Essential Tips for After a Hurricane

Hurricane season in the U.S. runs from June through November, often leaving behind more than just visible destruction. While broken roofs, siding, and windows are obvious signs of damage, hurricanes also create conditions where pests can thrive. As part of hurricane safety, addressing these issues early is key.

Stagnant flood water left after the storm becomes a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Rodents, too, may move in, using damaged areas of your home for shelter. If these threats aren’t handled quickly, they can turn into large-scale infestations.

That’s why pest control should be a top priority in any post-hurricane recovery plan. Timely action safeguards your home and protects public health. Explore our post-hurricane resources for immediate steps you can take.

What to Do After a Hurricane

In the aftermath of a hurricane, pooling water and storm damage create ideal conditions for pests such as mosquitoes and rodents. Not only do they carry diseases, but rodents can also inflict structural damage to your home. Flooded zones often hide fire ants, which cluster into floating mounds and sting when threatened.

Protect yourself and your property by reviewing these essential post-hurricane tips:

Preventing Mosquitoes in the Wake of a Hurricane

Remove Water: Get rid of any standing water on your property, checking spots like buckets, tarps, tires, and lawn equipment where water can collect.
Improve Drainage: Keep water moving freely through gutters, flower pots, ditches, and storm drains to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
Use Repellent: Protect exposed skin with EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Dress Safely: During cleanup, wear long sleeves, pants, closed-toe shoes, and light-colored clothing to lower your chances of mosquito bites.
Avoid Peak Times: Stay indoors as much as possible during dawn and dusk, when mosquito activity and bite risk are at their highest.

Avoiding Pest Infestations Following a Storm

Seal Damage: Repair structural problems promptly and close any holes or gaps to prevent pests from getting inside.
Dry Out: Remove excess moisture indoors by discarding soaked carpets, rugs, and furniture to reduce the risk of mold and pest activity.
Clear Debris: Clear away leaves, branches, and fallen trees from your yard, as they can serve as hiding spots and breeding areas for pests.
Unclog Gutters: Keep gutters and storm drains clear to avoid standing water that attracts insects and other pests.
Manage Waste: Maintain clean trash bins and store them away from your home to reduce pest attraction.

What You Need to Know About Food Safety Post-Hurricane

Flooded Produce: Do not eat any fruits, vegetables, or unpackaged foods that have been in contact with floodwaters.
Contaminated Gardens: Avoid consuming produce from gardens that have been touched by floodwaters.
Damaged Cans: Throw away canned goods with bulging sides, dented seams, or visible swelling.
Unsafe Cans: Steer clear of cans with snap tops, pull tops, or any home-canned products, as they may pose safety risks.
Spoiled Refrigeration: Discard all perishable items from your refrigerator if it lost power during the storm.
Thawed Frozen Items: Never eat frozen foods that have thawed above 41°F or stayed thawed for more than four hours.
Boxed Goods: Get rid of dry packaged foods such as cereal, flour, and pasta, even if they look dry, if they were exposed to flood conditions.
Discard Porous Items: Dispose of items that can’t be fully disinfected, including wooden cutting boards, baby bottle nipples, and paper products.
Sanitize Surfaces: Clean and disinfect all dishes, utensils, and any surfaces that come into contact with food before using them.

Can Hurricanes Increase Mosquito-Borne Disease Risks?

Hurricane damage often leaves behind the perfect environment for mosquito breeding. Floodwaters collect in yards, streets, and debris, creating prime spots for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Although the storm wipes out many adult mosquitoes, the stagnant water awakens dormant eggs, sparking a new wave of insect activity. Within seven to ten days after a hurricane, these pests begin to reappear in force.

Once they hatch, female mosquitoes quickly seek blood meals to fuel reproduction. Without timely mosquito control efforts, their numbers can multiply rapidly, raising the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus, Zika, and dengue.

Communities recovering from a storm must act fast. Early intervention with mosquito control measures can help reduce populations, protect public health, and make the recovery period safer for residents and relief workers alike.

Controlling Mosquitoes to Keep Communities Safe

Mosquito-borne illnesses are a persistent concern in Florida, regardless of the time of year or events like hurricanes. Throughout hurricane recovery, it is crucial to maintain consistent mosquito control and surveillance to keep these risks in check. Working with professionals like Arrow Environmental Services helps the city implement focused strategies against diseases such as West Nile, Zika, and dengue. Protecting public health requires ongoing, community-wide cooperation.

In the event of a hurricane, we’re committed to helping our customers and neighbors through every step. Contact Arrow Environmental Services for trusted support and guidance.