Quiz: Pest Control Forecast for Extreme Weather

It’s raining rats and moths! Well, that may not be how the traditional saying goes, but pests can certainly come flooding into your facility following an extreme weather event. From tornadoes and hurricanes to substantial changes in temperature or rainfall, extreme weather can have a significant effect on your Integrated Pest Management plan.

Take this quiz to test your weather-related pest knowledge and check out the answers at the end of this post:

1. Which outdoor temperatures drive pests indoors?

   a. Above 90° F or below 40° F

   b. Above 100° F or below 32° F

   c. Above 105° F or below 45° F

   d. Above 110° F or below 50° F

2. Flood waters can attract which of the following pests?

   a. Flies

   b. Mosquitoes

   c. Termites

   d. All of the above

3. Which pests tend to migrate indoors when the weather cools down?

   a. Rodents and Wildlife

   b. Ants and Mosquitoes

   c. Termites and Bed Bugs

   d. Flies and Cockroaches

4. Storm debris can become perfect food and shelter for which pests?

   a. Termites and Flies

   b. Rodents and Wildlife

   c. All of the above

   d. None of the above

5. When do extreme weather events take place throughout the year?

   a. Any time of year

   b. February to April

   c. April to June

   d. June to November

Sometimes an extreme weather or climate event may catch you or your facility off guard, but we can help you take charge once it has passed. Learn how to prepare for, and perform maintenance after, an extreme weather event by reading this guide to extreme weather and pests.

Quiz Answers:

1. D. Above 110° F or below 50° F.These temperature extremes cause outdoor pest activity to decrease, and many species crawl indoors to seek shelter.

2. D. All of the above. Flooding can bring waterlogged pests right to your doorstep and wash away pest control treatments around the exterior of your facility. Keep an eye out for signs of pest activity following an extreme weather event and adjust your pest control plan accordingly.

3. A. Rodents and Wildlife. Large, warm-blooded pests are more resilient when temperatures drop.

4. C. All of the above. Downed trees, scattered debris and accumulated waste provide shelter for rodents and wildlife and serve as readily available sources of food for termites and flies.

5. A. Any time of year. Extreme weather events can happen throughout the year as the seasons come and go. Be sure to check the weather regularly and stay tuned for any warnings in your area.