Pests Found in Gutters and How to Prevent Them

Pests can obstruct the flow of water, causing rainwater to overflow and increase the risk of damage to your roof, siding and foundation. Pests making their home within your gutter can cause damage to your gutters, exterior of the home, and in some cases continue to cause damage to the interior of the home. To prevent such damage from occurring, use GutterFoam and regular maintenance to avoid pest issues. 

Before removing any nests or dealing with an animal or insects, look up your local laws. It may be illegal to disturb an animal structure and you may need to call wildlife protection groups for existing nests. As well as if you feel unsafe about removing an insect or animal nest from your gutters, call a professional or wildlife protection group for assistance.

Standing water is a huge attractor for pests such as mosquitoes and other insects. To encourage these pests to find somewhere else to hang out and breed, you’ll have to address the standing water issue. Blockages from leaves and other debris can cause standing water issues and attract mosquitoes and other insects and pests. Water overflow due to blockage can cause water damage around the system, which attracts things such as carpenter ants and termites. They are attracted to the wet wood and once they discover these effected areas they can cause even more damage. They will also let themselves into your home through the compromised areas to cause more problems. Clean your gutters to allow the flow of water to continue freely and install GutterFoam to prevent any further blockages and standing water.

Another attraction for insects, such as wasps, to make themselves a home within your gutters is because of the location. Humans and other predators can’t easily access these areas. So, it is a safe place for them to build a nest and continue to live within your gutters.

Snakes are also a possible pest within your gutters. Leaves and stick build up can serve as an invitation for snakes to settle in. Tree droppings built up offer shelter and shade from the sun and warmth and insulation for cooler nights. Plus, other pests which snakes use as food tend to move into the gutter systems and attract snakes as well.

Larger pests such as possums, squirrels, and mice, can cause serious damage to your gutter system.  Some are heavy enough to place strain on the gutters, may bite or scratch roof shingles or the siding of your home. They can leave droppings that carry bacteria and odors, these critters are also nocturnal and can make a lot of noise in the middle of the night. Before installing your GutterFoam to prevent animals from continuing to make your gutters their home, make sure there are no animals still in your gutter systems prior to installing. Call a professional to remove large animals, if animals feel threatened, they can be dangerous and may try to bite you.

Once your gutters are clear of all animals, insects, and debris, install the GutterFoam to prevent further infestations and intrusions from animals and bugs. GutterFoam will minimize gutter and drainage maintenance but will still need occasional upkeep. GutterFoam is the easiest gutter guard to install and maintain. It will keep your gutter and downspouts from clogging and will help protect your home! Other products such as GutterFoam Downspout and GutterFoam Drain Tube are affordable and extremely effective products that can help prevent pests and help prolong the quality of your drainage and gutter systems.