Yes, clogged gutters are very favorable environments for mosquitoes looking to lay eggs. Water can be left standing for weeks at a time and there is plenty of leaf debris to feed the larvae.
A lot of homeowners, perhaps yourself included, know it’s important to dump plant saucers and empty the kiddie pool to help prevent mosquitoes. But one of the most common sources of standing water on properties often goes unnoticed thanks to the fact that it’s out of sight: gutters.
It is hard to find a better place for mosquitoes to reproduce than clogged gutters. Water can pool for weeks at a time, which means mosquitoes can lay eggs that are left undisturbed until they hatch. Leaves and seed pods wash into gutters and give larvae plenty to eat. And all of this happens right above your head, meaning it’s not easy to see. Culex mosquitoes, which are the ones you can blame for the bulk of West Nile virus transmission, are especially likely to breed in gutters.
Corrugated downspout extensions can see similar issues too. The flexible and ribbed kind hold water in every ridge. The black plastic ones that sit along foundations can hold water in them for years at a stretch.
If you see water spilling over your gutters during a storm, that’s one sign your gutters are clogged. The same is also true if you see sagging sections or sprouting plants. If you suspect your gutters are clogged, you will want to empty them or have someone do it for you. This is important for your structure, but it also helps reduce the number of mosquitoes that are likely to be around to bite you.
If mosquitoes are breeding on your property, Mosquito Squad of Fenton - Brighton can help. Mosquito Squad treats the shaded areas where mosquitoes rest and points out the breeding sites on your property. This will help you protect your yard with up to 90% reduction in mosquito activity on a recurring 21-day cycle.
