Hurricanes can leave behind more than just structural damage. While you’re busy repairing your home, you might notice unexpected visitors—rodents. These pests often seek shelter in homes after storms, as their natural habitats are disrupted or even completely underwater. But what can you do about rodent infestations after a hurricane?

After a hurricane, it’s not just about fixing the physical structure. That’s because protecting your home from infestations is equally important. Rodents can carry diseases, cause structural damage, and multiply quickly if left unchecked. Here’s how you can handle rodent infestations after Hurricane Helene–or any other hurricane that comes through our area!

Assessing the Damage and Identifying Entry Points

Have you checked every corner of your home for hidden damage? Hurricanes can create unseen vulnerabilities in your house, giving rodents easy access. Rodents are excellent at squeezing through even the tiniest holes, so it’s important to inspect thoroughly.

Key Areas to Inspect for Rodent Access:

Cracked walls or foundations, particularly in basements and crawl spaces
Gaps around windows and doors that may have widened during the storm
Damaged roof shingles or vents
Broken or missing screens on vents and chimneys
Gaps around utility lines and pipes leading into your home

Repairing these areas is your first line of defense in preventing rodents from taking up residence in your home.

Clearing Out Debris Around Your Home After a Hurricane

A lot of debris follows the path of a hurricane, leaving behind new shelters for pests. Removing this debris helps with general clean-up and removes hiding spots for rodents.

Steps to Reduce Debris-Related Infestations:

Remove piles of leaves, branches, and other organic matter from around your home
Keep firewood and construction materials elevated and away from your house
Regularly clear out clogged gutters, as accumulated leaves and water attract rodents
Trim back overgrown vegetation and shrubs close to the walls

Clearing debris early on prevents rodents from nesting near your home. When they can’t find shelter, they’ll move on in search of somewhere else to hide.

Securing Food Sources Inside and Out

Have you taken the time to check your pantry for vulnerable food items? Rodents are drawn to easy access to food, especially in times of scarcity following a hurricane. Securing your food sources is an essential step to keeping them out of your home.

Tips for Securing Food and Waste:

Store pantry items in airtight, rodent-proof containers
Clean up crumbs and spills immediately, especially in kitchens and dining areas
Keep garbage bins sealed tightly, both inside and outside
Compost piles should be kept far from the home, and covered to avoid attracting pests
Dispose of spoiled food promptly and securely after the hurricane, especially if power outages have left food to spoil in refrigerators and freezers

Setting Traps and Contacting a Professional Exterminator

Are you prepared to handle the situation if you suspect rodents have already made their way inside? While some homeowners attempt DIY methods to eliminate rodents, contacting us at World Class Wildlife Removal is often the most effective approach. This is especially true after a hurricane when infestations can grow quickly.

Benefits of Working with World Class Wildlife Removal:

Award-Winning Expertise: Our team has been named State Wildlife Tracker of the Year for two consecutive years, proving our commitment to excellence and wildlife removal expertise.
No Challenge Too Daunting: We tackle even the most difficult wildlife control issues with confidence and persistence, ensuring that no infestation is too challenging for our skilled team.
Eco-Friendly and Safe: We use non-toxic, organic, and eco-friendly wildlife control methods to protect your home without exposing pets or the environment to harmful chemicals.
Thorough Sanitation and Prevention: After removing the wildlife, we sanitize affected areas, seal entry points, and secure wildlife-prone areas to prevent future infestations, offering lasting peace of mind.
Humane and Responsible Approach: Our solutions prioritize humane methods, ensuring the safety of both wildlife and your household while protecting your property effectively.

For those who prefer to act quickly before calling in a professional, setting traps can help manage the situation in the meantime. However, remember that professional intervention is often the safest and most thorough solution, especially if dealing with a larger infestation.

Preventing Future Infestations with Proper Clean-Up and Maintenance

What can you do in the long term to prevent rodents from invading again after a storm? Once you’ve dealt with the immediate aftermath, future-proofing your home against infestations should be your next priority. This involves more than just a one-time fix—it requires continuous maintenance.

Long-Term Prevention Strategies:

Regularly inspect and repair potential entry points around the home, especially after severe weather events
Keep all food properly stored, and clean your kitchen and dining areas thoroughly
Schedule regular pest control inspections, even if there is no sign of a current infestation
Maintain proper drainage systems around your home to avoid standing water that attracts pests
Install door sweeps and window seals to close off even the smallest gaps

Get Rid of Rodent Infestations with World Class Wildlife

Ready to protect your home with award-winning, eco-friendly wildlife control? Our State Wildlife Tracker of the Year team is here to take on any challenge, using non-toxic methods to keep your property safe for both your family and the environment. We’ll remove the problem, sanitize the area, and secure it from future invasions. Contact us today for humane, effective wildlife removal and long-term peace of mind!