Whether you’re preparing for a storm or dealing with its aftermath, pests are probably the last thing on your mind. That’s fair – we get it! However, taking the time to prepare your home in defense against unwanted ants, flies, beetles, moths, mosquitoes, and more will serve you well in the long-run.

Here are 10 tips for preventing pests before and after a storm event:

Tip #1: Clean up your crumbs.

What might look like just a few crumbs or a dab of oil to us…is a feast for pests. Carbohydrates and fats are especially attractive to ants and cockroaches. Take care to tidy up after meals, cleaning counters and washing dishes. Check toasters, microwaves, ovens, and other appliances for lingering crumbs. Vacuum floors to remove any crumbs that may have fallen to the floor. If you take the occasional snack or meal to your couch (or other furniture), make sure you check the area and clean up accordingly.

Tip #2: Ponder your pantry.

Open bags of sugar, flour, and grains provide the perfect place for beetles and moths to feed and breed in large numbers. Store these products in resealable bags or air-tight containers to keep pests out. The same goes for any pet food as well! You can also keep these items in the fridge or freezer, but be wary of warmth and humidity in case power is lost during a storm.

If you store fruits or vegetables in your pantry, make sure that they are not exposed to the elements. Ripe fruits, such as bananas and apples, may attract unwanted rodents to your kitchen. Store produce in a covered container on an elevated surface, such a high shelf or kitchen counter. Alternatively, you can move it to the crisper drawer in your fridge.

Throw out expired items and wipe off any shelves where food may have spilled. If present, cracks and crevices should be filled to avoid providing shelter to sneaky pests.

Tip #3: Organize your fridge.

Think your fridge is safe from invaders? Think again! Flies, ants, and even cockroaches may find their way into your fridge if conditions are right. It’s important to keep it clean on a regular basis, disposing of expired food items and cleaning shelves and drawers. While it’s recommended to clean out your fridge every other month, aim for at least three to four times per year, making sure to wipe up spills immediately. This is especially important for juices from thawing meats and poultry.

Make sure that the internal temperature stays within 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If your power went out during a storm, check the temperature using an appliance thermometer. If your fridge “kept its cool,” then your food is still safe to consume. However, if it reached 41 degrees or higher for over two hours, you should dispose of any perishable food items. This is when pathogens start to quickly multiply and put your food at risk. Spoiled food items are not only unsafe for you, but they may be attractive to pests. If you know a storm is on its way, consider setting the temperature a few degrees lower than usual. This can help keep your food colder for longer in case of a power outage.

Another important part of fridge maintenance is checking its seal. Do the “dollar trick” to see if your fridge’s gasket is well-sealed. Close the fridge door on a dollar bill with half of it sticking outside the fridge. Pull on it to see how difficult it is to extract. If it is pulled out easily, that indicates a weak seal. Make sure to replace your gasket if this is the case. For more tips on keeping a fresh and functional fridge, read this blog.

Tip #4: Seal it up.

Cracks and crevices make it easy for pests to find their way indoors. They can also provide harborage, making it difficult to treat areas with active infestations. Seal cracks with caulk and apply weather stripping to gaps in entryways like windows and doors. Not only will this prevent a variety of pests from entering your space, but it makes for a more energy efficient home as well!

Tip #5: Cover your trash.

Your trash bin, and your recycling bin for that matter, are likely full of tasty morsels, ripe for the picking. It’s important to keep them covered at all times. Beyond covering your bins, regularly rinse them out to avoid build-up of food and drink residue. On that note, rinse your recyclables too before tossing them in the bin. Finally, make sure any trash bins in your home are lined for easy disposal and clean-up.

Tip #6: Repair damaged screens.

Over time, screens are prone to the occasional wear and tear, but they may look much worse after a strong storm. It’s important to repair any rips or tears as soon as possible. Mosquitoes, midges, and other flying insects can enter the home through damaged screens and make spending time on your porch or lanai very uncomfortable. Not to mention, mosquitoes may transmit disease-causing pathogens! Stay up to date on the latest reports of mosquito-borne disease through the Florida Department of Health, and always stay safe by protecting yourself against bites.

Tip #7: Switch out the lights.

If there is an abundance of flying insects outside your home, they may be attracted to your outdoor light fixtures. When it comes to lights, not all bulbs are created equal. Studies show that LEDs are much less attractive to insects when compared with fluorescent or incandescent bulbs. And, a bonus – they are also more energy-efficient!

Even when choosing which LED bulbs to buy, there are subtle differences to consider. The most effective ones have a wavelength greater than 550 nanometers (nm), a correlated color temperature (CCT) of less than 3600K, and are labeled “warm white” or “ultra warm white.” Another tip is to consider motion-activated lights. That way, they will only turn on when people are present. This ensures that you’re not attracting insects when you’re away, and you get to save on your utility bill in the process.

Tip #8: Improve drainage.

You may have areas in your landscape that collect water and stay wet well after a storm. These areas can provide breeding habitat for mosquitoes. When possible, add a variety of plants to low-lying areas in your landscape to create a rain garden or bioswale. This will reduce mosquito breeding habitat, help filter stormwater runoff, and possibly attract beneficial insects to deal with unwanted pests.

Since you can’t always modify the land for better drainage, there are other options to consider. One possible option is to treat smaller areas of standing water with Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis, or Bti. Bti is a relatively non-toxic, microbial insecticide that specifically targets the larvae of mosquitoes and a few other kinds of pestiferous flies. Simply sprinkle the product over the affected area, according to label instructions. It will work to manage mosquito larvae without negatively impacting wildlife.

Tip #9: Consider your containers.

Containers stored outside can collect rainwater after a storm. This standing water provides a place for mosquitoes to breed. In fact, even something as small as a bottlecap can offer enough space for a mosquito to complete its life cycle! Walk around the perimeter of your home, checking for possible containers along the way.

Examples of common containers include buckets, open bins, cans and bottles, bird baths, plant pots and dishes, tree holes, and even water-holding plants like bromeliads. When possible, dump out containers to empty out any standing water. Then, either flip them over or bring them inside to prevent more water from collecting. For containers that can’t be moved, such as tree holes, in-ground bromeliads, bird baths, rain barrels, and fountains, add aeration when possible or treat with Bti.

Tip #10: Fix leaks.

While leaks may happen year round, homes that have suffered damage from a storm may be especially prone. Did you know that household leaks account for 12% of a typical home’s water usage? Leaks are not only a waste of water, but they can cause damage to the home and make it vulnerable to unwanted guests. For instance, dampwood termites and carpenter ants require moist wood to establish their colonies. Once present in the home, they can further compromise the structure by creating tunnels and galleries. Ants, cockroaches, silverfish, and flies are also just some of the many pests that may be attracted to leaking water.

Fix leaks as soon as they’re spotted, and be sure to dry out the affected areas using a fan or dehumidifier. If you were affected by a recent disaster, you may be eligible for assistance with repairs. For those who have home insurance, check with your provider first to see what they will cover.

Resources

• UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County: Disaster Preparedness
• UF/IFAS: Household and Structural Pests
• UF/IFAS: Pests in and around the Southern Home (SP486)
• FEMA: Disaster Assistance

Credits

• Featured image: Cat Wofford, UF/IFAS
• Graphics: Designed in Canva

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