Clogged Gutters, the Often-Overlooked Source of Pest Problems

Did you know that an average roof will shed 1,550 gallons of water during one inch of rain? Just imagine how many gallons of rain came down during Tropical Storm Ida or other recent hurricanes and heavy storms that blew through the garden state. When heavy rains occur and a home’s gutters are clogged the water does not properly drain causing massive overflows, water pooling around the foundation of the home, and the risk of flooding inside of the home. Every home needs a proper storm drainage system in place to manage the water flow and ensure it flows properly away from the home’s foundation. 

Regular maintenance is essential for gutters to successfully do their job when heavy rains occur. People often underestimate how often gutters need to be cleaned, particularly if the home is located in a heavily wooded area. Homeowners may also want to avoid the hassle of cleaning gutters. Working on elevated surfaces with a ladder is a hazard and intimidating for many. 

So, what do overflowing gutters have to do with pest problems? In the long term, an awful lot. Water is a necessity for pests to survive and excess water and moisture around a home has a direct correlation to pest activity. In fact, neglecting gutter maintenance can lead to a host of pest and wildlife issues around the home.  

Clogged gutters and wildlife

For starters, wildlife such as squirrels, mice, and rats like to nest in clogged gutters. The leaves, twigs, and other debris that clog up a gutter can make for perfect and easily accessible nesting materials. The gutter provides a safe haven, high off the ground and away from other wildlife that may threaten them. While living in your gutters, squirrels and other rodents cause problems from gnawing and damaging gutters to preventing water flow and eventually seeking out shelter as they attempt to make their way into your home. 

Clogged gutters and flying insects

Is your backyard a mosquito haven? Your gutters could be to blame. Mosquitoes need standing water to lay their eggs in.  Accumulated water in gutters can provide enough water for mosquitoes to successfully lay their eggs, hatch, and mature into adults. And it is believed that mosquitoes tend to remain close to their breeding grounds. Which means if mosquitoes are breeding in your gutters they are likely infesting your backyard in search of a blood meal. Other flying insects such as flies and gnats also seek out wet, organic debris to lay their eggs. If you are struggling with these common flying insect problems on your property, consider that clogged gutters may be the source. 

Clogged gutters and other pests

Homes with moisture problems attract a variety of other pests such as silverfish, earwigs, cockroaches, termites, ants, centipedes, and more. If proper drainage away from the home is not occurring, and water is allowed to pool it will attract pest problems in and around the home. 

Signs that your gutters are clogged

Some common signs that your gutters are not properly draining include:

• Plant growth from gutters
• Sagging gutters caused from debris build-up
• Water pouring straight over gutters during heavy rains
• Noticing birds nesting or pests crawling from gutters

In some cases, and despite a homeowner’s best efforts, gutters may continue to clog despite regular cleanings. Living in a heavily wooded area, or having certain trees on your property can make it more difficult to keep water flowing freely through gutters. If you are struggling to keep your gutters clear, consider a gutter guard suited for your situation. Cowleys offers self-cleaning, maintenance-free gutter protection that will fit both new and older gutter systems. 

The Cowleys Team Chooses RainDrop Pro Gutter Guard

The Cowleys pest team has been solving pest problems for homeowners since 1991. Over the years we have noticed how clogged gutters are one of the most overlooked sources of pest problems around the home and our team set out to correct that. After years of field-testing different gutter guard brands, we feel confident recommending RainDrop Pro Gutter Guard. Our gutter guard is superior to other filters, screens, and gutter covers on the market. Here are a few of the benefits: 

• A better design. RainDrop Gutter Guards are made with a sloped grid that forces water into the gutter while preventing debris from getting in. Other gutter guard designs keep out not only debris but water as well. 
• Holds up to the elements. Here in New Jersey, we require outdoor materials that can withstand not only high heat in the summer months but freezing conditions in the winter months. We have found that RainDrop’s polyprolene material is extremely resilient to the range of weather we experience here in the northeast. 
• Long-Lasting. Despite some of the unusual storm activity, we are experiencing the RainDrop guards have been amazingly resilient standing up to tree limbs and other damage during high winds. The product also comes with a 20-Year limited warranty. 
• Easy to Maintain. Our team finds that the design is what sets RainDrop Guards apart from the competition. The product is installed on a pitch allowing for debris to move off the gutters effortlessly. 
• Aesthetically pleasing. Our gutter guards blend naturally into their environment making them virtually invisible from ground level. Homeowners tend to appreciate this feature as many gutter guards can be unsightly and make gutters much more noticeable. 

Effective gutter guards protect your gutters, roof, and foundation from flooding and leaks. Not to mention, offers you a proactive solution to avoid pest problems around your home. RainDrop gutter guards are quick to install, requires no maintenance, and will pay for themselves within a few years as you avoid the bi-annual costly gutter cleanings. 

We provide free estimates for gutters and gutter guard installation throughout New Jersey. Schedule your free estimate today with Cowleys Pest Services.