Introduction
Hurricane season brings more than wind and rain – it can drive all kinds of pests into Gulfport homes. Flooding, high winds and debris create ideal conditions for mosquitoes, rodents and fire ants to seek shelter indoors (www.envirogpc.com). Preparing your home before a storm and acting quickly afterwards helps you avoid a secondary infestation.
Before the Storm: Prepare Your Home
- Seal entry points. Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks and holes where pests might enter. Seal openings around pipes, vents and foundations (www.envirogpc.com). Even small gaps can let cockroaches, rodents or fire ants inside (www.nativepestmanagement.com).
- Manage moisture. Clean gutters and clear drainage so water doesn’t pool around your home (www.envirogpc.com). Standing water becomes mosquito breeding habitat after storms.
- Secure the yard. Trim back trees and shrubs and remove yard debris that could provide shelter for pests during high winds (www.envirogpc.com). Store outdoor items that could collect water, and empty birdbaths or flower pots regularly (www.nativepestmanagement.com).
- Schedule a professional inspection. A pre-season pest inspection can identify vulnerabilities and recommend preventative treatments (www.envirogpc.com). Professionals may spot entry points or moisture issues you miss.
After the Storm: Clean Up Quickly
- Remove debris and standing water. Clear fallen branches, leaf piles and flooded materials as soon as it’s safe. Drain any standing water to prevent mosquitoes and other insects from breeding (www.nativepestmanagement.com).
- Check for storm damage. Repair broken screens, damaged siding and roof leaks that could let pests inside. Address water damage promptly to avoid attracting termites (www.envirogpc.com).
- Watch for pest activity. After a storm, rodents, mosquitoes and fire ants may be more active (www.envirogpc.com). If you notice increased pest activity or signs of infestation, call a pest professional quickly for a comprehensive evaluation (www.envirogpc.com).
Conclusion
Introduction
Hurricane season brings more than wind and rain – it can drive all kinds of pests into Gulfport homes. Flooding, high winds and debris create ideal conditions for mosquitoes, rodents and fire ants to seek shelter indoors (www.envirogpc.com). Preparing your home before a storm and acting quickly afterwards helps you avoid a secondary infestation.
Before the Storm: Prepare Your Home
- Seal entry points. Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks and holes where pests might enter. Seal openings around pipes, vents and foundations (www.envirogpc.com). Even small gaps can let cockroaches, rodents or fire ants inside (www.nativepestmanagement.com).
- Manage moisture. Clean gutters and clear drainage so water doesn’t pool around your home (www.envirogpc.com). Standing water becomes mosquito breeding habitat after storms.
- Secure the yard. Trim back trees and shrubs and remove yard debris that could provide shelter for pests during high winds (www.envirogpc.com). Store outdoor items that could collect water, and empty birdbaths or flower pots regularly (www.nativepestmanagement.com).
- Schedule a professional inspection. A pre-season pest inspection can identify vulnerabilities and recommend preventative treatments (www.envirogpc.com). Professionals may spot entry points or moisture issues you miss.
After the Storm: Clean Up Quickly
- Remove debris and standing water. Clear fallen branches, leaf piles and flooded materials as soon as it’s safe. Drain any standing water to prevent mosquitoes and other insects from breeding (www.nativepestmanagement.com).
- Check for storm damage. Repair broken screens, damaged siding and roof leaks that could let pests inside. Address water damage promptly to avoid attracting termites (www.envirogpc.com).
- Watch for pest activity. After a storm, rodents, mosquitoes and fire ants may be more active (www.envirogpc.com). If you notice increased pest activity or signs of infestation, call a pest professional quickly for a comprehensive evaluation (www.envirogpc.com).
Conclusion
Hurricane season doesn’t have to bring an invasion of pests. By sealing entry points, managing moisture and cleaning up promptly after a storm, you can keep mosquitoes, rodents and fire ants at bay. If you’d like help storm-proofing your Gulfport home, Paramount Pest Solutions offers pre- and post-hurricane inspections and treatments that protect your home before and after the winds blow.