Recent rainfall totals may have re-ignited new termite colonies
The phrase “When it rains, it pours” took on a new, more sinister meaning for Tampa Bay residents in 2024, as a series of devastating hurricanes—Debby, Helene, and Milton—brought not only historic flooding but also a creeping, silent threat: an unprecedented surge in termite activity. The combination of saturated soil and water-damaged homes created a perfect storm for these destructive pests, and their presence has continued to be a major concern well into 2025.
While termites are notorious for thriving in damp, muddy environments, the sheer scale of the 2024 hurricane season was a game-changer. Hurricane Debby, in particular, delivered a massive blow to the region. According to reports from WTSP.com, the storm contributed to torrential rainfall, with some areas in the Tampa Bay region receiving over a foot of rain. This created widespread flooding, turning entire neighborhoods into prime habitats for termites. Following this, Hurricane Milton contributed an additional 18.31 inches of rain to areas like St. Petersburg, a rainfall event so extreme it was deemed a 1-in-1,000-year occurrence.
In the aftermath of these storms, flooded properties became like an open invitation to termites. The water-damaged structures, once solid and secure, were transformed into an all-you-can-eat buffet of soggy wood. Our technicians, performing inspections on these compromised properties, reported a significant increase in termite presence, with an early and alarming development of new colonies being observed as early as February 2025.
Although the early part of 2025 was a drier period, the recent shift in weather patterns has brought a renewed concern. The typical summer heat and humidity, combined with recent substantial rainfall from thunderstorms and tropical activity, are now stirring up the termites that had been less active over the past few months. These conditions are exactly what subterranean termites need to thrive and swarm.
Recent data highlights this renewed moisture threat. Just in the last 24 hours, significant rainfall has been recorded across the region in the RainDrop app and website (raindrop.farm):
Town and Country: 1.70 inches
Jasmine Estates: 1.78 inches
Greater Northdale: 2.03 inches
Whitfield: 2.06 inches
Wesley Chapel: 2.12 inches
Tallevast Road: 2.26 inches
Parrish: 2.39 inches
Land O’Lakes: 2.51 inches
South of Lake Parrish: 2.52 inches
Fruitville: 2.58 inches
Lutz: 2.91 inches
These rainfall totals, though seemingly small compared to the historic hurricanes of 2024, are more than enough to reactivate termite colonies and provide them with the necessary moisture to expand and seek out new food sources.
For multifamily property managers, the lesson from the 2024 hurricanes and the subsequent termite boom is clear: the threat doesn’t end when the floodwaters recede. The long-term effects of water damage and sustained moisture create a high-risk environment for termite infestations. As we move through the rest of 2025, vigilance is key. Regular inspections and prompt action are essential to protect properties from the hidden, but highly destructive, consequences of a season defined by water.
WellTech Pest Solutions offers termite inspections, termite bonds and termite service plans for multifamily properties. WellTech provides both pest control and wildlife management services, too. Find out why WellTech professionals are experts in multifamily by contacting WellTech Pest.
