27 Sep Tips to Keep Your Home Safe from Pests During Storms
If you’ve been living in a place that’s prone to large storms, you know that pests will look for any way in when the weather gets bad. They’re seeking safe shelter away from the harsh conditions outside. Then, once the storm has passed, pest problems stick around. Standing water and downed trees can promote pest activity and can pose a problem to your home. If you need tips to keep your home safe during storm season, look no further! We’ve got all the best ways to keep your house protected below.
Prepare Adequately
As storm season starts to approach, be sure to prepare your home for storms and pests. Inspect your home for any structural issues that may let water in. These areas will also be prone to pest issues. Cracks should be sealed using waterproof caulk, like silicone sealant. Existing water damage needs to be addressed, as well as inspected for current pest issues. Make sure that drainage is adequate, and that all water flows away from the house itself. This is great for your house in terms of storms and pests.
Remove Any Standing Water
As storms pass, be sure to remove any standing water from around the home. Standing water is the breeding ground for mosquitoes, and can lead to many other problems when it comes to pests. Removing standing water includes taking care of floodwaters, gutters, and less obvious places. Mosquitoes only need a bottle cap of water to breed, so anything that retains water is a possible issue in waiting.
Repair Any Damaged Wooden Structures
Termites and ants will take any opportunity that they can to infest wood. Both carpenter ants and termites can cause massive structural damage. They love moist wood, which you’ll be more likely to see them making an impact during storm season. Also, be sure to clear any water from the foundation of the home, or where exposed wood is. This will only draw them in more quickly.
Remove Garbage and Debris Promptly
As garbage and debris pile up, so do pests. Large storms cause power outages, meaning that food can go bad. Cockroaches, ants, and flies are all attracted to rotting food. Ants can be a nuisance, but the presence of cockroaches and flies can be a health risk. Both insects are carriers of disease. After a storm, make sure that food garbage is taken care of before construction debris. While both are important, one is worse than the other. Additionally, it’s important to keep any garbage or debris away from the house. This keeps pests further from your home in most cases.
Cover Openings, Even Temporarily
If your home suffers any damage that leaves it open, be sure to cover the openings promptly. Even if the covering is only temporary, it still blocks pests from being able to enter your home freely. Once they’re in, it may be hard to get them out.
Contact a Professional
If you’re seeing more pests than usual after a storm, they may have moved in during the inclement weather. If that’s the case, don’t hesitate to contact us at Proctor Pest Control. Taking care of the problem quickly is crucial. The longer they’re in your home, the harder they’ll be to remove.