Pest Risks for Carolina Homeowners
In the Carolinas, hurricane season brings more than just wind and rain. It brings pests. Once the storm passes, displaced insects and wildlife begin looking for new shelter, and your home may be their next stop.
With branches down, floodwaters receding, and repairs underway, now is the time to act. Gregory Pest Solutions has served families throughout North and South Carolina for decades, and we know exactly what pests to expect and how to keep them out.
Why Hurricanes Attract Pests to Carolina Homes
Storm damage creates ideal conditions for pests. Moisture seeps into walls. Trees break and leave entry points exposed. Sewers overflow, and standing water collects in gutters and yards. These disruptions push pests into new spaces, such as your attic or crawlspace.
The most common post-hurricane pests in the Carolinas include:
- Mosquitoes: Especially active in low-lying, flood-prone regions near the coast
- Rodents: Known to nest in garages, sheds, or under porches after heavy rain
- Cockroaches: Including smoky brown cockroaches common in the Southeast
- Fire ants: Often relocate aggressively into yards and gardens after flooding
- Fungus gnats & drain flies: Thrive in damp basements and HVAC closets
Storm Prep: What to Do Before and After the Hurricane
Before the Storm
Ahead of a hurricane, it is important to secure your home not just against wind and water, but also against pests seeking shelter. Our technicians recommend inspecting all access points, especially crawlspaces and vents, which are common rodent entryways in the Carolinas. Ensure window screens are intact and door sweeps are secure. Clear gutters and yard drains to help prevent standing water, which becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Trim tree limbs back from your home to prevent both wind damage and pest bridges. If your property backs onto wooded areas or wetlands, consider additional perimeter treatments or a preventive inspection from Gregory to identify risks before the storm hits.
After the Storm
Once the storm has passed, the cleanup process should include a careful inspection for pest entry and activity. Start by walking your property, removing waterlogged debris, leaf piles, and damaged outdoor items that could harbor pests. Pay special attention to areas near HVAC units, garages, and crawlspaces. Pests often settle in these less-trafficked zones. Look for gnaw marks, droppings, or nests in attics and basements. Moisture intrusion can lead to rapid breeding of small flies or attract termites if wood structures are saturated. If your home experienced roof or siding damage, it’s critical to close off any new gaps promptly. Use your Gregory logbook to record signs of pest activity, which can help your technician quickly assess and treat any emerging issues.
Local Knowledge You Can Count On
As a Carolina-based provider, Gregory Pest Solutions understands this region’s unique climate, terrain, and pest behaviors. We have helped homes from Asheville to Charleston and everywhere in between bounce back after storms with confidence.
Our team does more than respond. We anticipate. From wildlife exclusion to mosquito control, we tailor every service to what works here, for your home.
Need Peace of Mind? Schedule Your Inspection Today
Whether you are along the coast or tucked into the Blue Ridge foothills, your home deserves the protection of a team that knows this land.Do not leave your home exposed. Trust Gregory to help you recover, rebuild, and stay protected.
Schedule an inspection from Gregory Pest Solutions.