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Do Gutter Guards Affect Mosquito Production in Roof Gutter Habitats?
Allison T Parker1, Brian F Allan1
1Department of Entomology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801.
Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association
|August 24, 2019
Summary
Gutter guards do not effectively control mosquito populations. Mosquitoes can still breed in gutters with guards, and some types may even increase mosquito abundance.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Entomology
- Urban Ecology
Background:
- Roof gutters accumulate leaf litter, creating artificial habitats for mosquito larval development.
- Gutter guards are installed to reduce debris but their impact on mosquito production is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how different types of gutter guards influence mosquito colonization and abundance in roof gutter habitats.
- To assess the efficacy of gutter guards as a mosquito control method.
Main Methods:
- Three experimental gutter treatments (no guard, mesh screen, foam insert) were deployed at five field locations for eight weeks.
- Mosquito colonization, pupal collection, and adult identification were monitored daily.
Main Results:
- Mosquitoes colonized and developed in all gutter types, irrespective of guard presence.
- Foam filter guards showed the lowest colonization rates (P < 0.001).
- Control gutters had the lowest mosquito abundance, while metal lock-in guards had the highest (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Gutter guards are not an effective standalone solution for mosquito control in roof gutters.
- The presence of standing water in gutters, even with guards, facilitates mosquito breeding.
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