What You Need to Know About Pests and Storm Damage

What does storm damage have to do with your pest problem? If strong storms and seasonal rains soaked your home, take a look at what you need to know about pests, protection, and the professional solution to an infestation.

Remove Pools of Water

The torrential downpour did more than drench your lawn. It left behind puddles in the yard and pools of water in every outdoor container. Outdoor invaders, such as mosquitoes, need water to breed. Failure to remove leftover storm puddles and pools can result in a seemingly instant infestation.

If a recent rainstorm turned your yard into a mosquito breeding ground:

• Check planter pots, toys, and containers . Remove water from anything it can pool in.
• Turn over containers . If another storm is in the immediate forecast, turn over buckets, planters, and other containers before the next rain.
• Contact a pest control contractor . Never attempt to exterminate mosquitoes on your own. A pest control professional has the expertise, experience, and equipment to eliminate the problem safely and effectively.

Remove Spoiled Food

Did a lightning storm cause a power outage in your area? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), your food can stay safe in a closed refrigerator for up to four hours. But questionable items or anything perishable that's in the fridge for longer than four hours should go into the trash.

Perishable food in a kitchen, garage, or other interior trash bin may:

• Attract flies . The spoiled food in an indoor garbage can may attract flies to your home. An open door, open window, or torn screen can let the invaders in. After the flies settle in the garbage bin they may breed and cause an indoor infestation.
• Attract roaches . Flies aren't the only pests a garbage bin of rotten food can attract. Cockroaches may flock to the food for an indoor feast.
• Attract rodents . Along with buzzing and crawling creatures, spoiled food may also attract furry critters. Rats and mice may think your leftover food is their next meal.

Even though moving the food outside is a step in the right direction, it can still attract pests. Failure to properly bag and contain the food can make it easy for insects or rodents to invade. If you see pests in your garbage (indoor or outdoor), call an exterminator as soon as possible to eliminate the infestation.

Remove Rotten Wood

Rain-soaked wood is another potential pest issue. Carpenter ants and termites are attracted to moist, woody environments. A storm can make your home more inviting for these pests — especially areas such as wooden window frames, wooden gutters, roof decking, outdoor sheds, or piles of logs and yard debris. If you suspect rotten or rain-soaked wood is now home to pests:

• Remove the wood . When possible, remove soaked wood and yard debris immediately after the storm. Wooden parts of your home may require a contractor to remove or replace.
• Call a pest control professional . Even though you may have removed the visible rotten wood, your home may still have a pest infestation. An exterminator can inspect the area and treat your home for pests.
• Watch the area . After the wood dries and the pests are gone, another rainstorm could cause a repeat problem. Pay attention to the area and watch for pest problems in the future.

Repeat pest control services can help you to avoid a re-infestation. Schedule routine maintenance to keep wooden areas on or around your home pest-free.

Do you need pest control help? Contact Bobby Grisson's Pest Management for more information.