Gutter and downspout systems are integral drainage systems. The gutters help guide water off your roof directing it into downspouts that carry it away from your foundation. When the systems are not working correctly, they can invite pests like carpenter ants, requiring carpenter ant pest control in York.

Damaged gutters often collect water. As the gutters continue to fill storm after storm, the water can seep under shingles or drain over the edges of the gutter, running down walls, windowsills, porch posts, and decking. Carpenter ants love damp wood, so they will welcome the overflow and standing water.

To prevent gutter damage and potential infestations as a result of it, homeowners must maintain the drainage system. Routine maintenance and inspections can help guard against pests.

How To Protect Your Gutters From Pests

House gutters and downspouts are usually metal, so the signs of carpenter ants in house gutters are few, but you can look to the surrounding structure for evidence of the pest. You might see ants trekking along the edging of the roofline or marching up the wall toward a damaged window sill.

Carpenter ants are among the most difficult pests to deal with because their colonies are so protected and often span several satellite colonies. Therefore, the best defence against infestation is to keep your house dry, and gutters help with that. Discover four ways to keep your gutters working and free of pests.

1. Install Gutter Screens

Gutters collect debris from the roof, more than water. Leaves, sticks, and muck all make their way from the roof surface and into the gutter. Water from the roof pushes the debris to the ends of the gutter near the downspout openings, but not all of it washes down the drain. Some of it blocks the drains and backs up the gutter.

An easy and affordable way to prevent clogs and debris buildup is to install gutter screens — devices that block large objects like leaves and sticks from entering the gutter. Screens will prevent most major issues, but they do not eliminate the need for regular maintenance. Dirt can still settle in the gutter trough and cause problems.

2. Clean Gutters Regularly

Cleaning gutters regularly can help prevent the need for pest control in York. Clean gutters allow free-flowing water. You should clean your gutter at the change of every season at a minimum. You may need to clean them more frequently in the spring, summer, and fall.

3. Repair Cracks and Damage

To prevent pest infestations, you want to prevent water damage to your house. Gutters may work okay when they have minor cracks and imperfections, but they likely allow some water to drain against the house, which is a problem. Any gutter damages require quick repairs to limit potential water damage.

4. Eliminate Standing Water

Insects and wildlife love standing water. Access to water is a necessity, and clogged or damaged gutters can provide a necessary water trough. Not only does standing water encourage animals and insects to gather around your roof, but it also is a breeding ground for other pests, such as mosquitos.

If you want to know how to get rid of carpenter ants and other pests, keep water away from your house. If you can eliminate access to survival necessities like food and water, you can limit the number of pests seeking shelter on your property.

Pest Control Services With Truly Nolen

Gutters and downspouts are essential to home maintenance and protection. Damaged drainage systems can result in damaged roofing and wood, encouraging carpenter ant infestations and other pests. If you want to avoid carpenter ants pest control in York, you must focus on prevention and work with a pest control service to protect your property. Contact Truly Nolen Canada to schedule a property inspection and discuss the service’s four-season prevention plan.