Your gutters are the reason you don’t have roof damage or foundation slipping every time it rains. Clogged gutters can harbor small debris that could clog the gutters and prevent water from escaping. While this is a problem for the materials of your home, it can also attract pests, which is problematic and annoying. Let’s take a look at how debris can bring pests to your home and how frequent gutter cleaning can help to prevent this problem in the future.
Signs Of Clogged Gutters
When you begin to notice more bugs in your front or back yard, this can be a sign that your gutters are clogged. There are other signs like overflowing water, standing puddles, or green spots on your roof that can signal clogged gutters.
Additional signs of clogged gutters include:
- Plants or grass growing in gutters
- Sagging
- No water coming down the downspout
- Stains on siding or roof
- Basement flooding or leaks
- Ice dams
Debris That Attracts Pests
Different types of debris will attract different insects and animals. Finding the ideal place for their home, nest, or birthing spot is why pests gravitate toward your gutters. Let’s look at some different types of debris that can attract pests to your gutters.
Standing Water
Standing water is the perfect environment for many insects to lay eggs. Mosquitos and flies will lay their eggs in stagnant water and can have hundreds of eggs at a time. Undisturbed water in your gutters will lead to hundreds of pests surrounding this area, especially if multiple batches of eggs are laid in your gutters. Removing debris from the gutters will prevent standing water from occurring and limit mosquito and fly breeding.
Sticks Or Dead Tree Debris
Bees and other small insects want to build their nests where moisture is readily available, the hive can be covered and undisturbed. Your clogged gutters are the perfect place for the colony to thrive. Sticks and bark can also be used for bird nests. Small bird species may place their nest between your roof and gutters and use the fallen debris inside your gutters. The small gaps in your home could also be infiltrated by birds while they are building their nest in clogged gutters. This may lead to birds in your attic or loud sounds that disrupt your daily life.
Leaves
Leaves that sit in your wet gutters can begin to ferment which is the ideal food for flies. Clogged gutters that are not frequently cleaned can lead to fermented liquid and leaves needed for the life of flies. Removing leaves after the winter season is important to the health of your home.
Algae
Gnats need algae or fungi to lay their eggs and eat. Damp vegetation and algae growth is a place where gnats can thrive, so removing it quickly will prevent a pest infestation. If you want to prevent any type of pest infestation, it is best to schedule gutter cleaning at least once a year.
Pest Infestations Cause Damage To Your Home
Wasps, ants, flies, and mosquitos buzzing around your home are not only annoying but can cause damage to your home. Letting these pests take over your roof, siding, and gutters can cause them to warp or deteriorate prematurely. Their presence, waste, and the algae needed to foster their homes could deteriorate shingles and discolor your siding. Nests can also cause your gutters to sag and lift away from the roof, making them useless during a heavy rain or snowstorm. Cleaning your gutters as soon as you notice signs of pests will prevent irreparable damage.
Frequent Gutter Cleaning Prevents Pests
The best way to prevent pests is to remove any debris that may attract them from around your home. Clearing gutters of leaves, twigs, and algae is done during a professional gutter cleaning service. An annual cleaning from a professional is typically enough to keep pests and roof damage at bay. Scheduling cleaning may seem like an expensive investment, but it takes this task off your plate and will extend the life of your home. Investing in home maintenance tasks is important if you want your home to last. Cleaning and restoring your space will ensure the health and safety of all who live there.
Services From Jacob’s Ladder
Jacob’s Ladder offers the most important cleaning services for your home, window cleaning and gutter cleaning. Scheduling these services yearly will keep the curb appeal of your home and maintain the value of the home. Gutters are important to all homes, no matter the size which is why our company offers gutter cleaning to residents in Colorado. Reach out to our team to schedule your service today!