Pest Invasion & Water Damage: The Real Pest to Worry About After Water Damage

Rainwater and plumbing issues aren’t only responsible for discolored wallpapers, distorted wooden structures, deteriorating drywall, and mold. They also bring in rodents and other small critters.

Pest invasion and water damage often go hand and hand. Yet, it takes weeks and sometimes months of destruction for homeowners to realize the actual problem for their house troubles.

911 Restoration of Northwest Arkansas can help keep pests at bay with our superior water damage restoration services. This guide gives you a play-by-play on what happens after your home sustains severe water damage.

Here’s what you need to know:

Pest Invasion & Water Damage: What’s the Connection?

If you’ve recently experienced heavy rainfall in your area, you should do a thorough survey of your property.  Besides looking for leaks, musty smell, and distorted paint, watch out for critter activity. That’s because pests often sneak into your home when the weather get rough and they are short for shelter.

When it comes to pest invasions and water damage, your focus should be on flooded basements, open vents, gutter lines, and attics, as these form entryways for insects and small animals.  Constant exposure to rain causes foundations to buckle and give way, leading to cracks. It’s from here that critters get the opening required to pay you a home visit.

Here are some other moisture-related causes for pest infestation:

• Undetected pipe leaks and dripping faucets
• Stagnant water outside your home (i.e., in lawns, drains, gutters, and at the base of your foundation), mostly after rainfall
• Damp crawl spaces
• Moisture trapped in mulch and flower beds
• Cracked caulks, drywalls, and structures that become entryways for tiny insects
• Poor drainage system
• Sewage overflow

Insects and small animals come inside your home to seek food and shelter. These include roaches, rodents, termites, ants, and centipedes. Dark and damp spaces (i.e., basements, crawlspaces, and ventilation systems) become breeding grounds and bests for such creatures. They will eventually multiply and wreak havoc underground or within your walls.

Most of this destruction goes undetected until they have compromised the structural integrity of your home.

How to Mitigate Pest Infestation Caused by Water Damage?

Our home restoration experts recommend homeowners call professionals as soon as residents notice the first signs of water damage. It’s an effective way to protect your property from water-loving pests.

For the most part, you can resolve minor moisture accumulation issues by installing ceiling exhausts in bathrooms and kitchens. Using room dehumidifiers and keeping windows open during hotter days are other ways to eliminate dampness.

However, if you deal with severe cases such as roof leaks, sewage troubles, flooded basements, you might need to call 911 Restoration of Northwest Arkansas.

Here’s an overview of our water damage restoration services:

Step 1:  Home Inspection

Our home restoration experts conduct a detailed survey of your property. It allows them to assess the extent of water damage sustained throughout the house. They identify main problem areas and potential threats.

After inspection, our IICRC-certified team creates a customized remediation plan to align our services with your unique needs.

Step 2: Water Removal and Extraction

Major roof leaks, flooded basements, and sewage overflow can result in excessive water accumulations. Some of which stands a few inches or feet high due to their high volume. These scenarios require immediate water removal to prevent severe structural decay, mold growth, and pest infestation.

We use industrial-grade vacuums, and heavy-duty sump pumps to extract standing water from affected areas. After this, we inspect floorboards, furniture, and water-submerged spaces to test moisture levels.

Step 3: Drying and Dehumidifying

The next phase removes all traces of moisture and water absorbed by wooden structures, upholstery, and other areas. We use premium-quality dehumidifiers and high-velocity dryers to complete this step.

Step 4: Sanitation and Mold Remediation

Mold infestation remains a common threat in water-damaged homes. Additionally, our water damage restoration services cover sanitation and cleaning duties too. These steps promote better air quality and safer homes for you (and your family).

Step 5: Repairs and Replacements

The last step revolves around the restoration of the house. Everything from furniture and  appliances to floorboards and roofing material gets examined. We repair and fix salvageable items while replacing deteriorated objects.

In regards to pest invasion and water damage, this phase prevents wood rot and mold-ridden structures from attracting pests inside homes.

Apart from this, 911 Restoration of Northwest Arkansas offers insurance support upon request.  That means we can help you collect photographic evidence and receipts to file a home insurance claim. With our assistance, you increase the chances of receiving sizeable coverage for property restoration.

Final Words

In the end, pest invasion and water damage might strike as an odd combination. Yet, the destructive duo can cause irreversible property loss if you overlook presence. Our home restoration experts advise clients to stay vigilant and request professional assistance when something goes amiss.

Our immediate response and disaster recovery services can make a significant difference in your fight against pesky intruders.

Got a leaky roof or bug problem? Call 911 Restoration of Northwest Arkansas for help. Our 24/7 operators will come in to save the day in record time.