Pest Control: 6 Tips To Keep Your Home Safe From Pests During Storms

Storms and hurricanes can have devastating effects on homes across the country. Therefore, it is important for homeowners to ensure that their homes are prepared for the damaging effects of these natural disasters. 

While strengthening windows and accumulating fuel before extreme weather conditions are top priorities, other risks (in the form of pests) still remain long after the storms pass. Fallen trees and standing water force many insect species to seek higher ground and safe shelter - often in our own homes. Follow these six pest prevention tips to prepare for and fight an increase in pest populations in the days and weeks following a storm.

Expand your pest control before the storm

Before reports of a potential hurricane begin to emerge, you can help prevent seasonal pests by conducting internal and external inspections of your home to identify and resolve any structural issues that may be exacerbated by the impending storm. Cracks must be sealed with silicone-based closure, any damage caused by water must be corrected, and the property of the house must be tilted so that water flows away from the foundation and not towards it. In addition, potential pest breeding sites, such as trash and mulch, should be placed relatively far from home to keep pests away.

Empty standing water to prevent mosquitoes from forming

While flooding and heavy rainfall during storms may appear to effectively eradicate any existing mosquito population, standing water remains as an ideal location for these pests. Mosquitoes only need a bottle cap full - half an inch - of water to breed. As a result, homeowners must assess and address sources of standing water that can be found in obvious places where floodwater accumulates, but also in birdbaths, clogged gutters, flowerpots, grill covers, trash cans, and lids. By emptying and emptying these water tanks, you can prevent a mosquito stock from developing in your own backyard.

Get rid of contaminated food and damaged waste to prevent flies and rodents

Spoiled food caused by prolonged power outages during bad weather can invite flies into your home. Flies propagate in rotten foods and possibly expose family members to diseases. Put any spoiled food in a sealed garbage bag outside the house to avoid attracting flies. Food waste and disruption can also attract rodents displaced by storms and seek food and shelter. For this reason, it is important to ensure that discarded food is collected by sanitation workers in a timely manner. These workers generally prioritize the handling of ordinary waste in relation to construction waste following a natural disaster; therefore, homeowners should separate these materials to ensure that waste is quickly collected and organizes piles of debris away from home.

Also Read - Pest Control: Important Frequently Asked Questions

Identify and assess the possible water damage to prevent termites and ants from infiltrating

Raw wood, caused by water damage, can attract problematic termites - a pest that can silently rub in your home's beams and hardwood floors, etc., and cause thousands of dollars in damage over time. In addition, excessive moisture around your property can saturate the soil and cause insects that live underground, like ants, to seek higher ground and shelter in your home. To mitigate these threats, remove the rotten debris that can contain pests, fix damaged pipes that may leak, and make sure your property is leaning away from your home to prevent water from accumulating around the foundation of the structure.

Also Read - Pest Control: Winter Pest Control Tips For Home

Check for openings caused by structural damage

Strong winds, rain, and hail caused by storms can damage the home and also displace the surrounding wildlife. This unfortunate combination encourages larger pests such as rats, mice, raccoons, and squirrels to seek shelter in the home. Damaged roofs, siding, and soffits can serve as welcoming entry points for these and other small animals looking for a refuge. Look for any signs of damage to the outside of the house and fix it as soon as possible. Also, seal all openings around windows and doors with closure and steel wool to further barricade pests during the hurricane season.

Contact a professional pest control services company near you for a pest inspection service. Call CIGI Services today at 8877972022 to book pest control service in just a call. You can also book online.