Preparing for Extreme Weather Conditions and the Pests That Follow

In recent years, the United States has experienced a surge in extreme weather events, ranging from damaging hurricanes and wildfires to record-breaking heatwaves and severe floods . While these events can leave costly and life-altering damages in their wake, they also have profound effects on pest populations. ?

Intensifying weather patterns can disrupt conventional pest control methods, leading to unforeseen challenges. Often, the toll these weather events can take on pest control is overlooked, which can exacerbate existing pest problems or even surface new ones. The best way to deal with these extreme conditions is preparedness — and that includes helping defend against post-event pests.??

How Extreme Weather Events Can Affect Your Business??

From relentless hurricanes to scorching heatwaves, these weather extremes can disrupt and trigger changes in pest behavior, causing pest populations to surge and seek refuge in commercial spaces.??

• Extended closures to treat preventable pest issues??
• Lost profits from being closed to treat pest issues??
• Short staffed due to employee illnesses from pests??
• Contaminated products if not properly stored at all times?

Pest Forecast Based on Weather?

While it’s important to be prepared for any kind of pests, certain conditions can bring out specific kinds of pests based on changes in weather.??

Tornadoes?

• Downed trees and scattered debris provide shelter for rodents and wildlife and serve as readily available sources of food for termites, flies and other pests.?
• Pest Forecast: Rodents, Wildlife, Termites, Flies?

Hurricanes?

• During the storm, water and wind drive most pests to seek shelter indoors. But it’s in the aftermath that flies, mosquitoes and other pests really flourish.?
• Pest Forecast: Flies, Mosquitoes, Rodents, Snakes?

Extreme Heat?

• Extremely hot temperatures can cause pest activity outdoors to slow to a crawl and drive pests to seek shelter indoors.?
• Pest Forecast: Ants, Occasional Invaders?

Extreme Cold?

• Unusually cold temperatures can cause heat-seeking pests to find warmth indoors.?
• Pest Forecast: Rodents, Wildlife?

Drought?

• Lack of water can cause hardy species to track down and camp out near any available bodies of water, including fountains and even leaky air conditioning units.??
• Pest Forecast: Ants, Rodents, Bees, Wasps?

Flood?

• Flood waters can wash away top layers of soil and your pest control treatments along with it, leaving you unprotected from pests.???
• Pest Forecast: Rodents, Ants, Wildlife, Flies, Termites, Mosquitoes?

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Tips for Managing Pests Before and After a Weather Event?

Being prepared in the event of a natural disaster or extreme weather will help you resume operations as quickly and smoothly as possible, while also helping to reduce the impact of pests. Here are a few measures you can take:??

1. Inspect and repair damaged structures?
2. Eliminate standing water?
3. Secure food and garbage?
4. Trim vegetation and clear debris?
5. Schedule and inspection with a trusted partner?
6. Consider weather-resistant pest control solutions?

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Check out our free Extreme Weather and Pests Guide for more detailed tips and checklists and help prepare your business to weather the storm.?