Parts of South Africa have seen much more rain than usual, with thunderstorms, cut-off lows, or prolonged seasonal rain. But why has it brought along an increase in pest activity? Many homeowners have noticed rats, mice, and ants becoming a problem after significant rainfall.

You might have noticed them as well, from an invasion by ants in the kitchen, scratching in the roof, or rodent activity around the home. We live in a country with a climate and urban layout that create ideal conditions for these and other pests to move indoors.

Flooded burrows and nests

Rodents, like rats and mice, are highly adaptable creatures and are normally found in gardens, stormwater systems, sewers, open fields, and even roof spaces. When it rains as much as recently, the areas where they live flood and become damp. This forces them to look for higher, drier ground, and they flee into homes, garages, and outbuildings.

The same goes for ants, like Argentine and pugnacious ants. Their tunnels in their nests underground and under paving collapse, and sections of the nests wash away. To survive, they quickly relocate to nearby buildings.

Population boom

The moisture in the air during and after the rains, combined with the warmer temperatures, triggers ants and rodents to breed and reproduce quickly. And therefore, you’re noticing an increase in pest numbers around the home.

Washed-in food sources

Sometimes, heavy rain can wash organic material into new areas, which exposes food sources that pests can easily access. Other food sources include overflowing bins, damp pet food areas, fallen fruit, compost heaps, and even bird feeders. Once they find these food sources, they are unlikely to leave on their own.

What to do

Get Premium Pest Control to help you fight the battle with proper treatment. In the meantime, take these steps to reduce the likelihood of infestations after wet weather:

1.       Store food in sealed containers.

2.       Clean kitchen surfaces regularly.

3.       Avoid leaving pet food out overnight.

4.       Secure refuse bins and keep them away from the doors.

Good hygiene makes your home less appealing to pests looking for food and shelter after a rainstorm.

5.       Clear blocked gutters.

6.       Fix leaking taps or pipes.

7.       Ensure water drains away from the foundation of your home.

8.       Look for any openings around doors, windows, air bricks, plumbing, and roof lines, and seal them.

9.       Get professional help. Professional pest control focuses on long-term prevention and control.

10.  Don’t wait for a small problem to become a big issue. Act quickly after the rain and stay pest-free.