Discover Which Types of Bugs Can Be Found in Your Home’s Gutters and What to Do About the Pests

Insects are far more creative and adaptable than many people realize. When they need to survive, they band together to share resources and make their homes in unlikely spots.  

You may not think of Gutters as a hot spot for pests, but you would be wrong. These essential frames channel water away from the roofline and foundation of structures, serving as a simple, yet powerful water management system. By preventing water buildup in vulnerable areas, gutters help protect the structural integrity of buildings.  

So, what happens when gutters become clogged or damaged? The moisture accumulation in the frame provides an ideal environment for many resourceful pests to nest. Bugs in gutters also have easier access to homes and businesses, which is why pest control is essential. Let’s take a closer look at three of the bugs that could be in your gutters and how to get rid of them.  

Carpenter Ants  

When gutters don’t work properly, they have the potential to create significant problems, such as moisture damage and rotting wood. In turn, rotting wood may attract Carpenter Ants. Although these ants don’t sting, they sometimes bite. Additionally, carpenter ants chew through wood and cause extensive damage to homes, buildings, and other structures.  

Signs of Carpenter Ants  

Carpenter ants are often referred to as “silent destroyers.” Because they tunnel into wood without creating external damage, these insects frequently go unnoticed for a while. If you see large ants (usually 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch) that are black or red, you are likely dealing with carpenter ants. Additional signs include hearing soft, rustling sounds coming from the walls and finding piles of sawdust or wood shavings near wooden structures.  

Carpenter Ant Activity and Habitat  

Carpenter ants build their nests inside wood and typically prefer structural lumber that is soft and moisture damaged. Gutters that aren’t functioning properly create the ideal environment for these bugs. Once they locate wood that meets their needs, they get to work, chewing up tiny bits of wood and discarding it as they tunnel inside and create nests.  

Large colonies can contain up to 10,000 workers and often include sizable networks of tunnels with multiple nests. Left undisturbed, carpenter ants can severely damage structures and compromise their safety and stability.  

Mosquitoes

Clogged gutters create standing water, and that is a mosquito’s dream habitat. Mosquitoes love moisture-rich environments to lay their eggs, which can take as little as five days to hatch and develop into adults. These pests are more than just a biting nuisance. They can transmit dangerous diseases, including Zika and West Nile viruses, which can cause fever, joint pain, and other serious symptoms. 

Signs of Mosquitoes  

Mosquitoes have long, narrow bodies that can grow up to 2 inches long. They have a characteristic buzz that is easy to hear when they fly nearby. Seeing and hearing the bugs aren’t the only signs that you have a mosquito problem. The red, itchy welts left behind by their bites are a sure sign of these insects.  

Mosquito Activity and Habitat  

Mosquitoes can lay eggs — sometimes hundreds at once — in as little as 1/4 inch of water, making gutters an attractive spot. Male and female mosquitoes feed on plants, but females also drink blood from humans and animals to nourish their bodies for producing eggs. When you get bitten, the mosquito also injects you with saliva, which can contain dangerous pathogens.  

Wasps and Hornets 

Use caution while cleaning those gutters out – you might encounter a nasty sting. Hornets and wasps are beneficial insects in the garden because they prey on other pests, including aphids, spiders, and other insects that harm plants. Clogged or unclogged gutters can offer an attractive spot for these pests to create a nest. Some species can be more aggressive than others. Overall, bees, wasps, and hornets account for approximately 500,000 emergency room visits every year.  

Signs of Wasps and Hornets 

These feared insects are typically active during the day, returning to their nests in the evening. Seeing them flying in and out of gutters can be an indicator. Finding a papery, comb-like or smooth nest can tell you definitively that you’re dealing with one (or more) of these insects.  

Wasp and Hornet Activity and Habitat 

The proximity to moisture draws them in, offering easy access to water-dwelling pests that they can use as a food source. Gutters also provide a hollow, protected environment where they can build their nests. The corner of gutters, around brackets, and along the inside are typically favored. Wasps and hornets build nests from wood pulp, giving them a characteristic paper-like appearance. 

How to Get Rid of Pests in Gutters 

Prevention and protection are essential to protecting properties from pests. Gutters present an attractive spot for these insects (and other pests) to access food, water, and shelter. Clogged gutters pose a double threat, with standing water and decaying debris that can act like a beacon. Keeping the gutters clean, maintaining them, and ensuring they are properly installed are essential to preventing bugs in your gutters.  

Contact Catseye Pest Control to Eliminate Unwanted Pests 

For expert pest control near you, turn to the experts. Simply keeping your gutters clear may not be enough to get rid of pests in gutters or eliminate a pest problem. Our licensed, knowledgeable technicians will perform a free, thorough inspection to get to the heart of the problem and create a customized treatment plan.  

Schedule your free inspection online or by phone at 888-292-6894 to get started today.  

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