Gutters can be the ideal environment for wasps, bees and other pests to build their nests, especially if they’re clogged with leaves and debris. Since they’re out of easy reach by humans or potential predators, gutters provide a secure home for these pests.
Having wasps around your home poses a risk to children, pets and other occupants. These insects can also cause roof or gutter damage when their nests clog your gutters. If you see wasps flying around your property, it’s best to get rid of them before they cause serious damage.
What Type of Environment Do Wasps Look For?
Wasps build nests in various environments, with each species having its own nesting habits. Wasp nests can often be found in soil, rotten wood, tree trunks and on the eaves of buildings. In general, these insects prefer damp, dark, secluded areas to nest, which is why gutters make such an attractive home for them. They also try to choose a spot with standing water close by.
If you suspect that wasps have built a nest in your gutters, you may need to check your property’s gutter system for a clog that keeps standing water accessible. Besides attracting and housing harmful insects, issues with water flow can cause mold, foundation issues and water damage. Having your gutter system inspected periodically is an excellent way to identify any problems and their root cause so you can take action.
How to Prevent Wasps From Settling in Your Gutters
While you may not be able to eradicate them from the area, you can take steps to prevent seeing wasps or bees in your covered gutters. Stinging insects tend to build nests in gutters that already have issues, such as debris or standing water, so good maintenance practices help keep them away. Here are three steps you can take to get rid of bees in your gutters and prevent future infestations.
Regular Cleaning
Your gutter system is installed to gather and move rainwater into the drainage system. Cleaning this system regularly ensures that leaves and other debris don’t create clogs, allowing rainwater to flow freely from your eaves and downspouts. You may be tempted to take this step only when you suspect an issue, but cleaning your gutters regularly can prevent water damage and pest infestation that might’ve been missed otherwise.
Remove Standing Water
Standing water occurs when gutters hold rainwater instead of directing it away. This issue can arise due to improperly sloped, sagging or clogged gutters. Depending on the cause, there are numerous ways you can remove standing water. If a clog is to blame, simply have a gutter cleaning company remove the debris that prevents the water from flowing freely. For a sloping problem, these professionals can alter your gutters’ slope to ensure they are at the right angle to direct rainfall to your downspout.
Standing water provides a breeding ground for pests such as wasps. Removing it can effectively stop them from nesting in your gutter system.
Gutter Inspection
Wasps and bees build nests in gutter systems because they serve as a secure hiding place, allowing pests to hide out on your property and go undetected for long periods. Having a wasp nest clogging your gutter system could cause lasting damage, so it pays to book periodic inspections to ensure your gutters stay clear.
Along with detecting pest infestation, a gutter inspection done by a professional can help you identify any other issues that might affect your system.
Get Rid of Bees and Wasps in Your Gutters
Removing wasps from your gutters is a potentially dangerous task best left to a professional. However, if you want to handle the job yourself, you can follow these steps:
- Pesticide treatment:Use pesticide that is safe for humans and pets and spray it directly into the nest.
- Protective wear: Wear protective glasses and a mask to prevent the spray from getting into your eyes or nose. You may also want thick clothing and gloves to defend yourself against angry insects.
- Timing: Spray the pesticide at dusk — most of the wasps will be in the nest during this time.
- Frequency: You will need to repeat the process for three to four days.
Call A Better Gutter Cleaning for Service
One of the most effective ways to prevent pests like wasps and bees from nesting in your gutters is by cleaning them regularly and ensuring they’re functioning as intended. Contact A Better Gutter Cleaning for professional, reliable gutter cleaning and maintenance services to keep your home pest-free.
