Are Clogged Gutters Causing Your Pest Problems?

Gutters. Most homes have them installed and many can agree that they are a headache to properly maintain. What most people don’t understand is that cleaning out your gutters is about more than checking a task off your to-do list.

Here are a few things you should know about your gutters and why keeping them cleaned out is important for your home, your family, and an overall healthy environment

Clogged Gutters Are a Breeding Ground for Pests

Clean gutters collect rainwater and direct it away from your home. However, clogged gutters tend to collect more than just rainwater. In the spring when it rains more than usual, it’s easy for clogged gutters to have stagnant water. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for pests such as mosquitoes, roaches, gnats, and ants.

In addition to having plenty of water after a rainy day, clogged gutters also provide shelter for many pests and small animals. Twigs, pine needles, leaves, and other debris piles up forming the perfect nesting environment. Having these animals, rodents, and pests build nests so close to your home is dangerous, and these creatures will have easy access to your attic and your home.

Clogged Gutters Can Cause Structural Problems

If getting rid of bugs around your home wasn’t enough of a reason to clean out your gutters, then you also need to think about the structural damage that can be caused by clogged gutters. Standing water and water running off at different points or towards the home can cause the wood around windows, doors, and fascia boards to rot. Not only does this affect the structure of your home, but rotting wood also attracts termites and carpenter ants. These pests alone are worth keeping your gutters clean since they can completely destroy your home.

Excess water around the perimeter of the home can also cause the foundation to weaken and crack. Not only is cracking foundation a structural issue, but cracks are easy to access points for bugs.

Ways to Keep Your Gutters Pest Free

First and foremost, clean out your gutters and clean them often. If your home is located under several trees where debris can easily blow in, it may be necessary to do this once a month. You may also want to look at how close trees and large bushes are to your home. By trimming or cutting down trees and bushes that are close, you can prevent leaves, twigs, and branches from building up so often in your gutter system.

If you are not able to clean your gutters on a regular basis, you may want to look into gutter protection systems or gutter shields. With the gutter protection system in place, debris stays out of the gutters and water can flow freely. If you are still noticing standing water, then check how the gutters are hanging. If a bracket becomes loose and lowers the gutter, the angle may be keeping water from flowing properly.

Insects? Rodents? Hopper Termite & Pest Can Help You Be Bug-Free

Hopper Termite & Pest may not be able to clean out your gutters, but we can help you out if you discover harboring insects, rodents, and wildlife. Our highly trained technicians have experience dealing with a variety of pests and even wild animals. We can safely remove whatever is calling your gutters their new home and give you recommendations on moving forward.

Give Hopper Termite & Pest, Inc. a call today at (870)425-4122 to schedule your FREE PEST EVALUATION.