Flash Floods Bring More Misery For Houston Residents As Pests Relocate

The news stories coming out of Houston in the last 24 hours have been grim. Some are calling this the worst flood in a thousand years, and it has many residents fleeing their homes. But residents aren’t the only ones fleeing. When waters rise, it forces wildlife and insect populations to flee their homes as well. Houston pest control experts warn residents to take precautions, to avoid pest related issues.

Rats
Rising waters in Texas are driving rats out of sewer systems and into homes. If you live near a flood area, be vigilant to seal any gaps, cracks or holes in your exterior and basement walls. A caulking gun works great as a temporary fix. Fill in gaps around pipes, air conditioning units, wiring, outlets, and other objects that pass through your walls.

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Mosquitoes
Increased rain water always causes mosquito populations to increase, but flooding creates an additional threat, by picking up mosquito eggs and carrying them downstream to areas that have not been hit by the heavy rains. If you live outside of flood affected areas, consider getting a pest control company to treat your home for mosquitoes. With increased mosquito populations, there is always an increase in mosquito-borne viruses.

If you live inside a flood affected area try to get your property as dry as possible, as quickly as possible. Fill in areas where water has collected. Make sure your gutters aren’t clogged. Remove wet debris from your lawn. Get rid of, or empty, any objects on your lawn that water has pooled in.

Fire Ants
When waters rise, fire ants leave their nests and create a floating mass. If you will be walking anywhere near flooded areas, be aware of these floating islands of fire ants will be out there. One wrong step could mean hundreds of nasty bites.

Roaches
Like the rats, these disease-carrying pests will be looking for a new home. But filling holes in your exterior walls will not be enough to keep these resourceful roaches out. Consider getting a treatment for your exterior walls to add extra protection during this time of increased threat.

These floods will bring many frustrations and heartaches that can’t be avoided, but a pest infestation isn’t one of them. Protect your family and protect your home with proactive measures that will make those pests choose another place to relocate to.

For help resolving pest problems, contact Holder’s Pest Solutions Of Houston, Texas and check out our Total Home Protection program. We know Houston, we know the pest pressures the area faces and we are ready to combat insects and rodents in your home or business.