Virus-carrying Mosquitoes Pose Post-hurricane Threat

The high winds and flooding brought by Hurricanes Charley and Frances have created an additional threat: New breeding grounds for disease carrying mosquitoes and opportunities for rodents and other pests to invade and invest homes. “The biggest problem we see in the aftermath of hurricanes and floods is standing water which is a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes,” said Barry Murray, national spokesman for Truly Nolen of America, the nation’s largest family-owned pest control company. “The mosquito larvae feed on the organic matter in standing water and this can lead to an outbreak of the West Nile virus.” Murray is a vice president with Truly Nolen in Hollywood, Fla., and also serves as a spokesman for the Florida Professional Applicators Alliance, a group representing 4,000 pest management companies. He said rodents are especially adept at finding their way into a home or business.

“We have a species of fruit rat also known as a ‘roof rat’ that normally feeds on fruit, but when the trees are damaged or destroyed during a hurricane the rodents will enter a home in search of a new food source,” he said. “Rats can fit through an opening the size of quarter and mice can squeeze through a hole the size of dime. People may not realize that rodents are the No. 1 cause of accidental electrical fires.” South Florida residents can take several precautions to help ensure that they won’t have to worry about mice scampering beneath their feet or waking up in bed with a spider crawling on them.

Murray said the insect problems in Florida can be especially dangerous because of several venomous species such as fire ants and brown recluse spiders.

“A roof that has been damaged in a hurricane provides easy access for a variety of insect pests,” he said. “Insects are not a lot different than humans. They’re seeking safe harbor in a more pleasant environment.” Even if one does not suffer from arachnophobia (fear of spiders), a bite from an insect or rodent could cause an allergic reaction or become infected when compounded by the fact that medical treatment is not as readily available during disasters such as Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Ivan.

Murray encourages residents of South Florida to consider these helpful pest control tips when making their hurricane plan.

“Address all areas on your property where there is standing water before the mosquitoes have the opportunity to lay their eggs and hatch their larvae,” said Murray. “And seal any damage in the roof, walls or windows of your home as soon as possible in the aftermath of a hurricane or tropical storm.” About Truly Nolen Founded in 1938, Tucson, Arizona-based Truly Nolen of America is one of the largest family owned pest control companies in the United States. Truly Nolen has 69 branch offices in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah. The company also has independently owned and operated franchises in an ever-growing number of territories including California, Texas, New York, Oklahoma and Kentucky, as well as Puerto Rico.

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