NC Cooperative Extension Service

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Master Gardenersm Column for the Week of August 23, 2004
Charlie Spencer
Brunswick County Extension Master Gardenersm Volunteer

THE ANTS ARE BLOWIN' IN THE WIND
(So is everything else, with apologies to Bob Dylan)

The arrival of the remnants of Hurricane Charley could trigger a number of pest problems in the ensuing days-weeks. The most obvious flood-related pests will be mosquitoes. Depending upon the extent of flooding and stagnating water in low lying areas, clogged drainage ditches, and the assorted objects that collect water, mosquito populations are likely to start increasing within about 1-2 weeks. Repellents are still the first line of personal defense. As time permits, efforts should focus on clearing drainage ditches where water may be impounded by debris and in removing standing water from objects in the back yard.

Loss of electricity can result in food spoilage and careless disposal of these items can increase a variety of problems. Damage to trees, yards, and homes can lead to displacement and invasion of a variety of critters including wasps, rodents, snakes, etc. Larger animals, such as raccoons and skunks may show up in search of food and/or shelter and may come wandering into yards attracted to trash piles (or open trash cans) or pet food bowls. And so, there is the issue of rabies to consider. Erratic behavior by animals displaced by the storm may be misconstrued as meaning symptoms of rabies. The best approach is to simply avoid direct contact with these animals.

Structural damage and improper repairs can result in problems later on with wood-damaging pests such as termites and carpenter ants. Flooding can disrupt the termite treatment around a home by depositing silt on top of the treated soil or by eroding the treated soil. Obviously, this is not something that calls for immediate action compared to the other consequences of such storms. However, since some homeowner insurance policies cover the cost of the retreatment, it’s worth keeping in mind if you experience such a problem and are filing a claim for other storm-related damage.

We have a summary of common storm-related pest problems at: http://insects.ncsu.edu/Urban/storm. Please contact the Cooperative Extension Service for assistance.

Send your gardening questions or comments to: Brunswick County Master Gardener Column, P.O. Box 109, Bolivia, NC 28422, or call (910) 253-2610. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting information or a reply. Answers may be printed in this column.

North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

For further information or assistance, please e-mail:
Charlie Spencer, Brunswick County Extension Master GardenersmVolunteer

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Date Created 8/13/2004