There has been some crazy weather brewing in the Gulf, so it’s time to address just what happens when insects sense a disruption in their little ecosystems. Natural disasters, and other extreme weather conditions, cause havoc and discord among the pest communities. These disturbances often mean that they seek refuge in the cozy confines of your home (or property). In this blog, we’ll address the kinds of weather conditions that attract pests and what you can do to pest-proof your home and property!

What Qualifies as Extreme Weather?

Despite their often frustratingly resilient natures, pests are actually very sensitive to changes in the environment. Any abrupt shift in ecological conditions can disturb the local inhabitants. These disturbances include, but are not limited to:

• Hurricanes (Looking at you, Louisiana.)

• Flooding (Hey, Louisiana.)

• Typhoons

• Heat Waves

• Cold Fronts

• Wildfires

Extreme weather is often qualified as climate conditions that are unusual for the place in which they occur. However, ever heavier-than-usual rainfall can create a disruption to the insects and wildlife around your home.

Wildlife and Weather Changes

It is difficult to predict pest trends during inclement weather. Even these single-minded organisms can surprise us with shelter-seeking tricks. With humans taking up more and more of a geographic footprint, it is only natural for these critters to seek shelter in man-made architecture. The following are the most common pests to emerge after extreme Louisiana weather conditions:

·         Termites. Extreme weather conditions can also invite long-lasting consequences, such as termite activity. During hurricane season, Louisiana residents worry about flooding and possible termite damage after long periods of rain. In addition to flooding, leaks can also be a serious issue. These leaks can cause damage to broken siding and busted roofs, which are perfect entryways for hungry termites. Termites are attracted to the renewed sources of damp, delicious food, such as your home, garage, shed, business, landscaping, or fences.

Warning: If termites have already weakened the structure of your home or surrounding trees, your property is that much more susceptible to storm damage.

·         Mosquitoes. Mosquitoes love storms because they usually lead to a renewed plethora of standing water sources, such as puddles, clogged gutters, and ponds. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which is why mosquito populations substantially increase after heavy storms and flooding. You can prevent mosquitoes from invading your property by maintaining proper drainage and keeping your yard free of clutter and debris.

·         Rats and Mice. Many people immediately associate floodwaters with increase insect activity, but storms and flooding can also cause rodents to enter your property. During a flood, rodents are forced to seek higher ground, which can often result in being your garage or home. After a big storm, keep an eye out for signs of rodents, such as droppings, nests, teeth marks.

Protecting the Structural Integrity of Your Home

There is a lot that homeowners can do to prepare against a pest invasion during inclement weather. The three most important things you can do is prepare the exterior, secure the interior, and invest in year-round maintenance and monitoring.

·         Exterior. Prepare the exterior of your property by covering firewood and debris and removing old equipment that is in close proximity to the edge of your building. Homeowners can also prepare by landscaping and removing dead branches and trees from the property.

·         Interior. Make sure the interior of your home is secure against pesky intruders, such as rodents or insects. You can start by sealing any gaps and cracks in your windows and using sandbags to keep out potential rain.  

·         Maintenance and Monitoring. DIAL ONE Franklyn Pest Control offers regular pest control maintenance visits to keep your property pest-free year-round!

Call DIAL ONE Franklynn Pest Control Today!

DIAL ONE Franklynn Pest Control has been serving the Greater New Orleans area for over 50 years and has seen the ways that hurricane season affects wildlife and insects. That’s why they are offering up to $250 off your next termite contract or pest control treatment! Keep your property safe and sturdy with DIAL ONE Franklynn Pest Control! 504-885-3101