As I write this, a large hurricane is bearing down on Tampa. And I hope you’re reading this well after it’s passed and are safe and sound! But it got me thinking, what sort of post hurricane pest infestations can you expect after the storm passes? That’s why today we’ll talk about some of the worst insects that move indoors after a storm passes over Florida.
Hurricane Pest Infestations: Overview
When a hurricane hits Florida, obviously your first concern is protecting your home. So of course you board up your windows, fill up your sandbags, and either hunker down or evacuate. However, you need to consider pest control after the storm as a top priority. Many pests in the U.S. are attracted to water. So things like waterlogged homes and yards after a storm are perfect for them.
In some extreme examples, a pest infestation can be simply transported onto your own property. Fire ants, for example, form rafts to float in floods and keep themselves alive. So if one lands in a nice spot in your yard, there’s a good chance you’ll have a brand new fire ant infestation!
But the real threat in Florida is probably not a raft of fire ants. Instead, standing water is your main enemy regarding: hurricane pest infestations. Standing water is left behind in droves by hurricanes, and gathers in gutters, open containers, and even trees. So when you’re a state that has a mosquito problem already, I’m sure you can imagine just how bad it can get after a storm. So let’s break down the particular pests to look out for
Mosquitoes
Let’s start with the most obvious pest in this situation. The humble mosquito. Probably the most pervasive threat in Florida, mosquitoes have every opportunity in the world to flourish after a hurricane.
In Florida, there are over eighty species of mosquitoes. Of these species, nearly a quarter are considered public health threats due to the pathogens they may transmit, including endemic viruses. In addition, many of these mosquitoes are considered pestiferous to communities all over Florida.
And a mosquito lifestyle starts and revolves around water. This can be anything from a freshwater lake to a few drops collected at the bottom of an old shoe. So when a storm blows through and knocks everything over, and then fills all that everything with water, you’re going to be dealing with more than enough space and water for the mosquito populations near you to boom. And adult females have to feed on blood to help generate their eggs. So with plenty of water and places to lay, you’ll see swarming clouds of them after a storm.
Fire Ants
Next on our list of hurricane pest infestations, as mentioned above, is the fire ant. Fire ants are a brutal infestation wherever they end up. Not native to Florida, these pests came here sometime during the last century on cargo ships and as part of the shipping trade. And once they made landfall, they took over. Few ants native to North America can contend with the onslaught of these biting, stinging ants that attack in massive numbers.
And like the next pest we’ll cover on this list, ants have a tendency to consume rotten wood. And one thing you’ll have plenty of after a storm if you’re not careful is exactly that; rotten and damaged wood. Be it your deck or supporting beams in your home itself. So if a raft lands on your property after a storm surge or flood, red imported ants may move in as a result. They love to infest plants and grass sod, and their colonies, once established, can even span several properties.
Fire ants are omnivorous insects. That means once they’re established on your property, they’ll eat anything they can to stay alive. They tend towards meats, greasy foods, and sweets as favorites. But like I said above, they will consume any animal or vegetable sources of food.
The fire ant worker’s diet includes insects, earthworms, ticks, spiders, arthropod eggs, honeydew, and other sweets. Plant sources of food include seeds. Young and newborn vertebrate animals eaten by fire ants include birds, rodents, and calves. Generally, fire ants readily consume carrion (dead animals) regardless of whether the fire ants themselves caused the animal to die. Fire ant larvae are fed by the worker adults and eat only a liquid diet until their third larval instar is complete. Fourth instar larvae are capable of digesting solid foods.
Hurricane Pest Infestations: Control Tips
After a storm, you’re going to have a lot on your hands. But don’t just stop after you’ve picked up the branches from your yard and fixed any leaky holes in your roof! Be very aware that you’re at some of your greatest risk for developing a pest infestation at this time, and take the proper steps.
For one, make sure to remove and get rid of any saturated carpets. Either dry them out or throw them away. Not only will these turn moldy and fall apart, but they serve as both a meal and shelter for pests. Also, report and repair any structural damage as soon as possible. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you, but holes, gaps, and water damage in walls can all be pathways for bugs. Even if they don’t walk right in, a weak structure can lead to areas that a pest can otherwise more easily chew or push their way through.
And check your exterior areas for standing water. That means your landscaping, parking lots, and the roof of your building. Mosquitoes are an ever present and dangerous vector of disease, so check for anything so much as a spoonful of standing water on your property and deal with it as soon as you can.
And finally, if you find yourself with a pest problem after a hurricane, be sure to call a licensed professional as soon as possible. You can reach us on our website insectfree.com, or our phone number at 1-800-634-1313. We’ve been in service for over twenty- eight years and would love to help you with your hurricane pest infestation issues.
Click here to use our contact page if you would like to request more information.