It may seem difficult to keep pests away from your home during a storm, but there are some simple steps that you can follow to achieve this. Contacting pest control services in Waterloo can help identify entry points and prevent any pests from entering your property in the future.

Install Window Screens

Just like you want to seek shelter during a storm, so do bugs and pests! The moist conditions before a storm make an ideal environment for these insects to breed, while heavy rains cause them to seek shelter somewhere warm and dry. One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent pests from setting up shop on your property is to install window screens. Insects can slip through cracks as thin as a credit card, especially around windows. They can even smell food inside your home if there are holes in your window screens. Be sure to change or repair your window screens if you see any signs of damage so that bugs can’t enter through holes or corners.

If your window screens are in good condition but you find that small insects tend to cling to the surface, you can spray the screen with insect repellent. You can also use clear nail polish to fix small tears if you don’t want to replace the entire screen.

Clear Out Stagnant Water

While you may not think that stagnant water is a big deal, mosquitos are particularly attracted to this moist environment. Once mosquitos begin breeding, they can cause all kinds of problems, including spreading harmful diseases and causing allergic reactions. A few areas where stagnant water is commonly found include:

• Basements
• Crawl spaces
• Bathrooms
• Gardens

In addition to mosquitos, stagnant water is also a breeding ground for bacteria, parasites and rodents. Bacteria and rodents can carry diseases and easily infect you or someone in your home. Keep in mind that the longer the stagnant water sits, the more dangerous it becomes. If you have a pest infestation due to stagnant water, contacting pest control services in Waterloo can help you get the problem under control.

Barricade Openings

Similar to how insects can squeeze through holes or slits in your window screens, they can also enter through other openings in your home. Be sure to:

• Add caulk to any holes or cracks in your home
• Install insect-proof mesh on attic vents
• Check for damage to your exterior walls

Gaps as small as 1.5mm can permit insects to enter, while mice can enter through 6mm wide gaps. Make sure you pay special attention to the bottom corners, as this is where insects and rodents most often enter homes.

When choosing a caulk, opt for silicone or acrylic latex. Although latex caulks can be less flexible than silicone, they can be painted and easily cleaned up with water. 

Keeping your home protected during damp weather conditions can be difficult. It’s important to be proactive and implement these strategies instead of waiting until you’re faced with an infestation to take action.

The quickest and easiest way to protect your home and keep pests away during a storm is to enlist the help of an experienced professional. Pest control services in Waterloo can help identify entry points and prevent pests from invading your property in the future. Truly Nolen’s Insect Control Program addresses changes in pest behaviour from season to season, which means that they use highly specialized materials each season depending on the weather conditions. This translates to minimized insect resistance over time and protection all year round. Call Truly Nolen today to learn more about our pest control services and how we can leave your home looking as good as new.