Locally Owned and Operated Pest Control

Subterranean termites are a significant concern for homeowners and businesses alike, with their ability to cause extensive damage to wooden structures. Protecting against these pests often involves the use of liquid barrier treatments or baiting systems strategically installed around properties. However, hurricanes and flooding present unique challenges to these protective measures. The Effects of Hurricanes and Flooding on Termite Protection Systems 1. Disruption of Liquid Treatments: Liquid termite treatments are typically applied to the soil around a structure, creating a protective barrier that deters termites from entering. When flooding occurs, especially during hurricanes, this barrier can be compromised. Excessive water may dilute the treatment or wash it away entirely, reducing its effectiveness and leaving your property vulnerable to infestation. 2. Damage to Bait Stations: Termite baiting systems consist of strategically placed stations containing bait that termites find attractive. Flooding can submerge these stations, potentially damaging the stations and the bait or disrupting their distribution. Additionally, debris carried by floodwater can dislodge or bury the stations, making them inaccessible to termites or difficult to locate and service. 3. Impact of Salt Contamination: Hurricanes and flooding, particularly in coastal areas, often introduce saltwater into the soil. Salt contamination can significantly impact the effectiveness of termite bait stations. Subterranean termites avoid salt-contaminated areas because salt is toxic to them in high concentrations. If bait stations become saturated with saltwater, termites will not approach them, rendering these stations ineffective. Furthermore, saltwater exposure can corrode metal components or degrade certain materials used in bait stations, reducing their durability and functionality over time. This underscores the importance of inspecting and replacing any compromised bait stations after a flood. 4. Foundation-Specific Vulnerabilities: Flooding impacts termite protection differently depending on the type of foundation. Homes with crawl spaces may face increased moisture retention, creating ideal conditions for termites to thrive. Basements, especially those that flood, can lead to waterlogged wood and compromised structures, providing easier access points for termites. For slab foundations, shifting soil or sediment erosion can break the protective barrier created by liquid treatments, necessitating immediate reevaluation of termite protection systems. 5. Increased Termite Activity Post-Flood: Hurricanes and flooding often create moist conditions that are ideal for subterranean termites. As soil dries out, termites may become more active and search for new food sources. This increased activity can accelerate the risk of structural damage if protective systems are compromised. 6. Structural Concerns Beyond Protection Systems: Flooded wood can soften and weaken, making it more attractive to termites even after treatment. Saturated or water-damaged wooden structures, such as beams or flooring, can become easy targets for termite infestation. Addressing this damage promptly by drying and repairing affected areas is critical to maintaining the integrity of termite protection systems.

As the winds die down and the floodwaters recede, the aftermath of a hurricane often brings challenges that go beyond property damage