After a rainstorm, the last thing we want to deal with in our Florida homes is an influx of pests. Unfortunately, prolonged periods of heavy rains can cause certain pests to emerge, seek shelter, and cause damage to your home. To prevent pests after rain, it’s important to understand the prevention measures to put in place.
Prepare Before the Storm
If reports of a potential rainstorm or hurricane emerge, look to inspect the exterior and interior of your home to help identify any issues that could lead to a pest infestation. Look for any cracks, crevices, holes, or gaps throughout your home, and seal them up with a silicone-based caulk as soon as possible. Likewise, ensure that your downspouts are diverted away from the foundation rather than towards it. Look to place both your garbage and any mulch away from your home too.
Remove Standing Water
After a storm, your property could see plenty of standing water throughout. Unfortunately, pests like mosquitoes and roaches seek out excess moisture for survival. Look to remove all standing water from your property to avoid an influx of pests. Remove items holding water, such as buckets, old tires, tarps, etc. Likewise, clear out debris and leaves from your gutters.
Remove Spoiled Food
With storms comes the chance that power outages may occur. If these outages last for a while, your stored food could go bad. Pests, like flies and rodents, seek out rotten food to eat, making it crucial to remove it as soon as possible. Deposit any food that’s gone bad in a sealed trash bag outside of the house. Likewise, ensure that any discarded food outside is also picked up and thrown away.
Identify Water Damage
Rotting wood caused by water damage can attract destructive pests like termites, who will chew wood from the inside out. If these pests infest, they can cost millions of dollars in repairs. After a storm, inspect your home for any water damage that may have occurred. Remove any rotting debris, fix damaged pipes, and fill areas in your yard where water has pooled with dirt.
Inspect for Openings or Holes
High winds and rain result in damage to our homes. Any openings that lead inside your home are an open invitation to larger pests such as rats, mice, raccoons, and squirrels to seek shelter. It’s important to inspect these areas after a storm has occurred. Damaged roofing, siding, and soffits can provide entry points inside the home. If you see any openings, look to seal them with caulk or steel wool.
Call a Professional
If you notice more pests than you can handle after a storm, it’s best to reach out to your local pest control company. These professionals will inspect your property, identify the type of pest that’s infested, and recommend the best treatment and prevention plan.