Hidden Hazards: The Pest Problem After a Storm

Hurricanes are very strong natural events that do a lot of damage. But the harm is often worse than what we can see. Pests love the chaos that a storm causes because it makes it easy for them to get in. 

This is especially true in Florida, where storms happen all the time. Florida’s warm and humid weather makes it a great place for many types of pests to breed, such as mosquitoes, cockroaches, ants, and mice. 

Following a storm, these bugs may become even worse because they look for food and protection in broken-down homes and businesses. When this happens, pest control in Apopka is necessary at this point. 

Why do pests thrive after hurricanes? 

Hurricanes change the way things normally work. Homes are damaged by strong winds and floods, which gives pests new places to hide and get in. Mosquitoes and mice can lay their eggs in trash piles. 

Standing water brings in bugs like mosquitoes and can even be a safe place for dangerous animals like snakes to live. Animals that are refugees might also look for safety in your home. 

Common pests you should watch out for. 

Many types of pests can do very well in places where hurricanes happen. After a storm, these are some of the most common pests you might find:

• Mosquitoes. 

These annoying bugs love still water, which is easy to find after a storm. They are annoying, and they can also spread dangerous viruses like West Nile virus, Zika virus, and dengue fever.

• Rodents. 

Mice and rats are opportunistic and can easily get into homes that are broken down. They are drawn to food and protection, and they can do a lot of damage to property.

• Ants. 

Ant colonies that have been thrown off may choose to hide in homes after a storm. Ants can be annoying, and they can make food unsanitary.

• Cockroaches. 

These pests are very hardy and can live in difficult settings. They usually like to live in damp, warm places. They can make people sick and taint food.

• Snakes. 

During storms, snakes may look for better ground, which can lead them into homes. Some snakes can be dangerous, but most are not. 

How to keep your home pest-free after a hurricane. 

After a storm, there are things you can do to keep pests out of your house. Here are some steps you can take to be proactive:

Before the storm. 

• Look around the pipes, windows, and doors in your home for cracks, gaps, and holes. Seal these holes with caulk or weather stripping to make it harder for pests to get in.
• Cut back shrubs and trees. Overgrown plants near your home give pests a place to hide. Cut back trees and keep bushes at least a foot away from your house to get rid of places where pests could hide.
• Get rid of the trash. Every so often, clean up the yard around your house by picking up things like leaves and broken twigs. This makes it harder for pests like mosquitoes to find places to lay their eggs. 

After the storm. 

• After making sure it is safe to do so, carefully check your home for storm damage. Find any gaps, cracks, or holes that pests could use to get in.
• As soon as possible, get rid of any trash piles or water that is standing on your property. This gets rid of places where mosquitoes can lay their eggs and gives other pests fewer places to hide.
• Pests are drawn to wet places. If your house is flooded, you need to quickly dry it out. Use fans to move the air around and get rid of the wetness.
• Keep all food safely stored in cases that will not let air in. This will keep mice and other pests from coming in.
• If you think you have a bug problem, do not wait to call an approved pest control professional. 

By keeping alert and following these tips, you can help lower the risk of pest infestations during storms and protect your home and family from unwanted guests.