Termites & Hurricanes
THE HIDDEN THREAT AFTER THE STORM
Hurricanes don't create termites. They can create the conditions that allow existing termite colonies to thrive, expand, and potentially threaten nearby homes. Hurricane damage may also impact your termite protection and warranties.
More Food Sources
Fallen trees, stumps and wood debris
More Moisture
Roof Damage and leaks
Higher Risk to Homes
Larger colonies and new infestations
How Hurricane Damage Can Increase Termite Risk
A Closer Look at the Termite Connection
After a hurricane, fallen trees, broken limbs, stumps, and storm debris provide an abundance of wood for subterranean termites, including Formosan termites. Damaged roofs and lingering moisture can also create conditions for wood decay and even above-ground termite infestations in homes. Understanding these risks can help you protect your property before the next termite swarm season.
Fallen Trees Create Abundant Food Sources
Hurricanes leave behind thousands of fallen trees, branches and stumps. Subterranean termites naturally forage just below the soil line for fallen trees and decaying wood. This abundance of food can support existing colonies and may allow colonies to grow larger, especially with Formosan termites.
Storm Debris Can Help Create New Colonies
If storm-damaged wood, stumps, or debris remain in contact with the soil before swarm season, it can provide suitable locations for swarming termites to establish new colonies. Removing debris and grinding stumps can help reduce potential termite habitat.
Hurricane Damage Can Lead to Hidden Moisture
Fallen trees and wind damage can open a home to rainwater intrusion. Even small roof leaks can lead to trapped moisture, wood decay fungus, and conditions that are favorable for termites. The longer these moisture problems remain, the greater risk of hidden damage.
Formosan Termites Can Infest Above Ground
Formosan subterranean termites can establish above-ground colonies when sufficient moisture is available. Damaged roofs, leaking flashing, and persistent moisture can allow them to build carton nests in walls, attics, and other areas without contact with the soil.
Swarm Season Increases the Risk
During swarm season, winged reproductive termites leave established colonies to find new locations. Storm-damaged wood, stumps, and moisture issues can provide ideal conditions for some of these swarms to establish new colonies.
Hurricanes Can Damage Your Existing Termite Protection
Uprooted Trees Near Foundations
Foundation and Structural Damage
Foundation and Structural Damage
Large root systems can lift and displace soil previously treated with termiticide. When a tree close to a home falls, its roots may disrupt the treated zone alongside the foundation.
Foundation and Structural Damage
Foundation and Structural Damage
Foundation and Structural Damage
Falling trees can damage foundations, slabs, and other structural components. Repairs, excavation, or replacement of damaged materials may disturb previously treated areas.
Broken Gutters and Downspouts
Foundation and Structural Damage
Soil Erosion and Storm Repairs
Damaged gutters can concentrate rainwater directly against the foundation. Repeated runoff may erode treated soil while creating persistent moisture conditions favorable to termites.
Soil Erosion and Storm Repairs
Foundation and Structural Damage
Soil Erosion and Storm Repairs
Heavy runoff, grading changes, excavation, and storm cleanup can remove or relocated treated soil. Any significant disturbance should be evaluated by the termite protection provider.
Could Hurricane Damage Affect Your Termite Warranties?
Should I Contact My Termite Company?
Many termite warranties require homeowners to notify their termite-control provider when conditions change that may interfere with the original treatment. These conditions may include soil disturbance, foundation repairs, structural alterations, or landscaping work.
Failure to report these changes and complete any required corrective treatment may affect coverage under the warranty.
The good news: Corrective treatment may be simple.
When a limited area of treated soil has been disturbed, it may be possible to restore the intended protection through a localized spot treatment.
In many cases, these corrective treatments are considerably less expensive than treating an entire structure again. The appropriate work depends on the original treatment, the extent of disturbance, the product label, and the warranty agreement.
A small investment in restoring a disturbed treatment area may help prevent a much larger termite problem.
Homeowners should contact their existing termite warranty provider, document the storm damage, and obtain written confirmation of any necessary repairs or treatments. Warranty coverage is governed by the actual contract; storm damage does not automatically void every warranty.
Getting Back to Normal - Termite Checklist
- Remove fallen trees, branches, and unwanted wood debris
- Evaluate and remove or grind unwanted tree stumps
- Check for uprooted roots and displaced soil near foundations
- Repair damaged gutters and disconnected downspouts
- Correct soil erosion and drainage problems
- Inspect roofs, attics, soffits, and fascia for leaks
- Address persistent moisture and suspected wood decay
- Notify your termite warranty provider of treatment-zone disturbances
- Schedule a professional termite inspection where warranted