Once again, flooding has turned our Oklahoma streets into rivers and many people across the state are dealing with flooded homes and properties. It’s important for you to be aware of all the repercussions that can follow after a flood. One often overlooked effect from storm damage and severe flooding is the increase of pests. Unfortunately, insects and small animals need refuge from the rising water just like the rest of us. When flooding destroys their habitats, pests will seek shelter for protection from the elements. Alas this shelter sometimes ends up being your home. Here are some common insect troubles that you may encounter flowing the floods:
Cockroaches
Cockroaches and water bugs live in sewer drains, crawl spaces, basements and cellars. Once water levels rise in these area, cockroaches will often climb up and out of pipes to infest homes. Sanitation is key when controlling a cockroach invasion. Eliminate any food or water source that they could easily access, dispose of your trash regularly, and always keep floors, countertops, and sinks clean.
Ants
The streets of our neighborhoods weren’t the only places that were flooded, the underground tunnels of ant colony nests were also overflowing. When water flushes the ants out of their nest, the colony looks for the closest dry ground, which can lead to them invading your house. Colonies of fire ants have been known to cling to each other in a big clump floating on top of floodwaters. Steer clear of any floating mats of ants that you might come across or else you could find yourself covered with many painful stings.
Mosquitoes
Flooding leads to an abundance of standing water, and with the temperatures getting warmer, it makes for the perfect mosquito breeding conditions. Some mosquito control experts are predicting mosquito infestations to be extremely bad this summer. Reports of West Nile Virus have already made local headlines. Take the proper precautions to prevent bites and to help control the mosquito population in your area.
If the flooding from Tropical Storm Bill has caused you pest problems that are just too big for you to handle on your own, then seek the help of the experienced professionals at Arrow Exterminators.
