Hurricane Helene has swept through the Upstate, leaving behind a mix of destruction and renewal. While we see neighbors coming together to rebuild and restore their homes and communities. There’s another, less visible consequence of this major storm—an increase in pests. Furthermore, and perhaps just as important is the plight to save pets from a disaster such as this. In reality, what is so unfortunate is that many pets get lost or abandoned after a storm. We need to step up for them just as much as we do with other needs. As a result, pet’s need to be re-homed or fostered. That’s just another problem to add to the potential surge in pest problems.
At Scouts Pest Control, we’re committed to supporting our community, and that includes helping you handle the challenges brought on by hurricane Helene. This means supporting our local pet shelters, as well as trying to get as many pets rehoused and to safety. All this, as well as keeping the increase in pests at bay too. Storms often cause an increase in pests, and we want you to know that we are here to protect you from those pests.
Let’s take an in-depth look at why hurricanes lead to a spike in pest activity, what types of pests you can expect, and how we can help you protect your home and family.
Why Do Hurricanes Lead to an Increase in Pests?
When a hurricane like Helene hits, it doesn’t just affect people and property—it has a significant impact on local wildlife and insect populations. Hurricanes create the perfect breeding ground for many types of pests for several key reasons:
1. Standing Water and Flooding
Heavy rains and flooding leave behind pools of standing water, which are ideal breeding grounds for many insects, especially mosquitoes. These stagnant pools can be found in fields, yards, ditches, and even in places like flowerpots or clogged gutters. Mosquitoes take advantage of these water sources to rapidly lay eggs, leading to an explosive increase in their numbers.
2. Disrupted Natural Habitats
Hurricanes displace pests from their natural habitats. Fallen trees, flooding, and destroyed foliage force rodents, insects, and other pests to seek new shelter. Often, these displaced pests end up in human homes, garages, and attics, where they can find food, warmth, and protection from the elements.
3. Damage to Structures
The high winds and flooding caused by a hurricane can weaken structures, creating entry points for pests. Cracks in foundations, broken window seals, and loose roof tiles provide easy access for pests like rodents, ants, and cockroaches to invade homes. You must remember that you were not the only one looking to shelter in safety from the storm. Many pests and wildlife were doing the same and if they can get entry into your home, they will.
4. Accumulation of Debris
Debris piles formed from fallen branches, leaves, and other organic material create excellent hiding spots for pests such as rodents, Bats, snakes, and other pests. These piles are often left unattended for days or weeks, allowing pests to thrive in undisturbed environments before making their way into homes.
5. Increase in Food Sources
Floodwaters and winds can also scatter garbage and food waste, attracting scavengers like rats and raccoons. The abundance of organic material and spoiled food left behind after a storm can sustain pest populations for a long time, leading to increased infestations.
Types of Pests That Are Likely to Increase Post-Hurricane Helene
1. Mosquitoes
As we have mentioned before. Mosquitoes are the most dangerous vectors on the planet. With stagnant water pooling throughout the region, mosquito populations are likely to surge. This is the time when we should be more vigilant than usual. Mosquitoes are not just a nuisance; they also carry diseases such as West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, which can pose serious health risks. Eliminating standing water and seeking professional mosquito control are crucial steps in preventing an outbreak.
2. Rodents (Rats and Mice)
Rats, Squirrels and mice are excellent at finding their way into homes, especially when their natural habitats are destroyed. They can gain entry to a crack or hole as small as a dime. As a consequence of the storm, flooding and downed trees force rodents to look for food and shelter, and homes become prime targets. Rodents can chew through walls, wires, and insulation, leading to costly damage and potential fire hazards. Squirrels are very agile and will also gain entry to your home in any way they can. Fallen trees and cables can offer a squirrel an easy way into your home, especially if your roof has sustained damage.
3. Cockroaches
Flooding drives cockroaches out of the sewers and into homes. Cockroaches thrive in damp environments, and the aftermath of a hurricane provides the perfect combination of moisture and food sources. Cockroaches can spread bacteria and allergens, posing a threat to your family’s health. This is potentially very serious for places who are providing sustenance and food to local communities. It is imperative to ensure food debris is cleaned away and regular pest maintenance to protect from any increased threat.
4. Ants
Fire ants are especially notorious for thriving after a hurricane. Floodwaters force fire ants to form floating colonies, which can make their way into new areas, including residential properties. Additionally, carpenter ants may invade homes to find dry, protected areas to build new colonies after their nests are destroyed.
5. Termites
The increased moisture level in the soil makes it more likely for termites to establish new colonies. Damp wood and structural damage can attract termites, which can go unnoticed until significant damage has been done to a building’s structure. After such an event, it is important to get your home or crawl space inspected for signs of termites and act accordingly.
6. Snakes and Wildlife
Flooded habitats and fallen trees often lead to an increase in wildlife, such as snakes, making their way into populated areas. Displaced snakes may seek refuge in garages, basements, and other sheltered areas, posing a potential danger to residents and pets.
Pets Are Often Lost and Abandoned
After a storm like Hurricane Helene, many pets are abandoned or lost as families are displaced and chaos unfolds. In the rush to evacuate or rebuild, pets are often forgotten, despite being beloved members of the family. These animals, left vulnerable and frightened, need our compassion more than ever. It’s crucial to step up, supporting local shelters and rescue efforts that work tirelessly to find and re-home these displaced pets. Just as we would ensure the safety of our loved ones, we must extend the same care to our pets, ensuring they are not left behind but treated with the love and respect they deserve.
If you find a lost pet, consider taking them to a local shelter or vet to check for a microchip. Additionally, if you have the means to offer a foster or permanent home to an abandoned animal, reach out to local shelters—your kindness can make all the difference in giving these pets a second chance at a loving family.
How Scouts Pest Control Can Help
At Scouts Pest Control, we understand that your priority is the safety and well-being of your family. With the potential for increased pest activity, our team is ready to help you regain control of your property. Here’s how we can assist:
- Comprehensive Inspection and Pest Prevention: We provide thorough property inspections to identify vulnerabilities where pests might gain access to your home. We will seal entry points and provide customized solutions to prevent infestations.
- Targeted Mosquito Control: To reduce the mosquito population, we offer targeted treatments around your home, focusing on areas with standing water to help eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
- Rodent Removal and Exclusion: If rodents have found their way into your home, our experienced technicians can safely remove them and provide exclusion services to prevent future infestations.
- Termite Protection: We can assess your home for any signs of termite activity and provide preventative treatments to keep your property safe from potential damage.
- Safe and Effective Wildlife Control: Our trained professionals can safely remove wildlife, such as bats, squirrels or raccoons, that may have sought refuge on your property after the hurricane.
Taking Back Control of Your Home
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene is a time for recovery and rebuilding, and the last thing you need is a pest infestation. Whether it’s mosquitoes buzzing around your yard, rodents invading your attic, or squirrels seeking shelter in your garage, Scouts Pest Control is here to help you protect what matters most.
As a final thought, we urge you to be on the look out for abandoned pets or lost pets that also would have become victims of the recent storm. It is important to recognize how pets are often forgotten victims of natural disasters and as a forward-thinking pet-centric company, we aim to support our local community and pet shelters. Please consider fostering or adopting a pet.
Contact us now to schedule your post-hurricane pest inspection and take the first step toward a pest-free home. We’re here to help our community, one home at a time.