What To Expect From Tropical Storm Ernesto
Thankfully, these days we can predict storms, hurricanes, and extreme weather rather quickly and accurately. This means more people can get to safety and save more possessions to rebuild in the event of unimaginable damage.
It is hurricane season here in the USA, and the chance of a tropical storm coming your way if you live near the coast is on the rise. The newest advisory is about Post-Tropical Cyclone Ernesto, which is moving over the Atlantic Ocean toward the Northeast at 37 miles per hour.
Where Ernesto is Going
While moving along the Atlantic Ocean, Ernesto is giving Bermuda, Atlantic parts of Canada, and the Northeast coast of the U.S. something to worry about, with winds up to 70 miles an hour. This is one to watch, as there are no other storms on the radar for at least a few more days in the Atlantic area. It flopped between a hurricane and tropical storm for the Bermuda area and was within 150 miles of Newfoundland on August 20. This is right on the heels of Hurricane Debby, which hit Florida on August 5.
In the Carolinas, three reported drownings have been attributed to Ernesto, due to the harsh conditions on the water. The Coast Guard has said to stay out of the water and keep all boats in place until further notice.
While downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm, it doesn't mean the damage could be any less severe. It made a pop-up visit in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and caused flash flooding, leaving residents without power. This is the third hurricane (turned tropical storm) this season, and we have until November 30 to see if any others make their presence known.
What Ernesto Means for Insects
While you try to stay safe, keep out of the water, and make sure you have supplies to ride out the storm, something else is going on below the surface. We know worrying about others is hard to do in a crisis, and the creatures that are connected to severe wet weather aren't your favorites to begin with.
We hate to break it to you, but the winds and heavy rainfall from Ernesto are going to send bugs your way. More specifically, the mosquitos you see in the summer and can't wait for the frost to kill off in the winter are having their moment, thanks to Ernesto.
The reason these storms and hurricanes bring this type of bug is mosquitoes need wet conditions to lay their eggs. With up to one million able to be laid in a square mile section at a time - yes, at a time - you want to try to reduce that number as much as possible if you don't like itching.
Other Bugs Brought Out by a Hurricane
Yes, mosquitos are the star when it comes to wet outside conditions, but storms bring other bugs to the front of the line for humans to battle.
Ants and Cockroaches
These two critters do not like the water or wind or anything else happening outside any more than you do. These bugs will make their way into your home for safety purposes. While they should leave once things dry out, you could have to call the experts to evict them once the storm has passed.
Drain Any Sitting Water
To try to minimize the number of eggs mosquitos will lay after any storm or rainfall, go do a scan around your yard. Any standing water should be dumped to reduce the swarm of mosquitos who can't wait to play in there.
This will also help keep ants, cockroaches, and other bugs from wanting to find a dry place inside your home, as these bugs specifically do not like the water and wind and want to find a warm, cozy spot to wait out the storm in your home.
Treat Your Yard After a Storm
Once you have accessed everything and everyone is okay, think about pest control for your home. It doesn't hurt to talk to a professional to see what areas would need attention once things dry out. While we can predict (for the most part) when and where a storm will hit, we don't know how the insects will react. If you notice your yard being overrun, pest treatment would be the next step in getting things back to normal.
But you don't want to treat your yard the day after a storm has passed. Doing a pest control treatment too soon could be a waste of your money. Treatments could have ingredients that would get washed away by water or wouldn't be able to properly stick in wet conditions. It's kind of how you shouldn't paint a few days before or after it is supposed to rain.
While we know you want those mosquitos gone and other bugs back outside, it's best to call in a professional to assess the areas you want to take care of. It's always better to have it done correctly the first time, so you don't have to spend more money on additional treatments or solutions.
While Ernesto decides where it will go next and how long it will stay, know you will have to deal with the aftermath of the storm at some point. Even if you don't live near Ernesto, the ripple effect could still mean more mosquitos and bugs in your yard where you are. Pest control treatments aren't the most glamorous part of taking care of your home and property, but it's one that shouldn't be ignored.
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