Hurricane season is upon us, and with the increased threat of dangerous weather conditions that could force many of us from homes and businesses temporarily, we maintain the hope that we will be able to return to them with minimal damage and inconvenience.
When we return to life after the storm once more, many of us will be dealing with clean up, damage repair, and possible pest infestations. Insect populations of all kinds will be looking for new habitats, as theirs have been destroyed by high winds, water, and other extreme conditions.
Rest assured, they will try to overtake abandoned buildings and homes, but following a simple pest prevention protocol will help you to return to normal once more. Take these steps to avoid pest infestation after the storm:
Getting rid of mosquitoes:
Standing, stagnant water left behind by hurricanes is the perfect opportunity for mosquitoes to take up residence near homes by laying their eggs. With a short gestation time of 24 hours, a home can quickly be overtaken by a growing population. Prevent mosquito ambush by emptying water from the following areas:
Children’s toys and other containers where water can pool
Boats
Pet bowls
Clogged gutters
Trash cans and overturned lids
Birdbaths
Getting rid of flies and maggots:
Storm damage that includes the loss of power and sewer systems can leave an opening for flies and maggots to overtake your home. As refrigerators and freezers without power sit, spoiled food quickly becomes a viable food source for these creatures. Upon returning to your home, all food that has been heated to over 40 degrees for 2 hours should be promptly disposed of to reduce the risk of infestation by flies and maggots.
Getting rid of mice and rats:
Downed trees, holes in siding, and other compromised areas make your home the perfect squatting place for rodents, mice, and rats. It doesn’t take long for a few stray rodents to create a whole colony of invaders that can quickly overtake your home. When it is safer to return to your property, help to prevent these pests from invading by:
Removing vines and branches from along your roof-line that rodents could use to gain entry
Inspecting your foundation for cracks and holes, and fill them with steel wool or cement
Removing fallen fruit from trees and empty bird feeders to eliminate sources of food
Trimming shrubs and brush from around your home that could provide temporary shelter
Getting rid of wasps and yellow jackets
Yellowjacket nests that have been displaced by storm activity will be looking for a new home. They will look for weaknesses along your roof-line and even chew through drywall to build nests in between walls to protect themselves. Removing these pests is not something that you should attempt to handle on your own. Yellowjackets can become very territorial and aggressive when defending their nests; call in pest control experts to help you rid your home from them. To prevent these wasps from taking up residence, you can:
Assess damage around your foundation and seal up cracks and holes
Check to make sure all vent caps are adequately sealed
Repair screens on windows that have been damaged
Clear debris along all gutters and soffits to expose potential pest problems
Pest Preppers: Freeing You from Pest Problems
With over two decades of experience in pest prevention and infestation eradication, Pest Preppers is the most professional and comprehensive extermination service available. Using a combination of environmentally safe products and the latest technologies, we will rid your home of any pest control issue that you may be dealing with. You deserve to return to a clean, pest-free home after the storm; let us help you do just that. Visit https://www.pestcontrolprep.com for more information.
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