Rainy weather on Oʻahu is pushing ants indoors, which is bad news for homes with leaks, crumbs, or pet food left out.

• Rain doesn't create more ants — it drives them inside looking for dry, warm space.
• They stay because homes offer the three things they need: water from leaky pipes, food scraps, and shelter.
• Ants spread germs and disease much like roaches do, crawling over pipes, counters, and plates before people eat off them.
• October is Hawaii's little fire ant awareness month, and wet weather also wakes up centipedes and scorpions.
• Fixing leaks and clearing food is the cheapest defense; yard treatment matters too, since nests outside keep refilling the house.

Outlook: Expect more ant sightings indoors through the wet stretch, with fire ants the bigger worry this month.