Cleaning your gutters is a necessary maintenance task to perform in the fall and winter. When the leaves start falling in your yard as summer melts into fall, it is time to start watching your gutters so that you know when it is time to clean them. Dead leaves can clog up your gutters quickly and prevent rain from running off your roof. Not only can this damage your roof, but it also attracts different types of insects, including carpenter ants. If your gutters are bringing in carpenter ants, it's time to find quality pest control in Richmond Hill to rid your home of unwanted guests.
Why Are Carpenter Ants Attracted to Clogged Gutters?
The dead leaves and stagnant water in clogged gutters attract many insects such as mosquitoes, but carpenter ants are attracted to the wet and rotting wood that occurs as a secondary problem of clogged gutters. When water builds up in clogged gutters, it can damage the wood on your roof. Carpenter ants thrive in damp environments, so this makes a wet roof the perfect space for these pests. They can enter your home through the rotting wood and wreak havoc on the hidden recesses of your home. If they aren't dealt with quickly, carpenter ants could even compromise the structure of your house. You may not notice that you are sharing your home with carpenter ants until the pests have established a nest in your home. If you notice any of the following signs, it's time to call in the experts for pest removal:- A faint rustling sound in the walls as the ants tunnel deep into the wood.
- Big red or black ants foraging for food in the kitchen.
- Ants swarming out of hidden crevices in your home.
- Small piles of wood shavings located throughout the house.