Hurricanes & Pest Control: Why Storms Lead to Pest Issues | Anti-Pesto

When a hurricane heads toward Florida, homeowners across the state begin their hurricane preparations to protect their homes and families. However, one thing you may not know to add to that checklist is pest control. Did you know that hurricanes can cause pest activity to spike suddenly? The last thing you need to worry about during a hurricane is an infestation. Discover what you need to know about hurricane pest control.

Why Do I Have More Bugs after a Hurricane?

There are actually several reasons why you may see an uptick in pest activity after a hurricane comes through the state. The first reason is hurricanes often create the ideal environment for pests to thrive. Many pests, such as mosquitoes, breed in the puddles created by high amounts of rainfall, and others use the leaves and stick debris as nesting materials. Similarly, if you happen to lose power, you’re more prone to having food spoil, which can attract flies, ants, and other pests to your home. 

The second reason is pests are often moved and carried by hurricanes. As the eye intensifies, some flying creatures—whether they are birds or bugs—get trapped in its center and are forced to move with the storm. Flood waters also tend to move pests with their path. This can lead to high pest activity in areas where the eye wall passes over or where floods occur. It may even cause invasive species to find their way into Florida’s ecosystem, depending on how far the storm traveled. 

What Pests Can I Expect in My Home after a Storm?

Since hurricane season spans from summer to fall, you can expect to see an uptick in fall and summer pests. Most notably, we often see the following pests after a storm: 

• Ants, especially carpenter ants
• Mosquitoes
• Spiders
• Termites
• Cockroaches
• Flies

These pests are most common because they’re attracted to rotting food, wet wood, or are simply prone to seeking shelter during a storm. Carpenter ants and termites can become a major problem if they find their way into your home due to the damage they can cause. 

How Do I Prevent Pests before & after a Storm?

There are several methods you can use to prevent pests both before and after a storm. Before a storm hits, you’ll want to take the following steps: 

• Make sure your windows and doors are fully sealed to prevent wandering pests from slipping through. 
• Buy ice to help keep your food preserved in case of a power outage.
• Ensure your pantry food is sealed and secured. 
• Invest in a generator. 
• Have someone investigate/clean your yard and tree to reduce debris. 
• Purchase some DIY pest control sprays in case a pest gets inside.
• Schedule a pest control treatment, or invest in a regular pest control plan. 

Once it’s safe after a storm, you can do the following to further deter pests: 

• Remove debris and standing water from your yard.
• If you lose power, keep your fridge and freezer closed to ensure your food stays cool as long as possible.
• Make sure your trash is fully sealed. 
• Tarp or repair any damage as soon as you’re able.
• Hire a pest control professional to inspect your home for potential pest issues. 

Prepare Your Home for the Storm, Let Us Handle the Pests

Hurricane prep is stressful enough. Don’t make pests another problem on your plate. At Anti-Pesto, we’ve been serving Tampa Bay homes since 1988—so we’ve seen our fair share of hurricanes. With our exterminators, you can sit back and focus on your family while we focus on the pests. For hurricane pest control this season, rely on Anti-Pesto!