While fallen trees and flooded streets are the most visible results of summer storms, another consequence often goes unnoticed: an influx of pests. In this blog, we explore the various post-storm pests that tend to emerge after summer rains, detail the potential risks they pose and explain how you can keep them away from your home or business.
Mosquitoes
Infamous for their annoying whine, itchy bites and potential for disease transmission, mosquitoes love moisture and humidity. Rainfall provides them with ideal breeding conditions as stagnant water accumulates in puddles, birdbaths and even clogged gutters. Following a heavy downpour, mosquito populations tend to skyrocket, leading to an increased risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. You can help minimize this threat by emptying any pools of standing water and clearing clogged drainage lines after it rains.
Carpenter Ants
When summer storms drench your yard, wood becomes a haven for carpenter ants. These insects are attracted to damp, decaying wood and can cause significant structural damage if left unchecked. Inspect vulnerable areas such as basements, crawlspaces and attics for signs of infestation such as recurring piles of sawdust with bits of insect pieces or faint unexplained rustling noises from inside of walls or woodwork. Also, be sure to examine exterior walls for any cracks or holes, and be sure to caulk them to prevent the entry of insects and water.
Mice
Insects aren’t the only pests to watch out for during the summer; flood waters can infiltrate the underground burrows and nests of mice. Seeking refuge from rising waters, mice instinctively search for dry and safe locations—and may find your home or business. They can get in by squeezing through tiny openings, such as cracks in the foundation, damaged weather stripping or gaps around utility lines. To help prevent and control these potential invaders, make sure to seal entry points, secure food sources and promptly clean up crumbs and spills.
Other Moisture-Loving Pests
It’s not just summer storms that cause infestations; general damp weather can lead to increased activity from moisture-loving bugs, including:
- Cockroaches. These resilient creatures seek shelter indoors when excessive rain disrupts their outdoor habitats. As with mice and rats, you can deter their intrusion by removing food sources and sealing small entry points to your home.
- Stink bugs. These odorous insects are attracted to moisture and damp areas. They can infiltrate your house by sneaking in through small gaps.
- Termites. Moist soil resulting from heavy rainfall creates favorable conditions for the spread of termites, which can lead to extensive structural damage.
Overwhelmed by Post-Storm Pests? Our Pros Can Help
By understanding the behavior of these pests and implementing preventive measures, you can minimize the risks to your home or business. To stave off a problem before it starts, we offer a MultiPest Plan designed to keep your property free of carpenter ants, bees, wasps, spiders, rodents and others.
Prevention tactics are easier than removal, but if you already have a problem, don’t try to handle it alone. Give us a call and our certified pest control specialists will conduct a thorough inspection and recommend the optimal treatment based on what they find.