Many products that had used Sea Island cotton switched to shorter staple cottons and retooled their machines. Around 1918 the Boll Weevil reached the eastern coast from the plateaus of Mexico. Because of the long growing season Sea Island cotton was more susceptible to this Weevil. Sea Island cotton had always been affected by the weather, pests, blights, poor soil and drainage problems, but the Boll Weevil removed all profit potential.