Yes, There Are Pests Hiding in Your Gutters

It is often the pests will use the fallen leaves to their advantage. Insects do not just use piles of debris as a hiding space, but that shelter also provides a food source. These spots are not just limited to piles in your yard, but also in your dirty gutters.

You should clean out your gutters at least twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. Clean gutters won’t just protect your house from unsuspecting water damage, but it will also eliminate an environment where certain pests can thrive. While you cannot completely control the pests, you can control the environment around your home, and that includes your gutters.

The gutters’ primary function is to divert water away from your home. Dirty gutters mean that water flow can be slowed or even stopped, creating small pools of standing water. With pests and the phrase “standing water,” one thing comes to mind: mosquitoes. 

Mosquitoes need standing water so they may lay their eggs, and it doesn’t take a lot. A clogged gutter creates an environment where they can grow and thrive, because there is already a water source and decaying leaves that can provide nourishment. Mosquitoes also don’t fly too far from their breeding grounds, which means they will be more active around you and your family when you are outside.

Bees, hornets, or wasps can also take advantage of the resources available in a dirty gutter. The moist environment is very inviting for these pests, and if they are not taken care of quickly, they may even build a nest. These territorial pests can become very aggressive and will defend their home at all costs, which can be dangerous for you and your family. 

Birds are much less likely to use your gutters as a midway point to finding a way in your home. Instead, they may want to build a nest in your gutters. If there wasn’t a clog already in your dirty gutters, a nest will certainly create that blockage. With a birdhouse nearby, you may encourage them to look somewhere besides your gutters for a home.

Dead leaves and debris will attract ants, but worse yet are termites. Termites can be extremely hard to detect until it is much too late, when they have already done significant damage to your home. Once they start in the gutters, they will move onto the foundation and can chew through your foundation.

Installing gutter shields can help prevent many of these problems. Gutter shields will still allow water to flow into and out of your gutters, but will stop the leaves and other debris from accumulating within. But without gutter shields, you will need to clean out your gutters regularly. While you are up there, also look for any signs of pests and remove the temptation for them to stay.

For more information on keeping pests out of your home, or for help to identify potential problem areas, contact the pest control specialists at Van Den Berge Pest Control at 616-392-7367.

Trust the locally owned, widely renowned experts at Van Den Berge Pest Control for all of your pest needs. With over 100 years of combined experience throughout the Holland, MI-based pest control team, you know you’re in expert hands with our state-certified experts.