Pests After a Hurricane or Big Storm

Mosquitoes

Standing water after storms leads to mosquito surges. Empty containers and drain water as soon as it's safe.

Rodents

Flooding drives rats and mice to higher ground, including attics and homes. Seal openings during repairs.

Roaches and ants

Displaced roaches and fire ants move indoors or onto higher ground. Fire ants can float in clumps in floodwater; avoid them.

Wet wood

Water-damaged wood can attract termites. Dry and repair damaged areas promptly.

Debris piles

Storm debris shelters rodents and insects. Move it away from the house.

Safety

Wear gloves and boots during clean-up, and watch for stinging insects in debris.

Get help

See general pest control.

Clean-up first

Remove wet carpet, drywall and debris promptly. Mould and rot draw insects and make treatment harder.

Snakes and wildlife

Floodwater also moves snakes and other wildlife into yards and garages. Use a light and gloves when moving debris.

When to call in help

If rodents or roaches move in during repairs, book pest control alongside the repair work so openings get sealed before walls are closed.

Insurance and records

Photograph pest damage linked to storm damage and keep invoices for treatment; some policies cover related work.

Food spoilage

Power cuts spoil food in fridges and freezers. Bag and remove it quickly so it doesn't draw flies, roaches and rodents.

Screens and seals

Storms tear screens and loosen door seals. Repair them early in the clean-up.

Crawl spaces

Floodwater under homes leaves damp soil and wood. Dry crawl spaces quickly and have them checked for termites and rodents.

More pest control guides

• Termites in Pensacola: What Homeowners Should Know
• How Do I Keep Roaches Out of My Pensacola Home?
• Mosquitoes After Summer Storms
• Pest Treatments, Pets and Children
• Hiring Licensed Pest Control in Florida