After the Flood: How to Keep Pests Out When Waters Recede

If you’re dealing with unwanted insects and rodents after a flood, learning how to keep pests out of your home is essential to protect your health and property.

Flooding situations can disrupt one’s life quite easily.  Once floodwaters have receded, pests will infest homes in droves.  You can be quite assured you will notice more cockroaches, mosquitoes, rats, and even ants.  They are all on the lookout for food, water, and shelter.

You can protect your home by being ahead.  Of course, cleaning the house is time-consuming.  You need to find time to protect yourself from pests, too.  It is not a matter of convenience but a matter of safety and health.  Pests carry diseases, spoil food, and destroy property.  Let us talk about keeping them outside.

Understanding the Post-Flood Pest Problem

Flooding creates humid conditions. Water seepage and wet furniture and walls welcome uninvited guests. Mosquitoes also breed in water. Rodents prefer a higher dry area and would migrate indoors. Cockroaches look for dark, moist places to hide.

They appear where one may least expect. These insects love places that are totally dark and wet. They are also attracted into homes by any smell of a decaying thing. Their population doubles when waters retract in just a very short period of time.

You have a different kind of situation right after a flood: Everything is wet, and people put out household items by the ton. Much of this wet trash is an open door to pests. Tons of trash can be left on the sidewalk for days. That allows pests extra time to find new homes.

Floodwater also carries insects and rodents from elsewhere. They will be given refuge in your crawlspace or attic. You have a greater pest problem if you allow them to settle in. You have to take action before they start breeding or reproducing.

Why It Is Important to Take Immediate Action

Time is of essence after a flood. Your goal is to return to normal. But pest control cannot wait. The more you wait, the more they multiply. Eggs of cockroach hatch rapidly. In a few days, larvae become grown-up mosquitoes. Rodents breed and diseases start spreading.

Pests can damage the structure of your house. Rats gnaw on wires and wood, which may result in electrical failure or a fire. Termites share the same affinity for damp wood. Termites burrow into beams and cause costly damage.

Fast action costs you less money. It also keeps you from getting sick. Some pests, like mosquitoes, can carry diseases. Others spread germs as they crawl across things. Rodents can leave droppings that cause respiratory issues. Fast action makes your home a healthier place.

Step 1: Start with a Thorough Inspection

First, start searching your home. Check each room for signs of the pests. Check behind appliances and furniture. Look for droppings, gnawing, or unusual odours. Look at baseboards and door frames for any cracks.

If it is dark, flip on a flashlight. That’s where they’ll be hanging out. Look in your basement, kitchen, and bathroom “real” good. If you find puddles or stains, investigate closely.

Don’t forget the exterior. Take a walk around your home. Look for containers or buckets holding standing water. Check your drains and gutters. Look for piles of refuse leaning against walls. Check your sheds, garage, and crawlspaces.

Make a list of what you find. That will tell you what to do next. If the damage is bad, you may need to bring in a professional inspector. He can find moisture that is hidden, and other warning signs.

Step 2: Get Rid of Standing Water

Mosquitoes and other insects breed in water. Drain puddles, pools, or anything that may collect water. Fix dripping pipes. Use fans or dehumidifiers to dry wet surfaces.

Drain buckets, pots, or tires in your yard. Clean out gutters and storm drains so that they don’t get clogged. Standing water also attracts rodents that stop by looking for a drink. The sooner you dry up these spaces, the less pest you’ll have to worry about.

If your basement is wet, drain water immediately. Mould can grow in wet environments, and it will also support other pests.

Step 3: Seal All Possible Entry Points

Small openings invite big problems. Pests fit into tiny crevices around windows or doors. They also use holes where pipes or wires come in. Check those spots and seal up any opening. For small cracks, apply caulk. For bigger gaps, use foam sealant or hardware cloth.

Fix any torn screens in windows and doors. If you find a gap along the bottom of your door, replace it with door sweeps. Check for cracks in your foundation. Seal them with concrete or special filler. All these steps keep rodents, insects, and other critters out.

Check your roof for holes or damaged shingles. Some animals will fly or crawl on your roof. Birds or squirrels will get in through damaged vents. Repair the damage so that they can’t gain access.

Step 4: Remove Debris and Clutter

Floods are dirty. Do not allow trash to accumulate in front of your walls or doors. Heaps of trash are habitats for rodents and other pests. Clean and clear your yard. Place garbage into sealed bags or containers. If you have a large amount of garbage, arrange special pickups with your local waste management.

Keep the inside clean. There are more hiding spots for rodents in messy rooms. Put clothing, bedding, and blankets into plastic bags or boxes. Also, store food in covered bins. That keeps rodents and bugs from eating off uncovered boxes.

Step 5: Disinfect and Sanitize All Surfaces

Floodwater carries germs. They infect floors, walls, and furniture. Germs also invite insects. Disinfect and scrub anything that got wet. Mix bleach and water. Scrub floors, walls, and counter tops.

Kitchens and bathrooms are especially important. Disinfect handles, sinks, and faucets. Discard food that came in contact with floodwater. Wash dishes, cookware, and utensils in hot, soapy water.

Clean furniture and let them dry completely. Vacuum carpets and rugs, steam where possible. Proper cleaning removes odours that attract pests. It also prevents your house from being susceptible to mould and bacteria.

When to Call in the Professionals

Flooding does destroy but you can rebuild. You can take back your house from crawling and creeping intruders. There are pests that live in the walls or in places that are barely reachable. You might not see them, but you will find droppings or damage.

Professional inspection for hidden nests saves you money down the road. With a stubborn pest issue, look no further than Maximum Pest Control. We offer fast, reliable service to both homes and businesses. Contact Us For Pest Control Inspection For Your House or Business (905) 582-5502.