Florida’s 2024 Hurricane Season Has Created a Perfect Storm for Pest Problems – Here’s What Homeowners Need to Know

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has been one of the most destructive on record, becoming the third-costliest season behind only 2017 and 2005. The season featured 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and 5 major hurricanes, with three hurricanes making landfall in Florida during the season – only the sixth such occurrence since records began. While homeowners have focused on repairing storm damage and restoring power, many are now discovering an unexpected consequence of this hyperactive hurricane season: a dramatic surge in pest activity throughout the state.

Why Hurricane Season Creates Pest Paradise

“The summer months of May through November are prime time for both storm activity and pests in Florida,” said Johnalyn Gordon, a postdoctoral associate in urban entomology at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. The combination of factors that hurricanes bring creates ideal conditions for various pests to thrive and invade homes.

With electricity outages, standing water and damaged structures, urban pests find ample opportunity to invade homes, businesses and schools. The combination of intense weather conditions and damage caused by hurricanes can create a perfect storm for pest issues. From increased moisture to habitat disruption, these factors contribute to a surge in pest activity.

The Main Culprits: Pests That Thrive After Storms

Mosquitoes: The Biggest Threat

Florida’s mosquito problem becomes exponentially worse after hurricanes. Many mosquito species lay their eggs in stagnant water, the kind of water left behind by a passing storm. After a week and a half, eggs deposited in water can become a swarm of mosquitoes. The situation is complicated by the fact that while most people know about standing water mosquitoes, many are unaware of floodwater mosquitoes. Heavy rains and hurricanes can open us up to both types of mosquitoes simultaneously.

Several species of mosquitoes in Florida will breed in small containers of standing water. This includes the mosquito species that are vectors for the pathogens that cause dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. Even small amounts of water can be problematic – mosquitoes only need half an inch of water to breed.

Termites: Silent Destroyers

Termites benefit from strong winds and rain. Strong winds knock trees over or down limbs. When a tree dies, the wood rests on the soil, quickly becoming food for termites. Water damage to homes is also a termite attractant. This is particularly concerning for Florida homeowners, as strong winds and floods can worsen termite damage. Preventative treatments protect your home year-round and lower the risk of expensive storm repairs.

Rodents and Occasional Invaders

A tropical storm or hurricane can bring flooding, displacing rats and mice. When driven out of ground burrows and other natural nesting sites, rodents head to higher (and drier) ground. Often, this migration leads indoors. Heavy rains create flooding, signaling insects and vertebrate pests to seek higher and drier grounds. Precipitation drives pests like cockroaches, spiders, and rodents indoors in search of a safe space.

Hurricane-Related Entry Points

Hurricanes can cause significant damage to homes, including roof leaks, broken windows, and structural cracks. These issues not only compromise the integrity of your home but also create potential entry points for pests. This can lead to an increased risk of infestations. Pest activity can spike after the storm passes. Pest activity increases because displaced pests search for shelter and food.

Essential Prevention and Response Strategies

Before the Storm

Before the storm, survey your property for anything that might collect rain, and dump water out following rain from potential sources can interrupt mosquitoes’ life cycle and prevent them from using those containers to breed. You can reduce pest infestations by sealing entry points, clearing gutters, and removing standing water before hurricane season.

After the Storm

Once the storm has passed, you need to ensure that as much standing water as possible is removed from your property. You can remove water from birdbaths, garbage can and their lids, grill covers, clogged rain gutters, and flowerpots. Mosquitoes only need half an inch of water to breed, so do your best to clear as much water as you feasibly can.

Check for new entry points caused by storm damage and thoroughly inspect your home. Look for damage such as roof leaks, broken windows, and cracks in walls and foundations.

Why Professional Help Matters

Understanding how to manage pest-related issues can prevent headaches and potential infestations later. When it comes to dealing with pest issues following a major storm or hurricane, prevention as well as quick action following the storm can go a long way to preventing or reducing associated pest problems.

For homeowners in Spring Hill and the surrounding Pasco County area, Pest Control Pasco County, FL services have become essential following this record-breaking hurricane season. Around the Clock Pest Service LLC, a local family-owned company with over 14 years of experience, has been helping residents deal with the post-hurricane pest surge. They are a local, family owned pest, termite and lawn company with over 14 years experience in the industry. They are proud to serve their community with knowledge and dependability, offering honest reliable service.

Pest management is essential before and after hurricane season. Signs like increased pest activity, droppings, or nests may mean you have an infestation. Pests can worsen any structural damage caused by hurricane season, so don’t take any chances. Contact a pest control service as soon as you notice signs of pest activity in your home.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for Future Seasons

NOAA’s outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season predicted an 85% chance of an above-normal season, and their predictions proved accurate. With climate patterns suggesting continued active hurricane seasons, Florida homeowners must adapt their pest management strategies accordingly.

While hurricane season preparation is essential, ongoing pest control protects your home year-round. By combining good home maintenance with preventative pest treatments, you can keep your home pest-free before, during, and after storms.

The 2024 hurricane season has taught Florida homeowners that storm preparation must include pest prevention strategies. From eliminating breeding sites to sealing entry points and partnering with reliable local pest control professionals, a comprehensive approach is essential for protecting your home from both storm damage and the pest problems that inevitably follow. Don’t wait until you see the pests – proactive measures are your best defense against the hidden consequences of hurricane season.