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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Water Damage Restoration Company Highlights Insects That Are Attracted to Water Damage

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Carrollton highlights insects that are attracted to water damage in a home and offers advice on how to remediate both the water damage disaster and the insect infestation.

When a water damage disaster or flooding occurs in a home or business, water removal must be rapid to prevent advanced secondary damage such as warped flooring, swollen baseboards, blistering paint, and mold. Wet carpet becomes unsalvageable after a day or two, and prolonged exposure to moisture ruins the finish on wooden furniture. Delays in removing the water, drying floors and carpet, and dehumidifying the affected structure can have another, often overlooked consequence: the attraction of pesky insects. In fact, one of the telltale signs of a hidden water leak is an explosion of bugs dashing across the floor, darting for cover in the cupboard, zipping under the refrigerator, or zooming through the home.

Most people immediately recognize the familiar signs of a water leak: brown stains on the ceiling, warping sheetrock, water puddles on the floor, or a moldy, musty smell. The potential for structural damage is a significant concern. An often-overlooked potential consequence of an undetected or neglected water leak is an insect infestation since certain types of insects are attracted to a water damage disaster.

Types of insects are attracted to a water damage disaster

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes need water to breed. A one-inch puddle of standing water fed by a leaky outdoor water faucet is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. According to the Centers for Disease Control, a female mosquito can lay from 100 to 200 eggs a day as many as three times before dying. The egg can hatch and grow to become an adult mosquito in as little as 8-10 days! A homeowner can prevent a mosquito infestation by repairing leaky pipes and faucets that create pools of stagnant water in the crawl space or around the foundation of the home. Leaky garden hose connections and faulty sprinklers can source the pools of water mosquitoes need to breed. Gutter clogs and leaks can also provide mosquitoes with the water necessary for breeding. A regular inspection of faucets, hoses, hose-end sprayers, water sprinklers, and gutters will reveal any leaks. A simple repair or replacement will remedy the problem at the source and avoid an unhealthy mosquito infestation.

Wood-Boring Insects

Water will cause wood fibers to become soft and easier for wood-boring insects to chew. Powderpost beetles, carpenter ants, and termites are examples of insects that are attracted to wood with a higher moisture content because the softened wood fibers are easier to chew. Some insects cannot chew through the cellulose unless the fibers have been compromised by additional moisture.

Certain areas of the home are more prone to increased moisture and water leaks, including the bath traps, crawl spaces, the foundation, drip lines, and the HVAC units. These areas should receive close attention from the homeowner. Moist wood provides a suitable breeding ground for wood-boring insects. The wetter the wood, the sooner the eggs will hatch and grow into adults, resulting in an infestation.

Thirsty Insects Inside the Home

Water is essential for life. Insects are no exception. They need water and thrive when and where it is found in abundance, including inside a home. When the weather conditions have been very dry, as is the case during the summer months in Texas, insects will migrate into the house where moisture is more readily accessible. Prime locations for taking up residence include the bathroom, pipes, and drains. Ants will march their way into Texas homes through cracks and crevices. Serpentine columns, sometimes consisting of thousands of ants, can often be found snaking their way throughout a home. Leaking pipes, sweaty joints, condensation on bathroom walls, moisture under sink cabinets, or a hidden leak under or around an appliance provides insects easy access to a plentiful supply of moisture and water.

Solutions That Work

An insect infestation may be a sign of a water leak or water damage in a home. If an uptick is detected in the frequency and number of insects, a water leak or water damage may be the reason. Inspect the house for water leaks, and repair any leaks. If needed, call a water damage restoration professional to mitigate the water damage and restore the damaged area to its pre-damage condition. By hiring a property damage cleanup and restoration professional certified in managing mold issues, the homeowner can streamline the entire process, saving both money and time. Treatment for an insect infestation may also be necessary. A certified, licensed, and bonded pest control company can most likely take care of the insect problems.

Contact SERVPRO of Carrollton to learn more about Richardson, TX, water damage cleanup services. The office can be reached by calling (972) 446-0383 or by emailing office@SERVPRO10952.com.

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