When streets turn into rivers due to flooding, our homes and cars get stranded in the water and become a temporary home for pests seeking shelter. Residents in hard-hit areas should expect to see an influx of pests in the wake of storms due to increased moisture build-up and population displacement.
Pests That Will Find Shelter in Your Attic & House
When the water rises, there are critters that will be looking for a new home. Underground nests of ants will be flushed out. Hundreds, if not thousands of ants will be looking for the closest dry ground. They will invade your home. Fire ants will actually cling together and float on top of the water. Make sure to stay clear of them or you’ll get some painful bites and stings. After a heavy rain, especially if sewers back up, rat nesting areas in a city sewer system get flooded. The sewage will also attract flies, which like to lay their eggs on rotting organic materials. Like ants, the rats will escape to higher ground, which might be your basement or your parked car. The delay in garbage pickup will cause rodents to come to your property. After floodwaters recede, you may notice an unusual amount of wasps hovering around your lawn and bushes. Soil loving grubs that escaped to the surface during the floods are an easy meal for these predatory insects. Standing water is a major issue in the aftermath of flooding and provides the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. To minimize the chance of getting bit, you should apply insect repellent containing DEET.
Pest Infestation Prevention After Flooding
The best way to prevent these critters from making their way into your home is to take away their easy access points. Weatherstripping is a key step for not only keeping insects out but will prevent moisture that can make your home more habitable to them. Look for holes in your home and seal them. Properly screen doors and windows and remove all stagnant water. Adding birdhouses to your property can help decrease mosquito populations. Homeowners should store trash in sealed plastic containers until it can be picked up and sanitation is crucial to prevent a fly infestation in the home. Insects love moisture, so make sure high moisture areas are well ventilated.
Post-Flood Pest Control Tips
After water subsides, there will be quite a mess left to clean. Make sure to wear protective coveralls or long clothing to cover your skin from contaminated water and dust. Wear a mask and gloves when dealing with trash and remove it before it starts to degrade. Dump stagnant water from the top of your pool cover, gutters and inside potted plants immediately. Throw away vegetables from your garden that has started to rot and re-sod your lawn if necessary. These steps will be taken care of after the initial flood clean-up. You will then have to inspect for leaks and cracks that may have been caused by the flooding.
Pest Control Services in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park, Texas
Sometimes you are either too late to proactively keep pests out of your home or there was already a problem that hadn’t been properly dealt with. If you are dealing with pest infestations, call the professionals at A-Tex Pest Management today!