-Not only does water damage cause building structures to break down, rot and become a fertile site for mold to grow, but wet and decaying materials are beacons for bugs and rodents. The SERVPRO of Santa Maria water damage repair specialists recently released a report about the hazards that bugs and rodents add to water-damaged buildings.

Termites, cockroaches, mosquitoes and ants are just a few of the insects that are attracted to moist and wet areas. Damp wood is a nesting and food source for a variety of insects. Rodents and other kinds of wildlife can be attracted to the wet wood and insects for food, further damaging the building. Attraction to wet wood isn’t limited to rodents like rats, mice, or rabbits. Skunks, raccoons, possums and other small animals are attracted to dining on insects, grubs and other creatures. While exploring the menu of meaty insects, these creatures help themselves to insulation, bits of wood, upholstery fabric, rugs and more to make nests for raising their young.

Before long, not only has the office or home become water-damaged and moldy, but there’s a small zoo living and reproducing in the wood, the walls, the attic and under the floor.

• Mold spores start growing within 24 hours of exposure to moisture.
• Wood can start rotting within 10 days of exposure to water.
• Infestations of insects and rodents can happen within a matter of days, leading to population explosions. Mice can deliver new litters of babies every month and rats every couple of months. Raccoons and skunks aren’t as prolific, but can still do a lot of damage to structures, plus build nests. And, who wants a family of skunks living under the house?

The long-term damage that can result from not repairing water damage as soon as possible can be costly and perhaps create health hazards. In the event of catastrophic water damage, such as a burst pipe, the need for immediate attention is apparent.

But this isn’t always the case for small leaks or leaks that are hidden under a house or behind a wall. The Santa Maria water damage specialists stress the importance of regular inspections to locate and repair leaks before they cause expensive damage.

It’s also important to quickly assess major damage from storms, burst pipes, floods and any plumbing malfunction that results in standing water. The sooner damage is located and repaired, the less long-term risk there is to homes and businesses.

It’s also important to note that an exterminator isn’t going to get rid of all of the insects or other critters as long as the conditions that attracted them in the first place still exist. So, to prevent added damage from bugs, rodents, and other creatures, call SERVPRO as soon as possible to clean up and repair the water damage.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria is a locally owned and operated business and the team responds to calls within 24 hours. Water damage restoration is the cornerstone of the company’s service. The team has extensive training and certifications and use advanced drying equipment and techniques to remove all traces of water, moisture and odors.

When the Santa Maria water damage restoration team arrives, the first step is to inspect and assess the damage and take necessary actions to prevent more damage, such as boarding up windows or tarping the roof. The next steps are:

• Remove water and moisture using advanced extraction equipment.
• Drying, dehumidifying and deodorizing the affected areas.
• Cleaning and repairing personal items such as furnishings and clothing.
• Restoring the structure and personal items to the condition as if it never happened.

SERVPRO also works directly with the property owner’s insurance company, submitting and monitoring the claim and keeping the property owner informed of its progress.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria
1279 W. Stowell Road, Suite C
Santa Maria, CA 93458
(805) 922-5457