reservoir, which will reduce water levels by approximately 6 feet or more. This will continue until water supply and quality goals are met.

The Insect Invasion: Why Drought Drives Pests Indoors

As natural water sources dry up around Montville, insects that typically rely on outdoor moisture are increasingly seeking refuge in residential areas. Dry conditions can lure common New Jersey pests like rats and insects onto your property in search of water. Common local pests like rats, millipedes, and pill bugs depend on water just as much as humans and other animals do. When water is scarce where they’re used to finding it, they have no choice but to look for it other places.

This phenomenon isn’t limited to just a few species. If they decide to invade your property in search of water, they may do so in large numbers. Some New Jersey-area pests are especially sensitive to dry conditions, not to mention a lot more likely to migrate in large numbers to find water and moisture.

The types of insects most likely to invade Montville homes during drought conditions include:

• Cockroaches: Both American and German cockroaches are highly moisture-dependent and will migrate indoors seeking water sources near sinks, behind appliances, and in drains
• Ants: Various ant species, including carpenter ants common to the area, actively search for water sources during dry periods
• Spiders: As their outdoor prey becomes scarce due to drought, spiders move indoors where moisture and food sources are more reliable
• Millipedes and Pill Bugs: These moisture-loving creatures are particularly vulnerable to dry conditions and often seek shelter in basements and crawl spaces

The Hidden Dangers of Drought-Driven Pest Invasions

Pests, like all living creatures, need water to survive. When outdoor water sources like puddles, streams, and moist soil dry up, pests seek out more stable environments—often finding their way into your home. This creates multiple problems for homeowners:

Health Risks: Many of these insects can carry diseases or trigger allergic reactions. Cockroaches, in particular, are known to spread bacteria and can exacerbate asthma conditions.

Property Damage: Carpenter ants and other wood-damaging insects may cause structural issues as they establish colonies within homes seeking moisture.

Contamination: Trash cans and garbage piles are a treasure trove for pests under even normal circumstances. However, they’re especially attractive during a drought, as they often contain accessible sources of precious moisture.

Professional Solutions with Prestige Pest Unit

For Montville residents facing this drought-induced pest surge, professional intervention is often the most effective solution. Pest control Montville services have become increasingly important as homeowners struggle to manage these water-seeking invaders on their own.

Prestige Pest Unit, a locally owned and operated company serving Morris County, understands the unique challenges that drought conditions present. Here at Prestige Pest Unit & House Wash, we do our best to show up on time, treat your home with respect, and get rid of your pest or rodent problem right the first time around. So in the unlikely event you’re not satisfied with your most recent service, simply give us a call. We’ll come back and retreat your home at no additional cost to you, we 100% guarantee it!

The company’s approach emphasizes several key principles that make them particularly effective during drought-related pest emergencies:

• Eco-Friendly Solutions: We prioritize your family’s safety by using low-toxicity products that are tough on pests but gentle on your home and loved ones
• Local Expertise: Our deep understanding of Franklin’s pest challenges allows us to deliver customized solutions that truly work
• Comprehensive Service: At Prestige Pest Unit, we offer a full-range of pest control services, including termite control, mosquito treatments, bed bug treatments, and even emergency pest control

Prevention Strategies for Homeowners

While professional pest control is often necessary during severe drought conditions, homeowners can take several preventive measures to make their properties less attractive to water-seeking insects:

Eliminate Water Sources: A yard or garden full of accessible water sources will be especially appealing to New Jersey pests, so consider eliminating these. Fix leaky garden hoses and exterior faucets. Drain any standing water or puddles that develop on your property.

Seal Entry Points: Pests like rats, roaches, and ants can be extremely diligent when it comes to finding a way into a human dwelling. A rat can fit through openings smaller than a nickel, and insects like ants can easily fit through even tiny cracks.

Proper Waste Management: Empty indoor waste cans and trash bins frequently to avoid attracting pests. Store outdoor waste in tightly sealed bins to contain smells and keep rodents, insects, and other pests from getting into it.

The Ongoing Challenge

As climate patterns continue to shift and drought conditions become more frequent in New Jersey, Montville residents must adapt to the reality of increased pest pressure during dry periods. Over the last few decades droughts in the region, such as in 1999–2002 and most recently in 2024–2025, have resulted in crop production losses, water use restrictions, and increased wildfire risk.

The situation requires a proactive approach that combines professional pest management with residential prevention strategies. You don’t need to wait until you notice pests on the premises to benefit from a good NJ exterminator. An exterminator can inspect your property for signs of infestation or potential entry points and address any issues. They can also implement preventative treatments that ensure pests stay off your property and out of your life.

For Montville residents dealing with drought-driven pest invasions, the combination of understanding the problem, taking preventive measures, and working with experienced local professionals like Prestige Pest Unit offers the best path forward. As water resources continue to face pressure from changing climate conditions, staying ahead of pest problems will remain a crucial aspect of home maintenance in the region.