As water levels rise and flood zones expand, residents are battling an unwelcome interloper that reaches beyond just water damage. Rodents, which generally live in burrows along rivers, flood out when the rivers rise and seek higher ground and dry shelter, typically in Longview homes. It leaves in its wake seasonal migrations, extreme health risks, property destruction, and severe infestations that can last long after flood waters have receded.
If rodent activity signs are showing up in your home or if you have flooding, call local pest control, such as pointepest.com services, immediately.
How do the Chehalis River Rises Pest Activities?
1. Displaced Wildlife Seeks Higher Ground
When the waters of the Chehalis River rise out of their banks, rats and mice lose the homes they have established in the burrows and nests they built along the riverbanks. The animals naturally move to elevated, less rainy places, which often turn out to be homes throughout Longview.
2. Seasonal Patterns Intensify the Problem
The most rainfall in Longview is between November and March, which is also the river’s peak flood season. In fact, during these winter months, rodent activity in our homes increases about 40% over summer months.
3. Underground Networks Get Flooded
Floodwaters fill the extensive tunnel systems that rats and mice use to get around. This drives the surface movement of rodents, ideally bringing them out of hiding and allowing them to enter homes via crevices around windows and doors.
4. Temperature Changes Accelerate Indoor Migration
Rodents are looking for a warm place to hide from the calmer flood waters. During such harsh weather, Longview homes, along with their heating systems and insulation, become havens.
5. Storm Damage Opens Up New Entry Points
High winds and flooding batter home exteriors, increasing the incidence of once-secure properties with cracks, gaps, and openings through which rodents can enter.
Why Flood-Driven Rodents Are a Bigger Threat?
Flood-related rodent hazards are more serious than the typical seasonal pest problems. These animals are more susceptible to diseases after being exposed to floodwater contaminated with pathogens. This creates more aggressive and desperate animals, and they are braver when searching for food and shelter. Flood-induced infestations are much different than regular rodent activity, rolling in in waves suddenly and in greater numbers than homeowners are ever prepared for. Both their situation demands and their daily wear will chew through material faster and create more destruction in the same unit of time.
Tips to Protect Your Home From Rodents
- Immediately seal entry points: Inspect foundation cracks and gaps around pipes, and damaged siding that may have been made worse in the recent flooding
- Eliminate outdoor food sources: Ensure trash cans have tight-fitting lids, and bring pet food inside, especially during flood season
- Clear vegetation away from your home: remove shrubs and tree limbs that may offer paths to your roof and walls
- Keep food in closed containers: Store pantry items in airtight containers, and do not leave food on counters overnight
- Add door sweeps and weather stripping: These are easy additions that can seal off common entry points around doors and windows.
- Reduce moisture in basements and crawl spaces: Use dehumidifiers in humid parts of your home where rodents may want to build a nest.
Take Action Before It Gets Worse!
One of the downfalls of Longview’s unique location on the Chehalis River is that, every season, you will likely experience rodent problems related to floodwaters. According to pest control data from Longview, untreated rodent issues will cost approximately $1,200 worth of damage within six months. The longer you ignore the problem, the more established these pests become, making removal efforts more difficult and expensive.
Professional solutions are an essential investment, saving you both money and stress down the road. Companies such as Pointe Pest Control understand the unique circumstances of Chehalis River flooding for Longview homeowners. They are experienced working with flood-displaced rodents and can provide specialized solutions for ongoing infestations, one-time removals, and flood-prevention.