Can Hurricanes Cause Termites in My Home?

Most people know that hurricanes can cause significant damage to life and property from the forces of nature, like wind and rain. But did you know that there’s a hidden problem that often lingers after a hurricane or strong storm blows through? Hurricanes and termites go hand in hand, so in a place like Florida, homeowners need to be on their guard for these troublesome pests.

Here’s what you need to know about the link between hurricanes and termite infestations.

Why Are Termites Linked to Hurricane Season?

Termites are hungry pests that are always on the hunt for damp, damaged wood. After a strong storm like a hurricane rolls through, the damage it causes to wood can create a breeding ground for termites.

There are two troublesome termite species common to Florida—subterranean termites and Formosan termites. They both infest damp wood that’s often in contact with soil. During a stormy summer and active hurricane season, the main dangers of termites include:

  1. Storms bring wood in contact with water and wet soil, and they often cause water damage to properties throughout Florida. When wood above ground is affected by water damage, subterranean termites come out of their nests and establish themselves within the upper levels of a building, eating away at the wood and causing major structural damage.
     
  2. Termites don’t just affect buildings—they also love to snack on trees. While hurricanes don’t encourage termites to attack trees, trees already weakened by termites are more prone to fall during a strong storm.

Hurricanes and strong storms displace termites and flooding often kills those that live underground. Don’t get your hopes up, though, as flooding won’t usually kill an entire colony. The queen is often protected in air pockets, and winged variants can survive, too.

Formosan termites are even more resilient—they’re better at both surviving and relocating even after the strongest of storms. While there may be a decrease in the number of termite populations immediately after flooding, they reproduce quickly—especially when there’s such an abundance of damaged, damp wood at their disposal. Don’t risk a termite infestation that could damage your home or business. Reach out to your termite control professionals after a strong storm, even if you don’t see any visible signs of termite damage.

How to Prevent Termite Infestations During Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is stressful enough—the last thing you want to worry about is the threat of a termite infestation. Gain peace of mind and make sure your property isn’t vulnerable to a termite infestation by working closely with your local termite control professionals.

The experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Debary are standing by to help! Our eco-friendly termite treatments put your mind at ease. Using America’s #1 termite control product, our termite professionals can get any infestation under control and ensure your home is safe from future infestations. Call us today at (407) 880-6655 for your free consultation!

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