Florida Hurricane Season Pest Checklist by All U Need Pest Control

Before the Storm: Preventative Measures for Hurricane Season in Florida

As we step into hurricane season in Florida, preparation is key—not just for high winds and heavy rains, but for the wave of pest problems that often follow. At All U Need Pest Control, we know that hurricanes bring more than just property damage—they can also disrupt ecosystems and push unwanted pests right into your home. From fire ants and rodents to mosquitoes and cockroaches, hurricane season can create the perfect storm for infestations.

To help you stay ahead, we’ve created a comprehensive Hurricane Pest Control Checklist tailored for hurricane season in Florida. With the right prep work, you can minimize pest issues before, during, and after a storm. Here’s what to look out for—and what to do—to protect your home and family.

1. Inspect and Seal Entry Points

Heavy rains and strong winds can dislodge pests from their natural habitats, causing them to seek shelter indoors. Cracks in the foundation, gaps under doors, and vents without screens are all potential entry points for pests like ants, roaches, and rodents—especially during hurricane season in Florida.

What to do:

• Thoroughly inspect your home's exterior, including the foundation, siding, and roofline, for any openings or cracks.
• Use caulk or weather-resistant sealants to seal small cracks and install steel wool or mesh for larger gaps.
• Repair or replace weather stripping around doors and install door sweeps to block out crawling insects.
• Install or repair mesh screens on attic vents and crawl space openings to keep rodents and flying insects out.

2. Secure Trash and Food Sources

Overflowing garbage cans, unsecured pet food, and compost bins can become buffet lines for hungry pests—especially if outdoor sanitation is disrupted post-storm. These attractants can draw raccoons, rodents, flies, and ants to your home during hurricane season in Florida.

What to do:

• Ensure garbage cans are sealed with tight-fitting lids and stored away from entryways.
• Bring pet food indoors and store it in airtight containers.
• Avoid placing food scraps or leftovers in outdoor compost piles in the days leading up to a storm.
• Clear away any fallen fruit or other food sources from your yard to reduce attractants.

3. Clean Out Gutters and Drains

Clogged gutters and drains can cause water to accumulate around your home’s foundation, which not only leads to structural issues but also creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other pests. Rodents and insects will also use these moist environments as shelter—common after heavy rains during hurricane season in Florida.

What to do:

• Remove leaves, twigs, and debris from your gutters and downspouts to promote proper water drainage.
• Check that storm drains near your property are clear and not blocked.
• Ensure that all water is directed away from your home’s foundation with properly functioning downspouts and splash blocks.

4. Trim Trees and Shrubs

Overgrown landscaping and loose branches can be dangerous during a storm and also serve as bridges for pests to access your home. Dense vegetation provides cover and shelter for rodents, snakes, and insects—especially problematic during hurricane season in Florida.

What to do:

• Trim trees so that no branches touch your home or roof.
• Cut back shrubs and plants that are close to your walls or windows.
• Remove fallen branches, brush piles, or unused lumber from your yard to reduce hiding places for pests.

During the Storm: Stay Aware of Pest Movement

While your focus should always be on safety during a storm, it’s helpful to stay aware of pest-related developments so you can respond quickly once it’s safe. These changes are particularly noticeable during hurricane season in Florida.

1. Flooding = Pest Displacement

Hurricanes often bring heavy flooding that can destroy the natural nesting areas of many pests. As a result, displaced pests like fire ants, snakes, and rodents will move to dry, elevated areas—including your home. Fire ants, in particular, are known to form floating colonies on floodwaters.

Be on the lookout for:

• Fire ant colonies floating on water and heading toward dry ground.
• Rodents fleeing rising water and climbing into attics or garages.
• Swarms of insects like termites or mosquitoes migrating away from flooded areas.

2. Openings from Storm Damage

Storm-force winds can cause physical damage to your home, creating new openings for pests to enter. Broken windows, torn screens, damaged siding, and roof breaches give easy access to opportunistic pests seeking shelter.

What to do:

• After the storm, once it's safe, inspect your home for visible signs of structural damage.
• Use duct tape, plywood, or plastic sheeting to temporarily cover any openings until permanent repairs can be made.
• If you evacuate, double-check that all windows and doors are shut tightly and secure any known entry points before leaving.

After the Storm: Post-Hurricane Pest Management

The aftermath of a hurricane is often when pest problems escalate. Standing water, rotting food, and piles of debris provide all the essentials pests need to thrive—food, water, and shelter. This is one of the most pest-active periods of hurricane season in Florida.

1. Eliminate Standing Water

Mosquitoes need only a small amount of stagnant water to breed, and the days following a storm can create ideal conditions for explosive mosquito growth. Standing water also attracts other insects and can damage building materials.

What to do:

• Inspect your property for any objects that can collect water—buckets, flower pots, old tires, and tarps—and dump them out.
• Clean birdbaths, pet bowls, and other containers regularly to prevent mosquito breeding.
• Use mosquito dunks or natural treatments in rain barrels, fountains, or ponds.

2. Dispose of Food and Garbage Promptly

Power outages can spoil the food in your refrigerator and freezer. If left unattended, rotting food becomes a magnet for flies, cockroaches, and rodents.

What to do:

• Remove all spoiled food and double-bag it before placing it in outdoor garbage bins.
• Disinfect refrigerators and freezers that have lost power to eliminate odor and bacteria.
• Wash and sanitize trash bins to remove residue that can attract pests.

3. Inspect for Infestations

The storm may have driven pests into hidden areas of your home. Attics, basements, and wall voids are common places for pests to settle during and after a hurricane.

What to do:

• Check for rodent droppings, chew marks, or strange smells in storage areas.
• Look for signs of insect nests, such as discarded wings or mud tubes.
• Contact us for a full inspection and treatment if you notice any evidence of an infestation.

Common Post-Storm Pests in Florida

Here are some of the most common pests we encounter after hurricanes in Southwest Florida, especially during hurricane season in Florida:

• Mosquitoes – Breed in standing water and can transmit diseases.
• Fire Ants – Build new mounds quickly after being displaced by flooding.
• Rodents – Seek dry shelter and food sources indoors.
• Cockroaches – Especially sewer roaches, often migrate into homes after floods.
• Termites – Swarm and feed on water-damaged wood and cellulose materials.

Pro Tip: Add Pest Control to Your Hurricane Kit

While most hurricane kits include batteries, water, and non-perishables, few consider the pest control essentials that can help prevent an infestation during and after a storm. This tip is particularly useful during hurricane season in Florida.

What to include:

• EPA-approved insect repellent for use during cleanup.
• Ant bait stations and roach traps to place around your home post-storm.
• Airtight food storage containers to prevent attracting pests.
• Duct tape to seal cracks and temporary openings.
• Flashlight or headlamp to spot pests in dark, damp areas.

When in Doubt, Call the Experts

At All U Need Pest Control, we’re here to support our Florida neighbors through every season—especially hurricane season in Florida. Whether you need pre-storm prevention or post-storm treatment, our trained technicians are just a call away.

Storm season can be overwhelming, but your pest control strategy doesn’t have to be. Let us help protect your home before the pests move in.

Ready to Storm-Proof Your Home This Hurricane Season in Florida?

Hurricane season in Florida is unpredictable, but your pest control doesn’t have to be. Contact All U Need Pest Control today for a free consultation or to schedule an inspection. Protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind.

If they’re not dead, we’re not done. Stay pest-free with All U Need Pest Control.