Hurricane Season & Pest Control: Essential Preparedness for Tampa Bay Properties
As we approach the mid-point of hurricane season, it’s crucial for property owners in Tampa Bay to remember that storm preparedness extends beyond just securing your home from wind and water damage. The heavy rains and high winds of a tropical storm or hurricane can have a significant and often overlooked impact on pest behavior, driving them indoors and creating new breeding grounds.
With 39 years of experience serving the Tampa Bay community, Pestex Services Inc. has seen firsthand how storms can trigger a surge in pest activity. Here’s what you need to know and how to prepare.
How Storms Impact Pests
- Seeking Shelter: As floodwaters rise and winds pick up, pests like roaches, ants, spiders, and rodents are forced to abandon their natural habitats and seek higher ground. They often find refuge inside homes and businesses, squeezing through the smallest cracks and crevices.
- New Breeding Grounds: Post-storm conditions, including standing water and damp debris, create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other moisture-loving pests. The proliferation of these pests can pose health risks to your family and pets.
- Disrupted Colonies: The force of a storm can disrupt ant colonies and termite nests, forcing survivors to search for new, secure locations—often inside your walls or foundation.
Pre-Storm and Post-Storm Actions
Before a Storm:
- Seal Entry Points: Check and seal any cracks in your foundation, around windows, doors, and utility lines.
- Clear Debris: Remove any yard debris, firewood, and clutter from around your property that could provide shelter for pests.
- Check Vents and Screens: Ensure all vents are properly screened and that window screens are in good repair.
After a Storm:
- Remove Standing Water: The most critical step. Drain any standing water in buckets, gutters, and yards to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Inspect for Damage: Check for any new cracks, roof leaks, or water intrusion points that may have been created by the storm.
- Clear Debris: Safely clear any new yard debris or waterlogged items that can attract pests.
- Professional Inspection: Consider a professional pest inspection to assess any new vulnerabilities or potential infestations.
By taking these proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of a post-storm pest invasion. Our team at Pestex Services Inc. is here to help you secure your property and provide peace of mind throughout hurricane season.
Pestex Services Inc.: Providing Peace of Mind in Tampa Bay Since 1986.