How hurricanes, tropical storms and abnormal weather conditions can drive pests indoors and disrupt homeowners

It’s that time of year when summer starts to wind down and hurricane season ramps up. 2023 has seen some unprecedented weather events, including a historic tropical storm off the coast of California and record-breaking temperatures across the country, and unfortunately, weather conditions like these could increase pest populations as we head into fall. To keep your home and family protected from pests and the threats they pose, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is sharing information about which pests to watch out for and how to avoid encounters with them.

“Pests such as mosquitoes, rodents, flies and even red imported fire ants, depending on where you live, could pop up in your backyard if you are in a region impacted by heavy rain,” said Dr. Jim Fredericks, board-certified entomologist and Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at NPMA. “Red imported fire ants are known for their very painful sting while the rest of these pests can spread disease-causing pathogens to humans.”

Extreme weather can be unpredictable, but there are precautions homeowners can take ahead of time to avoid any infestations. To keep these pests away, Dr. Fredericks recommends homeowners do the following:

• Exterior and interior evaluations of the structure of your home to see if anything can be worsened by the impending storm or provide pests access to your home. Cracks should be sealed with a silicone-based caulk and any existing water damage should be fixed.
• Flooding and heavy rains are likely to attract mosquitoes to your property. Remove items that will hold standing water, which can provide egg laying sites and larval development sites for this pest, by emptying birdbaths, clogged gutters, flowerpots, grill covers, garbage cans and lids.
• The loss of power is not only annoying but can spoil your food and invite rodents and flies into your home. Deposit spoiled food in a sealed trash can away from your home to deter these pests.

If the storm has come and gone, and you find yourself with an infestation, it’s best to contact a pest control professional for assistance.

About the National Pest Management Association

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,500 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. For more information, visit PestWorld.org or follow @PestWorld on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok and YouTube.

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