It's Not Your Imagination: Why Rodents Swarm After Hurricanes

Hurricanes tear chaos through coastal communities. They topple power lines, flood homes with water, rip roofs off buildings, block roads with debris, and often leave entire neighborhoods without basic services for weeks on end. Unfortunately, though, that is not the end of it. Once the winds fall silent, another problem emerges: swarms of rodents weaving through the ruins. And these restless mice and rats don't just make an unsettling sight; they also pose a danger to humans. For instance, they contaminate food and stored supplies and carry diseases. This makes many people wonder why rodents swarm after hurricanes. Well, the answer lies in how these storms affect the landscape. The problem begins when hurricanes push water inland, flooding rodent burrows. 

When their nests get flooded, they have no other choice but to flee to higher ground. And guess where they head to? Well, often straight into our homes and gardens. And, to make matters even worse, hurricanes often also damage sewer and drainage systems. This, in turn, creates hidden entry points into human settlements that rodents like mice and rats quickly exploit to slip inside buildings unseen. When you realize it, it's often already too late to do anything. Don't panic, though. If you know what to do and take some safety precautions, it is pretty easy to stop the mouse takeover during hurricanes.

Now that you understand why rodents swarm after hurricanes, the real question is: How do you fight back and ward off these unwanted mice and rats? Well, the first thing you need to do is get rid of their food sources. For instance, store food and grains in airtight, waterproof containers made of sturdy materials that rodents cannot chew through. Keeping food in cardboard or thin plastic containers during natural disasters is a food storage mistake that can result in a major pest problem. In addition, you might also want to keep trash and food waste in tight-lidded, rodent-proof bins during hurricanes.

Likewise, wash dishes and wipe spills right away. Small crumbs and grease films can attract and sustain rodents during these times as their natural food sources are disrupted. Other than limiting rodent food sources, you also need to spend time finding and closing any rodent entry points that might have been created due to structural damage during the hurricane. Look for and seal any holes or crevices that are larger than a quarter inch. Furthermore, add door sweeps and weatherstripping to eliminate gaps around doors and windows to keep rodents out.

Lastly, keep an eye outside your home as well. Get rid of storm debris and floating lumber as soon as possible, as rodents often inhabit and breed in these things if their natural habitats are destroyed and they have nowhere else to go. If, somehow, rats and mice still find a way into your home, use a commercially available rodenticide. Just make sure to follow all the label directions and take safety precautions during application.