Prepare for the unexpected when it comes to weather

Keep a digital thermometer installed in your equipment room that can be accessed remotely to track temperatures and know when your equipment may be in the danger zone. PHOTO: ALEKSANDR_KRAVTSOV / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS / GETTY IMAGES

We’re only a few months into the new year, and much of the U.S. already has faced record-setting winter lows, with subzero temperatures and blizzard conditions affecting large parts of the country.

If the recent weather whiplash has taught us anything, it’s to prepare for the unexpected. Any equipment that holds liquids, such as sprayers, hoses, tanks, lines and wands, may need to be properly prepared to avoid freezing. Luckily, a little preparation can make winterizing your pest control equipment easy.

First, prepare a checklist of any tools and equipment that must be addressed so nothing gets left out in the cold. Move any transportable equipment into temperature-controlled storage.

For larger equipment, begin the process by draining all water lines. A compressed air sprayer can help clear liquid from lines and machinery. Be sure to check manufacturer instructions, however, as some machinery may contain backflow values and other devices that could become damaged with a compressed air gun.

For equipment with small gas engines, ensure the engine is run dry or use an ethanol-free premix designed for long-term storage.

Freezing temperatures aren’t the only conditions that put equipment at risk. Extreme heat can cause serious damage to gaskets, seals and hoses.

Be mindful of how and where equipment is stored, especially in the peak summer months when temperatures are high. Even if air temperatures may seem tolerable, vehicles and storage rooms can act like convection ovens — reaching much higher temperatures inside than what a thermometer is reading outdoors.

Even if equipment is never subjected to extreme heat or cold, surviving average climate changes can still lead to wear and tear that could impact function. Inspect all tools and equipment regularly to ensure everything is well maintained and functioning correctly.