After the Storm: Why Mosquito Populations Surge and What You Can Do About It

When a hurricane or major storm passes, most of us think the danger ends once the skies clear. But as floodwaters linger and debris piles up, a new threat often emerges — mosquitoes.

How Storms Fuel Mosquito Booms

Heavy rain, flooding, and downed debris create the perfect breeding conditions. Puddles in flower pots, gutters, tires, and even storm rubble can hold just enough stagnant water for mosquito eggs to hatch.

While adult mosquitoes are usually wiped out by high winds, “floodwater eggs” hidden in damp soil can hatch within one to two weeks after a storm. This results in explosive swarms that appear a few weeks after major storms.

Two Types of Post-Storm Mosquitoes

Floodwater Mosquitoes (Aedes and Psorophora species)
These lay eggs in moist soil that later floods. Their bites are irritating, but they mainly threaten pets and livestock by spreading heartworm.

Container-Breeding Mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Culex species)
These thrive in leftover puddles and containers. They’re responsible for spreading West Nile virus, Zika, and Dengue fever — especially when recovery efforts slow and standing water persists.

A University of Miami study found that after Hurricane Irma (2017), Miami-Dade County saw mosquito populations spike up to eight times higher than normal. Flooding and the naturally warm climate had created the perfect breeding grounds.

In Puerto Rico, researchers studying the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria observed that mosquito numbers surged five weeks after the storms, especially in areas without vector control programs.

What Homeowners Should Know: Mosquitoes After a Major Storm

You don’t need professionals to come by with planes dumping pesticides and genetically altered specimens, to make a big impact — just consistency and a little vigilance.

✅ Dump Standing Water
Empty buckets, planters, birdbaths, tarps, and toys. Mosquitoes can breed in water as shallow as a bottle cap.

✅ Check Your Gutters
Clear out leaves and debris so water can drain properly.

✅ Cover or Store Items
Turn over wheelbarrows, trash can lids, or anything that can collect rainwater.

✅ Use Mosquito Repellent
Wear long sleeves and EPA-approved repellent when working outdoors.

✅ Keep Screens Intact
Repair torn window or door screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

The Bottom Line

Major storms are tough enough without adding mosquito bites and disease risk to the mix. Taking a few minutes to remove standing water and calling MCS can protect your family, pets, and neighbors.

✅ MCS is the Answer
Life is hectic enough as it is, and you might not have the time or be handy enough to deal with all the mess a big storm brings in.

MCS mosquito systems kills on contact with just a 30 second spray. A simple but customized solution tailored directly to fit into your backyard, patio, or wherever in your estate.

You can program it to run when you want so it is out of sight and out of mind leaving you a peaceful, pest free zone you can call home – the way it should be.