When hurricanes, tropical storms and heavy rains move through the coastal SC area, there’s a good chance that flooding will occur. In addition to severe damage to homes and businesses, flooding can cause certain pests to become even more of a problem than usual.
These are some of the most common pests you might end up needing SC pest control for if you experience any flooding on your residential or commercial property:
Ants
Fire ants are among the most dreaded SC pests on a normal basis. When it floods, the waters won’t take care of these pests for you. In fact, they are able to thrive and continue causing problems thanks to a few of their abilities and behaviors.
Fire ants have bodies that repel water, so they’re not in danger of drowning. They can also survive underwater for over 24 hours without experiencing any harm. While their nests and tunnels might be destroyed by flood waters, these ants simply form a raft of sorts and float away to another location to rebuild.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are pests that also thrive when flooding occurs. These pests can easily get to safer areas away from the water when needed. After a flood, they tend to be drawn to places that offer a lot of moisture. If they’re driven out of their home due to flooding, you might see more of them around your property searching for a new place to live.
Flies
Flies typically become more of a nuisance than usual after flooding occurs. These pests are drawn to decaying plants, garbage, sewage and similar food sources, which tend to be in abundance in flooded areas. Since they can carry germs that cause disease, it’s important to have SC pest control handle any fly infestations you have.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes need stagnant water to lay their eggs in. When flooding happens, these bugs have plenty of stagnant water around, which gives them a chance to reproduce in significant numbers. This leads to a big increase in local mosquito populations and also increases the risk of being exposed to infectious diseases from these bugs, such as West Nile virus. If warmer weather continues after a flood, then mosquitoes are likely to stick around for a longer period of time.
Reptiles
Flooding can force snakes and other reptiles out of their usual territory. Some might have to flee underground tunnels due to the water, while others need to find more suitable places to find prey. After a flood, you can expect to see larger numbers of snakes and other reptiles around.
Rodents
Some mice and rats make their home in underground tunnels. When flooding occurs in these areas, these pests are driven out of their home. Since their underground homes are destroyed from flood waters, they have to seek out another place to build a nest.
This can mean that you’ll see more of these rodents around your property as they look for shelter, as well as food. Rats and mice can spread disease and damage buildings, so you’ll need help from SC pest control experts if you have them around.
Wasps
Flooding can also bring more wasps to your area. Some wasps that normally live underground have their homes destroyed by flood waters. Others end up coming out more due to the increased presence of grubs after flooding.
Grubs usually live underground, but they come to the surface when flooding occurs. This provides wasps with an ample supply of food. Keep in mind that wasps can become aggressive this time of year as they try to get as much food as possible before winter arrives.
If you need SC pest control for any pests that are around due to flooding, please contact Island Pest Control. We have a team of highly skilled technicians available to inspect your home or business and eliminate pests.
