“Sandy” was a devastating storm that caused massive destruction to hundreds of homes and businesses along the eastern portion of New Jersey and New York. As millions of pounds of debris is being removed and homeowners begin painstaking repairs; the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is calculating the effects the storm had on pest populations in the region.

According to the NPMA, communities devastated by the storm will likely experience an increase in pest encounters due to displacement and destruction caused by flooding. From the delay in sanitation services caused by power outages and road blockages to the widespread structural damage and increased number of people staying at shelters, hotels or with family and friends, there are a number of ways Sandy will affect a variety of pest populations both short-term and months after the storm.

This is Hunter, your #1 “dog-blog” reporter keeping you Loyal readers up to speed on all the latest news and information about pest control and general pest management. It is important for us at Loyal Termite and Pest Control to stay on top of any situation affecting pest activity; as a similar situation may occur in our area. If so, we want to be prepared to assist our community in eliminating any new or existing pest problems.

The organization has identified the following pests that will be of greatest concern to East Coast residents affected by Sandy:

Rodents

While some rodents were killed during and after the hurricane, many have been displaced and are seeking shelter and food. The delay in garbage pickup in several areas is attracting rats and other mammal pests. Because sanitation crews will focus on garbage before debris, homeowners should separate food trash and construction rubbish. Rodents can carry many diseases, and residents should take precautions to avoid their carcasses.

Flies

Because flies breed in spoiled food, dead animals and backed up sewage, homeowners who experienced several days of lost power should be on the lookout for fungus gnats, phorid flies and other bugs. Residents should consider asking a pest control professional to inspect their home’s pipes to ensure no sewage leaks or plumbing problems are creating an ideal place for pests to live.

Bedbugs

People forced out of their homes and into hotels and shelters or those who have received donated furnishings and clothing have an increased chance of finding bed bug infestations, according to the NPMA. This pest can “hitchhike” from person to person in close spaces and are difficult to eliminate; so seeking professional help immediately upon finding these pests is essential. If you had this kind of problem in Richmond; Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call Loyal!! I say, Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call Loyal!! That’s what I’m barking about!

Termites

These bugs consider wet wood a feast, and many termites have been displaced by flooding. It’s a good idea for the affected homeowners to ask a pest control professional to inspect their home’s termite defenses to ensure the destructive critters don’t cause additional damage to a residence already suffering from the effects of “Superstorm Sandy.”

Thank goodness we do not have to deal with the problems that the folks in the storm area now face; however, we should all be educated and prepared if a similar problem were to happen to us in this region.

Thank you for joining me in this week’s blog, What’s Buggin You? If you should have any questions; call us here at Loyal, go to our website, or contact us through social media. I’ll bark at you again next week. Ruff! Ruff!

“Superstorm Sandy” – The Aftermath Poses Serious Pest Control Problems in Virginia

Serving the Henrico and Richmond VA area since 1960

Henrico | Richmond | Ashland | Aylett | Beaverdam | Bowling Green | Bumpass | Caroline | Chesterfield | City of Richmond | Colonial Heights | Dinwiddie | Doswell | Fredericksburg | Glen Allen | Goochland | Hanover | Highland Springs | Hopewell | Louisa | Manakin Sabot | Manquin | Mechanicsville | Midlothian | Montpelier | Mosley | New Kent | Oilville | Powhatan | Prince George | Providence Forge | Quinton | Rockville | Ruther Glen | Spotsylvania | Short Pump | West Point

Recommended Posts