Gutters and the Pests they Attract

Now that the calendar has turned to September, it won't be long before we start seeing the foliage change colors and the leaves begin their inevitable fall to the ground. For many of us, this signals a time to clean out our yards of the piles of leaves that can be a prime hiding spot for pests.

Did you know that gutters act in much the same way? Not only are they excellent places for pests like rodents, squirrels, and mosquitoes to take shelter, but they also make the perfect breeding ground for future generations of these pests as well. Read on to find out more about gutters, their importance, and how you can deter pests by cleaning the gutters regularly.Gutters are an extremely attractive place for all sorts of animals and insects. Some pests, like squirrels and birds make nests in the gutters out of twigs, leaves, and debris that gets caught up there. Other critters, like insects, bees, roaches, and rodents thrive in the wet and rotting debris found there.Unfortunately, these pests can cause some serious damage such as moisture getting into the foundation of the structure, blockages, and buckling of the gutters themselves. Add to this the fact that many of these pests bring with them diseases and you have a recipe for disaster if gutters are not regularly maintained.Keep in mind that the true purpose of the system of gutters that are attached to your house is to act as an inexpensive runoff water displacement system that provides preventive maintenance for your structural foundation. Rain and melting snow runs from your roof into your gutters, which channel it to your downspouts, where it is directed away from the base of the home or structure. This prevents the moisture from pooling near the foundation.

Therefore, it is no surprise that clogged gutters due to these pests can create a host of water-related problems in and around your home, including: foundation problems, basement leaks, rotting windows, rotting fascia board & soffits, the growth of mold & mildew, and insect infestations.After a heavy rainstorm, do you notice an increased number of pests in and around your home? This could be an indicator that your gutters need a good cleaning, potentially some repairs, and an inspection to be sure there is not an active pest infestation. If you find this to be the case, call Pest-End Exterminators now at 1-800-287-4321, 603-382-9644, or 978-794-4321.