Hurricane season brings storms and destruction. Rainwater and floods can damage the underground nesting area of rodents, forcing them to seek shelter on higher grounds, including your home. Storms can cause a lot of structural damage and open entry points for these rodents. In return, rats and mice can cause various health problems for you and your pets.
When the condition allows, seal the entry points and fix the structural damage to prevent these pests from gaining entry. If this season’s storm has brought your home rodents, hire a pest control professional team from avatapest.com and eliminate them from your property today. Meanwhile, read this blog to learn how to control rodents during hurricane season.
When is hurricane season in Florida?
Hurricane season in Florida officially starts in June and lasts till the end of November. It is at its peak in mid-August. During these seasons, rodents might take on your houses. This is because of the structural damage caused by heavy storms, such as damaged roofing, serves as an entry point for these rodents.
Rodents, such as rats, mice, and squirrels, often seek shelter in homes to escape from the heavy rain, hails, and destructive storms. After the storm calms, look for any signs of structural damage and fix it as soon as possible to prevent these disease-causing pests from entering your homes.
Rodent control during hurricane season
There are a few steps you can follow to keep these annoying pests away from your property.
1. Remove food sources.
Removing food sources is the most effective way to keep rodents away from homes. Rodents seek for food and shelter. Keep the food and water covered and store them in rodent-proof containers, which have a tight-fitting lid.
Do not leave the pet food and water overnight, and cover and store them in rodent proof containers. Wash the dishes immediately, clean up spilled foods, and empty trash cans on a regular basis.
2. Seal or fix the entry points.
The structural damage caused by the storm, such as broken windows and damaged roofing, serve as rodent entry points. Make sure to look around your property and repair the damage as soon as possible. Do not forget to clean your lawn and remove wood piles.
Mice and rats can squeeze in through the tiniest openings. Therefore, seal the gaps around doors, windows, water pipes, and vents.
Rodents have extremely sharp teeth and can easily gnaw through the foam and dried caulk to gain entry. Use sheet metal or hardware cloth to cover large openings and prevent rodents from gaining access to your property.
3. Clean up rodent-contaminated areas.
Make sure to clean up any rodent-contaminated area to reduce exposure to germs and disease. A rodent’s urine or droppings may contain contaminants. Therefore, make sure to wear a face mask to avoid breathing in contaminants.
Before cleaning, make sure to disinfect the area first. Use rubber gloves to pick up the dropping and a towel to wipe up urine. Discard all the items in a sealed garbage can outdoors.
4. Use snap traps and glue boards.
Snaps, traps, and glue boards are great for catching rodents indoors. However, they should be placed in areas where rodents are likely to travel. During repairs, these usual spots might be blocked by tools, materials, or renovation work itself. This makes it difficult to put the traps in the most effective locations.
To attract them towards the traps, one can use food items such as corn, oatmeal, or peanut butter. Avoid placing them in areas where children and pets can easily reach them. Check the trap every day and clean up carcasses to avoid problems with flies.
Has the new season brought pest problems?
Hurricane season brings storms and rodents. If you suspect a rodent infestation in your home, contact a pest control company in Florida and book them for an inspection today!