The tropics have been busy in the second half of hurricane season. And while South Florida has been fortunate enough to miss the full force of a named hurricane, many of the storms headed elsewhere have generated enough rain to cause some flooding.
So, while business owners aren’t worried about property damage from high winds, they are finding other problems arise from water accumulation–namely, pests.
The following tips will help you prevent a spike in the creepy crawly population around your property:
- Amp up your pre-storm pest control efforts. When reports of a potential hurricane arise, potential pest breeding sites such as planters and trash dumpsters should be temporarily removed.
- Immediately drain standing water. Mosquitoes need stagnant water to lay their eggs and multiply. Since they take just a few of days to reproduce, mosquito populations can rise dramatically in the days and weeks following a hurricane and major flooding. Because mosquitos can spread diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika virus, it’s important to quickly and efficiently drain standing water.
- Inspect property for structural damage. The high winds and rains that cause structural damage also displace wildlife. Damage to the exterior of your property can immediately become welcoming entry points for rats, mice, and raccoons.
If you find yourself struggling with pest issues following a hurricane, let the SFM Landscape team help before they become unmanageable.