Pests After a Flood
Short answer: floods push rodents, roaches, fire ants and snakes toward dry ground and leave standing water for mosquitoes. As the house dries out, termites find wet wood easily. Clean up fast, drain water and book a termite inspection once repairs start.
Request pest controlRodents
Rats and mice move into homes and garages after water rises.
Roaches
Palmetto bugs come in from flooded drains and yards.
Fire ants
Watch for floating colonies and new mounds on higher ground.
Mosquitoes
Empty anything holding water around the house as soon as it's safe.
Wet wood
Damp framing and subfloors attract termites; dry them out quickly.
Debris piles
Piles of drywall and furniture at the curb shelter pests, so don't let them sit near the house longer than needed.
Crawl spaces
Check under raised homes for standing water and damaged vapor barriers.
Rebuilding
New lumber and soil work around the foundation may need fresh termite treatment.
Safety
Wear gloves and boots during cleanup and watch for snakes and fire ants in debris.
Insurance
Document damage before cleanup; pest damage is often treated separately from flood damage.
Snakes
Snakes also move to higher ground in floods. Use a light and a stick when moving debris.
Next
See general pest control.
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