When water comes up in Pompton Lakes and the surrounding area, most people are thinking about pumps, insurance and drying out the basement. Pests usually aren't on the list until they show up a few days later. Flooding changes the landscape for every animal and insect living in and around your yard. Some get pushed out of their homes and look for higher ground. Others take advantage of the standing water and damp materials left behind. Below, we'll cover the pests that commonly follow a flood, why they show up and what you can do during cleanup. Once things have dried out, our pest inspection services can help you check for anything that moved in.
Why Pests Show Up After A Flood
Many pests live in or on the ground: in burrows, under mulch, in soil nests and in low, damp spots. When water rises, those homes flood. The animals and insects that survive move toward whatever is dry and sheltered, and a house is often the closest option.
After the water goes down, the conditions it leaves are just as inviting. Puddles, soaked yard debris, wet cardboard, damp drywall and high indoor humidity all support pests that need moisture. Gaps in foundations and siding opened or loosened by the water can give them an easy way inside. Even a home that stayed dry inside can see more pests, because the yard around it is now full of displaced insects and rodents looking for a new place to settle.
Pests That Commonly Follow Flooding
- Mosquitoes. Standing water in yards, containers, tarps and clogged gutters can produce a new generation of mosquitoes in about a week in warm weather.
- Rats and mice. Rodents whose burrows flood move to higher ground, and garages, basements and crawl spaces are common targets.
- Ants. Colonies forced out of flooded soil often move indoors looking for dry nesting spots and food.
- Cockroaches. Some species live in sewers and drains and can be pushed up and out when water backs up.
- Moisture pests. Springtails, silverfish, millipedes and sowbugs move into damp basements and stay as long as the moisture lasts.
- Mold-feeding insects. Booklice and other tiny insects that feed on mold can appear on wet drywall, boxes and wood.
- Snakes. Native snakes also get displaced. Leave them alone and give them space to move on.
The Long-Term Risk: Wet Wood
The pests that show up right after a flood are usually the ones that leave once things dry out. The longer-term concern is wood that stays wet. Soaked sill plates, floor joists and framing that don't dry properly can start to soften. Damp, decaying wood is attractive to subterranean termites and carpenter ants. That's why it pays to dry out the structure quickly and keep an eye on it for months afterward.
Staying Safe During Cleanup
Floodwater can carry sewage, chemicals and debris. During cleanup, wear gloves and boots, and wash your hands well. Don't handle dead animals with bare hands. If you find one, use gloves and a bag, or contact your local health department or animal control for guidance. Rodent droppings left behind in a flooded area should be cleaned up carefully, without sweeping or vacuuming them dry. If you have health concerns after a flood, see a doctor and follow guidance from your local health department.
How To Keep Pests Out After A Flood
- Dry out fast. Run fans and dehumidifiers and open the space up to air as soon as it's safe.
- Remove wet debris. Get soaked cardboard, carpet, insulation and yard waste out of the house and away from the foundation.
- Dump standing water. Empty buckets, toys, tarps, planters and anything else holding water. Clear gutters and downspouts.
- Store food securely. Move pantry items and pet food into sealed containers off the floor.
- Check for gaps. Look for new cracks, loose vent covers and gaps around pipes, and seal them once the area is dry.
- Watch the wood. Check framing and sill plates for softness or mud tubes over the following months.
Our post on standing water and mosquitoes has more tips for dealing with puddles and containers in the yard.
When To Call A Professional
If you're seeing rodents, ant trails or a steady stream of insects after the water goes down, or if you're worried about the framing, a professional inspection is a smart step. Our NJ DEP-licensed technicians can identify the pests involved, look for new entry points and recommend a plan using EPA-registered, eco-safe products. We offer same-day and next-day service when you need it.
Flood recovery is stressful enough without pests adding to it. Drying out quickly, clearing debris and sealing gaps will help your Pompton Lakes home get back to normal faster.