It’s a well known saying, “April showers bring May flowers.” But, here in the Pacific Northwest, our rainy season may also bring something less desirable than colorful blooming flowers — pests! Heavy rainfall can cause large areas of standing water which pests like wasps and ants are attracted to. This is why we at United Pest Solutions have come up with some tasks you can do to help prevent a pest infestation this spring.
First, here are some common pests to look out for.
Ants
While ants are known to be on the hunt for crumbs of food, they’ll also enter homes in search of water. Most ants are simply a nuisance however, the Carpenter Ant is a wood-destroying pest. It can damage the integrity of your home as it excavates wood.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches can carry diseases and bacteria. They will infest your food and contaminate countertops, spreading diseases through their excrement. Cockroach infestations are a tough pest to deal with. It’s highly recommended you contact a professional to eliminate these pests as soon as possible.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are known for spreading potentially harmful diseases including Zika and West Nile. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, including clogged gutters, birdbaths, play equipment, and more. It’s important to eliminate any sources of standing water to help prevent a mosquito infestation.
Rodents
Rats and mice will infest any home tidy or not. These rodents will not only cause damage to your home, but they also spread harmful diseases. Because of the dangers these pests pose, we recommend seeking professional help if you believe you have a rodent problem.
Flies
Like mosquitoes, flies also breed in stagnant water. While some flies are merely a nuisance, others can bite. In the past, flies have been linked to the spread of typhoid fever, food poisoning, and diarrhea.
Keeping Pests Away
- Clean out gutters and downspouts
- Repair water leaks and dripping faucets
- Remove sources of standing water including, play equipment, tarps, discarded tires, and birdbaths
- Regularly trim grass and shrubs
- Seal cracks and openings on your foundation and siding
- Keep woodpiles stored away from your home
- Regularly throw out the trash and keep your outdoor garbage can tightly shut
- Practice cleanliness around your home, especially the kitchen
- Ensure screens on your windows and doors are intact and not broken
Professional Pest Control
Many pests, especially insects live in soil so when there is heavy rainfall affecting their habitat, they may seek shelter inside your home. Other pests like mosquitoes and flies breed in stagnant water. So if you have puddles of water near your home, don’t be surprised if you see a sudden increase of these flying pests.
Even if you take extra precautions and utilize these safeguards, you may still need to contact a professional pest control company. United Pest Solutions has been providing the Bellevue WA and Everett WA area with environmentally responsible pest control since 1960. We serve both homeowners and businesses.