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Residences, Structures and Communities |
Western North Carolina may actually see an initial decline in mosquito populations due to recent floods. Those fast-moving floodwaters which are carrying cars and propane tanks with them will also flush away many mosquito larvae and eggs from current breeding sites. At the same time, clogged ditches, storm drains and water-filled objects in residential areas still present suitable mosquito breeding habitats. The best advice is for people is to put the emphasis on personal protection (repellents) and removing sources of standing water wherever possible. See information about storm related pests and specific information about mosquitoes on the following web pages:
http://insects.ncsu.edu/Urban/storm
http://insects.ncsu.edu/Urban/westnile.htm
Termites should not be a major concern at this time, but there are some issues for people to consider as they inspect their homes and begin repairs. With flooding, the main concern should be getting the structure dried out thoroughly so that you do not have lingering "conditions conducive to termites" that could void a termite protection contract. Also, the moving floodwaters will likely displace soil from under/around the house or deposit silt under/around the house. This will compromise any termiticide treatment around the house. Homeowners will termite contracts will likely hear from the pest control company in a few weeks/months about requiring a retreatment in order to maintain the guarantee. In areas where flooding was substantial, this is not an unreasonable requirement. While this may not seem like an important consideration right now, in some instances the cost of retreatment may be covered by homeowner insurance policies, so people may want to at least check with their insurance company now even though any retreatment may be months away. You can read more about this issue on our web page at: http://insects.ncsu.edu/Urban/storm/st-wood.htm.
If people are concerned that they are being treated unfairly by a pest control company about such a problem, refer them to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Structural Pest Control Division (telephone: 919-733-6100).
There are a wide variety of other potential pest problems. These include displaced wildlife of four-legged and no-legged varieties plus other six-legged creatures that can become a nuisance, particularly when there is an overabundance of moist and possibly moldy materials remaining behind when the floodwaters recede. Many of these issues are addressed on our storm/disaster pest web page at: http://insects.ncsu.edu/Urban/storm.
Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
Last modified on September 13, 2004 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.