What Pests Could Be Hiding in Your Gutters?

If there is anything that many homeowners ignore or overlook in their home, then it’s roof and gutter cleaning. Few roofs and gutters receive the attention they deserve. And if you keep on putting off cleaning them, then you will have to deal with more than the normal debris and twigs.

Dirty gutters can provide a safe and dark space for animals and birds. They thrive in these gutters by laying eggs and building their home. And when you interfere with their lifestyle by cleaning, they may get aggressive and cause harm to you. That’s why you shouldn’t ignore the cleaning for too long.

Reading this may sound horrific, but it’s true. And to make you understand the seriousness of the situation, we’re going to tell you exactly what could be living and thriving in your dirty gutters right now. We will also discuss the damage they could do to your gutters and your lifestyle.

Pests hiding in your gutters

• Mosquitos 
  
  No human likes the irritating, buzzing noise of mosquitoes. And if you don’t clean your gutters regularly, this is what you will have to experience daily. As mosquitoes hatch in still water, gutters are the perfect place to make their numbers grow. This can happen when debris and dust are accumulated in the gutters, blocking the flow of water.
  
  Mosquitoes act as parasites and can potentially bring diseases into your house. With so many mosquitoes flying around, there are high chances of a mosquito biting you and infecting you with a number of unpleasant illnesses, like Ross River Fever. So don’t put off cleaning your gutters any longer.
  
  
• Mice and rats 
  
  Rodents are another pest that you have to deal with when you have uncleaned gutters. They can easily navigate gutters and downpipes and will enjoy making a nest in any debris. They breed quickly so their numbers can increase rapidly. They may start to chew on your house, including getting into your roof and destroying wires. Further, they may nest in other parts of your home, like your kitchen or cupboards.
  
  Clean your gutters before you get a rodent infestation. And if it’s already too late, make sure you get a professional in to get rid of them and to ensure they can’t come back in through any gaps or holes. 
  
  
• Birds 
  
  Birds look for a safe place to lay and hatch eggs. And gutters filled with debris, twig, and leaves provide all the construction materials needed for birds to create their haven. Gutters can also keep them safe from predators.
  
  While birds may not seem harmful, they can get aggressive once you start removing their nests or when their chicks have hatched. Also, bird droppings could stain your house or car. 
  
  
• Snakes 
  
  Yes, that’s right. Reptiles like snakes and lizards can find a way into your gutters. Gutters can provide snakes with a perfect place to hide but stay warm. If your gutters are already occupied, they may also find a ready source of food like rodents and birds too.
  
  Many native Australian snakes can be dangerous, inflicting painful bites and even injecting potentially deadly poison. If you find a snake living in your gutters, don’t panic. Close all access to your home and call professionals to remove it. Do not try to remove it yourself. Once it’s gone, clean up your gutters so no other snakes move in.
  
  
• Spiders 
  
  If space is left untouched for a while, you can expect spiders to move in. This includes your gutter. While small spiders are easy enough to remove, it’s better to not have them at all. Additionally, larger spiders can be more of a danger to your family, including pets. It’s best to get rid of them and keep your gutters clean. 

• Wasps
  
  Some wasps construct their nests from leaves, dirt, and twigs. Exactly what you would expect in a dirty gutter.
  
  Wasps can be extremely aggressive and may attempt to sting you if you walk too close to their nest. To avoid painful stings, it’s best to get a professional to remove the wasp’s nest and to keep your gutters clean in the future. 

Get rid of pests

If you leave your gutters alone for a long time, they can quickly become home to any number of pests. You may need to call in professionals to handle the problem safely. Once this is done, stop pests from coming back by keeping your gutters clean. Have a look at ideas of roof gutter cleaning that save you from potential injuries