After a flood, your home will be vulnerable to the different pests that can easily enter your home due to the breach of floodwaters. Between mosquitoes, rodents, and other pests, it is important to employ the right preventative measures to ensure your home and family remain safe. In this article, we’ll go over how to fight pest problems after a flood.
1. Identifying Types of Pests After a Flood
Types of Pests
After a flood, it is possible for rats, mice, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and other pests to get into your home and start infesting. Knowing what type of pests are invading your home can help you start the process of eradicating them from your living space.
Where to Look
To accurately identify the type of pests you’re dealing with, you should inspect your home inside and out. The best places to look are beneath furniture and appliances, in cabinets, beneath sinks, and in other moist areas. If you find any evidence of pests, you should contact an exterminator.
Ways to Determine Presence of Pests
Other ways to determine the presence of pests include droppings, nests, eggs, and trails. Unexplained odors and sounds can also indicate the presence of pests.
2. Controlling and Eradicating Pests
Preventative Measures
In addition to proper identification, some preventative steps can be taken to reduce the risk of infestation. Make your home less attractive to pests by removing standing water, pet food, and food debris. Keep your interiors clean by vacuuming and mopping regularly.
Fumigation
Fumigation is an effective way to exterminate an entire colony of pests. Professional fumigations involve using chemicals to rid the area of pests, and are usually applied outdoors.
Hiring Professional Exterminators
It is always recommended to hire a professional exterminator when dealing with pest infestations. Not only do professional exterminators know the correct chemicals to use, but they can also identify the type of pest you’re dealing with, and create a customized extermination plan for your home.
3. Prevention Tips
Sealing Gaps and Cracks
In order to avoid an infestation after a flood, it is important to take the time to seal any gaps or cracks in the walls, windows, and foundations. This will prevent pests from entering your home.
Check food debris
When handling food items after a flood, it is important to check all food debris as pests can hide within them. Be sure to throw away any food items that have been severely damaged.
Use pest baits and traps
Pest baits and traps can help reduce the risk of an infestation after a flood. Place these away from food areas, and check them frequently to ensure no pests are entering your home.
4. People Also Ask
How do I keep pests away after a flood?
After a flood, it is important to take preventative steps to keep pests away, such as sealing any gaps and cracks in your home, disposing of food debris, and using pest baits and traps.
What are some common pests found after floods?
The most common pests found after a flood are rats, mice, cockroaches, and mosquitoes.
What should I do if I have a pest infestation?
If you have a pest infestation, it is best to contact a professional exterminator. A professional exterminator can help identify the type of pest you’re dealing with and create a customized extermination plan.
Does a flood increase the risk of pest infestation?
Yes, a flood increases the risk of pest infestation as the floodwaters can breach your home, allowing pests to easily enter your living space.
Conclusion
After a flood, your home can be more vulnerable to pests. Knowing the different types of pests and how to identify them, as well as taking preventive measures to eradicate them, can help keep your home and family safe. Be sure to contact a professional exterminator if you experience a pest infestation after a flood.