Hurricane Season is Here... And So are More Pests!

With Tropical Storm Alberto already spinning in the Gulf, it looks like we have an early hurricane season again this year. In fact, maybe we should just change the dates, as this is the 4^th year in a row where we’ve had a named storm in May. Regardless, it’s time to start checking your hurricane kit, making sure you’re prepared for any eventuality, and preparing your home in case a storm causes bugs and rodents to invade your home. Even if we don’t get hit with a category 4 or 5 hurricane this year, the rainy season itself leads to downed trees, standing water and lusher vegetation, all of which can cause insects to multiply and seek shelter in your home – whether its damaged or not.

Water, Water, Everywhere

Of course, standing water is the first and one of the biggest concerns for Floridians. Rodent and ground level insect nests, especially fire ants mounds, flood long before our homes do, sending the various critters in search of a new place to live, even temporarily. The added moisture in the ground and around our homes can drive ants as well as termites to take up residence in your walls. Make sure you know the difference between the two, because while ants can be annoying, termites can be extremely costly and should be dealt with immediately. In fact, if you’d like to protect your home from termites before the storm hits, check out our Termite Control and our comprehensive Term Assure 365 for the best all natural termite prevention. The other issue with standing water, of course, is that it’s a breeding ground for mosquitoes. You’ll want to check pet bowls, planters, gutters, and trash cans & lids for standing water and get rid of it as soon as you can. Additionally, our exclusive Mosquito Protection Program™ creates No Bite Zones on your property that safely and naturally transform biting mosquitoes and their unborn children into vegans!

What You Need vs What You Want

While you need to stock up on certain items like batteries, bottled water, and non-perishable foods, you might want to limit your perishable food shopping for a few months. Take the time to clean out any spoiled or past due date food from your fridge and limit your restocking to what you need and will eat over the next 3-7 days. Spoiled and rotting food attracts flies and rodents and if you lose power during a storm, you don’t want too much food going bad before utilities can be restored. It’s something we don’t like to think about, but it took a week to 10 days to get power restored in many areas after some of our more recent hurricanes.

Inspect Now, Save Later

Now is the time to get your home and garage fully inspected to make sure all gaps are sealed from top to bottom. In the middle of a storm is no time to discover cracks and leaks. And even if high winds don’t pull off pieces of your roof, even small gaps can let in rain as well as rats and mice. One of the best features of our Go Green Plus 3 is the pre-treatment inspection. We’ll take a look at every access point of your home – including the ones you might not think of, like gutters, cable and phone installations, and where overhanging trees meet your eaves. We make you aware of the potential points of entry and treat them all for insect prevention. Our Thermal Acoustical Pest Control, or TAP, is a great investment right now too. It deters rodents and insects from entering your home through the attic and roof, while safely insulating your home for cooler and quieter summers and energy saving winters. Plus, it’s fire-retardant and safe for the whole family.

You Can Never Be Too Prepared

Don’t wait to prepare for the tropical activity that happens every year in Florida. Hurricanes and even Tropical Storms are nothing to laugh at. Make sure you have an emergency survival kit on hand – you can’t rely on speeding over to Walmart or Publix when the storm threatens. FEMA recommends the following supplies to have available now:

• Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least five days for drinking and sanitation
• Food - at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Glasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler's checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container.

Download a printable shopping list here. After you put together your hurricane survival kit, get a head start on your pest prevention preparation;  join our happy customers from Lakewood Ranch to North Port in being as ready for the storm as you can! One of our highly trained staff will be happy to walk you through our 100% natural, safe pest solutions if you just give us a call.