Insects, rodents, squirrels, flying squirrels, bats, and birds are all pests that breed, nest, and destroy gutters on homes. Gutters are high up and generally undisturbed, which makes them the ideal place for wildlife to live.
What pests live in my gutters?
Clogged gutters that collect debris and standing water are an immediate issue when it comes to insect control. Even if your gutters are not clogged, exposed gutters encourage wildlife to build nests and gain access into your attic by destroying your roof. Below is a list of common pests living in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that are attracted to gutters. In other parts of the country, pests including snakes also take shelter in uncovered gutters that aren’t regularly cleaned out or covered.
Even though you may not see them, mice are abundant and always seeking shelter. If you hear scurrying at night time around your attic, it’s most likely mice. They are nocturnal invaders that find even the smallest hole to squeeze through into your home. Mice have collapsible bodies that can fit through a hole as small as the size of a dime. Exposed and debris-filled gutters provide easy access into your home. In conjunction with squirrels, rodents can cause significant damage to your home. Their droppings and urine left behind create hazardous conditions for the health of you and your family.
Squirrels both create nests directly in the gutters and attics accessed through the gutters. They make their way onto your roof and into your gutters by walking across tree limbs that touch your home. Squirrels can build nests within the shelter of gutters, surrounded by nesting materials and debris to cushion the area. They also nest in attics. Gutters help squirrels find gaps that are easily torn through to get into attics which are safe spots, located away from the outside weather and predators. Problems arise when they create significant damage to the outside of your home, insulation inside of your attic, and by chewing through electrical wires. Like rodents, squirrels produce droppings and urinate very often which causes unsanitary conditions, not to mention the potential to ruin items stored in your attic.
Birds
Birds create nests within gutters. Their droppings can stain your gutters and roof, creating a health hazard. Once you remove a bird’s nest from an unprotected gutter, nothing is stopping another bird or animal from creating a new nest in the same spot. Without completely blocking off the gutter, birds build nests year after year.
When gutters are left open, debris from falling leaves and other vegetation clog up the water flow. Without anywhere to go, rainfall sits and continues to collect in the gutters. In general, mosquitoes are attracted to stagnant water in large or small quantities such as ponds, rain water collected in buckets around your home, in bird baths, and on plastic play sets in your back yard. Clogged gutters offer that same environment which is potentially more dangerous if your gutters aren’t cleaned regularly.
Photo credit: www.mosquito.org
Once mosquitoes find standing water within clogged gutters, adults lay “rafts” of up to 200 eggs stuck together at a time which hatch into larva typically within 48 hours. Throughout the life cycle of a mosquito, the only time they live above water is in adulthood. Water pooling in gutters is generally undisturbed, allowing the life cycle of a mosquito to continue rapidly.
Other Insects
In addition to mosquitoes, multiple other pests such as carpenter ants, termites, centipedes, millipedes, and stinging insects including wasps thrive in gutters. Most pests prefer moist areas where they are generally left alone without the threat of predators. Unfortunately, this means stinging insects can build nests that physically weigh down on gutters and can become difficult and dangerous to remove. Wood-destroying insects such as carpenter ants and termites can cause a lot of damage to the structural integrity of your home and foundation by hiding among fallen leaves in your gutters. Preventing insects before they become a problem is always the best way to avoid infestations and potential insect damage.
How do I prevent birds from nesting in my gutters?
Birds nest in gutters because they can tuck into a more protected area, high up and away from predators like they would in a tree. If your gutters are exposed, they can quickly build nests and damage your gutters. Once the nest is abandoned, it contributes to the debris that clogs your gutters and creates stagnant water for insects to breed in. Unfortunately, cleaning your gutters regularly will not prevent birds from nesting. By covering your gutters, birds are completely prevented from nesting.
How does GutterLock prevent pests from breeding and nesting?
When you protect your gutters, you are eliminating mosquito breeding points. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, including the water that collects when leaves clog your gutters. This is a very common problem for homeowners that are struggling to reduce mosquitoes at their home. If you are struggling with DIY products and essential oils around your lawn, clogged gutters can be contributing to your frustration. By installing a system that prevents debris from gathering and that encourages clear water flow, standing water is eliminated. Covered gutters also close off the open troughs where birds can nest. Squirrels and rodent entry points are also blocked by strong, covered gutters. Without anywhere to nest or chew through, birds and squirrels will go elsewhere.
How much do gutter guards cost?
Most homes have gutters on the back and from of their home. However, some may have gutters in other areas to handle excessive rainfall. It’s important that you cover all the gutters on your home. By covering all of the gutters, you maximize the protection that GutterLock has to offer against insects, rodents, squirrels, water damage, and clogged debris. GutterLock comes in pieces that interlock to reinforce the strength. Therefore, our GutterLock program is priced by the footage of the product that our professionals will install on your home. The great thing about investing in your home with gutter protection is that you never have to clean your gutters again, and it comes with a Lifetime Guarantee.
How can Cooper help?
Cooper Pest Solutions has a specialized Exclusion Team that installs GutterLock onto clients’ homes in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. There are two types of GutterLock systems that you can choose from depending on your needs.
The GutterLock Elite model is the premium gutter protection system and can handle any rainfall. It’s made of heavy gauge aluminum and fits over most gutters. They are available in black and white to match your gutter or roof color.
The GutterLock Extreme Flow model has all of the same features at the Elite model with the addition of diamond cut holes. These holes are designed to handle higher flows of water in areas such as metal roofs, valleys, inside corners, and downspouts draining on the roof.
Both GutterLock Elite and GutterLock Extreme Flow come with a Lifetime Guarantee. Our work is never contracted out. Highly trained Cooper Pest Solutions specialists will install GutterLock on your home. Call us at 1-800-949-2667 or fill out the contact form on this page to set up your free no-obligation gutter protection inspection and estimate.
