Pests are a perennial threat to any household, but in summer, pest activity tends to increase. As temperatures and humidity levels rise, some pests are forced to seek shelter in hidden spaces inside your home.
What are the pests you need to keep an eye out for and the places you need to check to make sure there isn’t an infestation lurking in your home?
Aside from the aforementioned insects, what are the other pests you should keep an eye out for?
Where do pests usually lay their eggs or build their nests? In general, insects usually prefer areas or containers that have stagnant water or decaying organic debris, while larger pests such as birds and rodents prefer enclosed spaces that can provide shelter against the elements.
The usual hiding places for pests are:
What if you just don’t have the time to regularly clean your gutters? You can install gutter covers, which prevent leaves and debris from entering your gutters in the first place. Keep in mind that most gutter guards only reduce, not eliminate, your gutters’ maintenance needs. You’ll still need to remove leaves and organic debris that accumulate on top of the gutter covers periodically. The exception is Gutter Helmet® gutter guards, the only gutter protection product with a Never Clean Your Gutters Again® guarantee.
What makes Gutter Helmet different from conventional gutter covers? Gutter Helmet uses the principle of surface tension to direct the flow of water to your gutters. Surface tension happens when water molecules stick tightly to each other when they have nothing else to cling to. To observe surface tension in action, fill a glass with water and watch how water forms a dome at the top of the glass right before it spills over. When rain hits Gutter Helmet’s ribbed surface, water is directed to the gutter covers’ patented nose-forward design. Water molecules cling to the surface of the gutter cover thanks to surface tension, while leaves and other debris are kept out.
What if birds and other large pests try to dislodge your gutter covers? Gutter Helmet is attached using heavy-duty mounting brackets, which large pests can’t easily dislodge. Gutter Helmet is also compatible with most gutter systems, including seamless gutters.
There’s another issue that can arise from irregular gutter maintenance: sagging gutters. Under excess weight load from overflowing rainwater or decaying leaves and twigs, sections of your gutters may start to sag, trapping rainwater and creating a damp environment that’s perfect for pests. Left unattended, some sections of your gutters might even start to pull apart at the seams. Installing gutter covers can help prevent sagging gutters. For additional protection against leaks, contractors recommend installing seamless gutters.
Seamless gutters have fewer joints than sectional gutters, making them less vulnerable to leaks. Seamless gutters are also less susceptible to clogs: debris can flow straight to the drains without getting caught up in the joints. They also boast a streamlined design that will enhance your home’s curb appeal.
For more tips on how to keep pests from nesting in your gutters, consult an experienced contractor.
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