How To Keep Out Pests During Storms
Particularly bad storms can result in raised water levels and damaged nests for many pests, who will then start looking for a new shelter, and this shelter can often be someone’s home. This is why it’s important to pest-proof your home if you live in an area with occasional harsh storms and hurricanes. In this article, we’re going to tell you how to do just that.
- Drain any standing water after a storm
While storms may destroy existing mosquito nests, they will also create new ones, and you want to make sure that none of them will be anywhere near your home. This means that you will have to get rid of any standing water that is left behind after the storm, which could be found in grill covers, flower pots, clogged gutters, birdbaths or garbage cans among others.
- Get rid of any garbage or spoiled food
Power outages caused by storms can cause food to spoil, and pretty soon it will start rotting in your garbage can. In order to avoid drawing in any rodents or flies, make sure that any spoiled food is disposed of in a sealed bag and a strong garbage disposal unit, especially if sanitation workers are coming to pick it up in more than several days. If the storm reaches the level of a natural disaster, sanitation workers will prioritize common garbage over any other types of debris, so they will make residential neighborhoods a priority. However, make sure that you separate garbage from debris in order to expedite the disposal process for the sanitation teams.
- Assess the water damage done to your home
Water damage can cause wood to rot, which will attract termites. Once termites establish a colony on your property they will start to consume all the wooden elements of the home. Over time, this can amount to thousands of dollars in damage. Water damage can also oversaturate the soil beneath your home, which will drive out any insects that live underground, insects such as ants. Make sure that you remove any rotting debris from your property and that you fix any leaking pipes.
- Seal all the cracks on the outside of your home
Depending on the severity of the storm, your home may be damaged and cracks may appear. These cracks will need to be sealed so that there are no openings for pests. You can also perform an integrity inspection before the storm, since the storm will likely to dislocate a large number of pests who will be looking for shelter, warmth and food.
- Have a pest control professional perform an inspection
If you suspect that your home is at risk for an infestation, or if the pests have already settled in, you can contact a pest control professional who will perform an inspection and recommend ways in which you can pest proof your home.
