Fall Pests That Could Be Living In Your Gutters
Whether you’re a new Georgia homeowner or you have lived in the same house for years when was the last time you thought about your gutters? Probably not very often — and that’s a good thing. Gutters are supposed to be subtle, hidden features of our homes that provide a vital service. Gutters and downspouts safely remove water from your roof and diverge it away from your foundation. This simple task allows our homes to stay dry and keeps our foundations sound. Without them, our homes would not be able to last as long as they do without costly repairs.
Damage Caused By Clogged Gutters
When water is retained in your gutters it adds weight and stress to a feature of your home that wasn’t designed to take much weight. If you live in colder climates, this can get worse in the winter when water freezes. It doesn’t take much weight to pull a gutter down and when it does it exposes the unprotected wood underneath. This will cause water to leak into your roof and rot boards and beams. Down on the ground, water erosion caused by overflowing gutters can lead to expensive foundation damage and even flooding.
Pests Are Attracted To Gutters
What most homeowners don’t realize is that a clogged gutter can be attractive to a number of pests. The last thing you want is to invite pests onto your roof where you can’t see what they are up to. If you have any damaged screens, vents, or cracks these pests can easily make their way from the gutter into your home. Here is a list of the most common pests that have been found in gutters in Georgia.
Ants
Gutters can collect all kinds of debris; leaves, pine needles, twigs, etc. Over time, all of these things break down and clog up the gutter, creating a mush that ants love. Ants of all species can be attracted to clogged gutters, especially carpenter ants. Once these wood-loving insects are on your roof they will have access to all the nooks and crannies on your roof. Once inside your home, carpenter ants will seek out areas of moisture and chew through wood to make their nests.
Mosquitoes
We all know that mosquitoes are attracted to standing water. So it makes sense that if you have standing water stuck in your gutters it could become a mosquito sanctuary. Make sure all water is flowing and exiting your gutters properly to make sure mosquitoes aren’t using them as a breeding ground.
Rodents
Rodents such as squirrels, rats, and mice are also attracted to clogged gutters. A gutter clogged with soft pine needles and leaves can be an attractive home to most rodents. We all know that rodents like to chew and once they are on our roof, they can find their way into your attics and start chewing on everything from insulation to electrical wires.
Snakes
Yes, down here in Georgia we have to tend with snakes getting into our gutters too. What attracts a snake into a gutter? The rodents that have moved into your clogged gutters. Snakes can range in size and weight here in Georgia. The biggest snake in Georgia can grow up to 9 feet long. The last thing we want to see when we go on the roof is a giant snake lying in our gutters.
How To Prevent Gutters From Getting Clogged
Clean Your Gutters
Cleaning your gutters is the best way to keep pests from moving in. Remove all debris such as leaves and twigs from your gutters and make sure water is flowing down the downspout.
Use Gutter Guards
Gutter guards are a great way to keep debris out of your gutters.
Trim Your Trees
Trees that overhang your roof and gutter can easily fill your gutters with debris. They can also act as bridges for squirrels and insects.
Hire The Pest Experts at Environmental Turf management
At Environmental Turf Management, we want you and your family to stay safe this year. Fall pests aren’t the only troublesome pests your yard will face. Fire ants, fleas, and ticks are still active and still pose a genuine threat and we offer programs to protect your loved ones from each of these bothersome pests.
Give us a call at (770) 467-3851 for more information on how you can get started. You can also request an easy quote here. For more monthly tips on all things lawn care, check out our blog and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for our current deals and news.
