Nothing can ruin a backyard barbecue quite like a swarm of bugs descending on everyone. Though it may seem as if the insects just appeared one day, the truth is, that they may be coming from your clogged gutters. 

The fact is that clogged gutters are one of the best breeding places for mosquitos, gnats, flies, and other pests.    So, if it’s been a while since you inspected or cleaned your gutters, there’s a good chance this is why you’re seeing an increase in pests flying around your yard. The following information will explain everything you need to know about why clogged gutters attract more bugs. 

The Perfect Environment

Your home’s gutters are designed to collect and channel rainwater away from your roof and foundation. However, when debris like twigs, leaves, and dirt blows into your gutters, it begins to collect, eventually blocking the water flow. When the debris is left sitting, the gutters clog and are less effective as they allow water to collect. Thus, creating the perfect environment for bugs to breed. 

This standing water creates the ideal place for insects to lay eggs and for the larvae to thrive because, combined with the clogged gutters, the eggs and larvae are shielded from predators. Cleaning your gutters regularly will ensure that they are free of debris and that water flows smoothly. This alone will prevent a breeding environment from developing and reduce the number of pests around your home. 

Insects That Breed in Clogged Gutters

Are you doubtful that clogged gutters are causing your problem with pests in the backyard? Take a moment and consider what type of pests are prevalent around your home. Did they include any of the following bugs? If so, you should check for clogged gutters ASAP. Let’s take a look at the insects:

Mosquitos

As you know, mosquitos must lay their eggs in water. However, this environment also needs to have abundant organic material, such as twigs and leaves, for the eggs to hatch. Thus, clogged gutters are one of the best places for mosquitoes to lay eggs and hatch their larvae.

Each female usually lays around 100 eggs at once, hatching within 48 hours. So, clogged gutters can quickly create a devastating mosquito problem around your home when left undisturbed. 

Flies

Did you know that flies also lay their eggs in water? The environment within clogged gutters is perfect for breeding flies because they multiply quickly when rotting produce, food, or other organic materials are present. This is because flies require fermenting liquid to lay eggs. 

Lucky for these pests, debris such as twigs and leaves left sitting in standing water within a clogged gutter will eventually begin to ferment. Regular gutter cleanings are the easiest way to prevent this environment from forming. 

Gnats

Gnats prefer to lay their eggs in places where fungus and algae are present. Especially fungus gnats, which are attracted to overwatered soil or any other type of damp or wet vegetation. 

When your gutters become obstructed or clogged with sticks, acorns, and debris, they hold moisture longer, which promotes the growth of fungus and algae. Leaving your gutters clogged is like rolling out the red carpet for gnats. 

Bees

Beehives are generally built in areas where moisture is present, and they will not be disturbed. Hence, clogged gutters can be a great place to start a bee colony! However, the undisturbed, damp environment of clogged gutters may also attract other stinging pests such as hornets and wasps. 

When it comes to beehives, removing them immediately is important because they can add a great deal of weight to your gutters, leading to damage or even collapse. Furthermore, if you don’t remove a hive in time, these colonies can expand and breach your roof, thus entering your home and causing another major problem. 

Carpenter Ants

Commonly mistaken for termites, carpenter ants often live in clogged gutters. These pests prefer to live near places where wood is constantly exposed to moisture or is water-damaged. Carpenter ants can live outdoors and indoors, so cleaning your clogged gutters will ensure that these pests don’t find a way into your home eventually. 

Take Back Your Domain

It’s true that your home’s gutters are easy to overlook and usually fall low on most people’s to-do lists. However, it can develop into a larger problem when clogged gutters are left uncleaned for too long. 

Cleaning your gutters is especially essential as the seasons change, and the weather becomes warmer and wetter. In fact, most professionals recommend that you clean your gutters up to six times per year, depending on where you live. 

Ultimately, gutter cleaning isn’t the most glamorous task. So, if you’d rather spend your time doing something else, it’s best to partner with a professional gutter cleaning company that can get you on a regular schedule. Keeping your gutters free of debris can make all the difference between running from pests or enjoying your outdoor time. 

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