As predicted, this year’s hurricane season is one of the strongest in years. And although we’re in October, when typically tropical storm activity declines significantly, that is not the case this year. We’re still recovering from Helene and Milton has plowed through right behind her. Thankfully, Kirk and Leslie have mostly abated.

But if you know one thing about the Sunshine State – we’re resilient. The second thing most people know is that our population, especially along the Gulf Coast, gets a lot busier once the temperatures up North start dropping.

When the mercury heads south, so do the snowbirds. And we’re happy to welcome you. But even if you left the storm shutters up when you hopped on I-75 and headed home earlier this year or have someone keeping an eye out for you, there’s a good chance your winter home may not be in the same condition it was when you left.

Water, Water Everywhere

First things first. If you can hold off coming down for a week or month later than usual, it’s probably safer. Unfortunately, that may mean more issues to deal with when you get here, but you won’t be clogging up the roads or the hardware store along with everyone else after the storms. Remember, things are just things. You can replace homes, possessions and even memories – you can’t replace the people who made them.

When you do come down, bear in mind that we got even more rain than usual. People who thought they were fine still saw flooding. There’s a chance your home got some water damage, even if it was properly shut and shuttered before you left.

So, that’s the first thing you’ll want to check. Again, if you delay your arrival, it might be harder to detect the damage, but there are signs to look for. Sniff around for musty odors, look for even slight discoloration of the paint on walls, baseboards and ceilings. Carefully walk over hardwood floors and listen for new or loud creaks and pops that might indicate bowed boards.

If you keep a car at your winter home, even if it’s garaged, check it as well. Salt water can cause unexpected damage to motors and engines as well as standard water damage and dampness.

Exterior Review

Even if we hadn’t had numerous named storms come through, you’ll want to do a thorough inspection of the outside of your home. Obvious damage like broken glass or a tree branch tipped precariously on your roof will be easy to spot.

Deeper damage might be harder to find. Use a ladder to carefully inspect the roof. If FEMA or your neighbors checked, you might see blue tarps or marks where shingles flew off. If there are any branches or extensive piled, damp leaves, carefully clear them and know you may need to call a professional for help.

You’ve been gone for a while, so now’s also a good time to check your gutters if you have them. Many Florida homes lack gutters and downspouts, but if you home has them, make sure they’re cleared out and free of extra debris.

Once you turn your water and power back on, you’ll want to go inside to test things.

Interior Inspection

As we mentioned before, look for signs of water damage. You’ll also want to test all your light switches and plugs. Be careful. Electricity is no joke and water can cause outlets to be particularly dangerous. So use caution.

You’ll want to turn on the faucets – slowly – and run them for a few minutes to clear out any residual water that’s been sitting in the pipes, and anything else that might have decided to check them out. If you closed your home properly for Summer, leave the drain stoppers in place, then flush the water all down at once to make sure the departure pipes are similarly cleared.

Change out your HVAC filters even if you haven’t used them – remember, you left the AC on very low just to control the humidity. Replacing a $10 or $15 filter could save a trip to the allergist’s office.

You’ll also want to wipe down and sweep out any food storage areas before you refill them. While you’re doing that, there’s one more thing to consider.

Go on Pest Patrol

The other big thing to do when you move back in is to check for signs of bugs, rodents, and other pests that might have snuck into your home. Even if you normally don’t experience this,  we’ll remind you again we have had an unusual hurricane season.

• Check for signs that bugs may have entered your home and died while you were gone.  Carcasses or body parts left lying around are a good clue that they've been around! Check near window sills, in your kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room and garage for this tell-tale sign of a pest infestation.
• Look for droppings. Not the most pleasant way to pass your afternoon, but a sure-fire way to know if any unwanted visitors have been hanging around! Check all rooms for droppings that are typically brown or black in color and look similar to coffee grounds.
• Don't forget to look outside! Unwelcome guests have outside living spaces too! Carports, garages and outdoor patio areas are popular places for bugs to hang out. Look for things like remains, droppings, egg casings, and wood shavings.

People in, Bugs Out

If any creepy crawlies have come indoors, you can evict them quickly and easily by having Good News Pest Solutions come by and do our Go Green Perimeter Plus treatment. If you already have an account with us, just call and let us know it’s time to resume service. If you don’t, we’re happy to get you started and scheduled for your initial inspection and visit.

One other thing to consider - our Thermal Acoustical Pest Control (T·A·P™) is a fantastic way to improve your home’s insulation while treating for insects and preventing rodents. And just like all of our products, it’s safe for your family and pets. This natural protection lowers your energy bills, keeps the noise out, and makes your home much less desirable to pests. And because it’s almost all recycled newsprint, it’s also better for the environment than the itchy pink stuff.

For more details, or to schedule your first visit, please give us a call!