Recently, our areas of Camden, Wollondilly, Campbelltown and the Southern Highlands were affected by serious flooding. Aside from having to repair flood damage and destruction, there is another issue that you need to be aware of as the flood waters subside: the pests after floods. After so much rain, pests and unwanted small animals such a mice and rats will have all moved to higher ground. While it’s not quite as dramatic as recent media reports – spiders, like all ground dwellers also will have needed to relocate.
Picton Pest Control knows what to look for to minimise the intrusion of unwanted pests at this time. We are locals too and have gone through the same problems. We have the tools, the products, and the knowledge to help you overcome the infestation of pests as we begin to appreciate the warmer, drier weather at the moment!
The Most Common Pests After Floods
Like we do as humans, pests and wildlife need to find warm, dry new homes or hiding places if their old habitat I destroyed or maybe still underwater. What we don’t want is your home to be the place these pesky bugs seek out as their new residence!
Mosquitoes
One of the most common pests after floods are mozzies. No pest, perhaps, is more well known to make an appearance after heavy rains and floods. While we may dislike the constant rain and dampness, the bloodthirsty mosquito is going to thrive! Keep fly screen doors closed and try to keep them outside! Burning citronella can also deter them if you need to be outside and there’s a lot of them.
Ants
Even if you’ve never had problem with ants, this may change after heavy rains and flooding. As waters recede, ants are often looking for a new place to rebuild.
Rats and Mice
Most of us are used to seeing rodents as the weather changes into Autumn, but floods may also increase the presence of rats and mice. Forcing rodents from their hiding places due to rising water levels, and they look for shelter on higher ground, which is often garages, sheds or worse, homes! Experts are chewing their way through or squeezing into tiny spaces, they love dry and secluded areas to rehome.
Flies
As sad as it is, floods can drown livestock and power outages can cause food spoilage. Excess garbage is also often picked up by rising flood water and as water subsides these things are all deposited where they aren’t intended to be. All this material attracts flies as things rot, decay or cause odours. Flies are one of the pests after floods that may increase breeding. It’s important to also watch out for contaminated water and sewerage overflows as the best way to get rid of flies is good sanitation and clean up.
Snakes, Reptiles, and Other Wildlife
During times of heavy flooding, snakes and sometimes other reptile and wildlife are often forced to travel to unfamiliar areas and could become a danger to you or your family. Be sure to stay out of flood waters and to keep children away from the waters as well.
Mould and Mildew
Particularly when you have a raised house vs a cement slab, you need to be mindful of water damage and flooding underneath. Moisture that evaporates up into homes can increase the likelihood of pests as well as cause mould, mildew, and other health-related problems.
If your home has been treated for termites book an inspection to have your protection retreated after heavy rain. The termite barrier can be compromised by shifting dirt from heavy rains and moving water that creates gaps which termites may get through.
Treatments To Get Rid of Pests After Floods
If you’re dealing with pests after floods make sure you contact Picton Pest Control. for detailed advice on keeping safe during clean, visit the NSW Flood Advice Page.
