Mold, Pests, and Costly Problems You Can’t See from the Ground
Most homeowners don’t think twice about what’s inside their gutters — until water starts spilling over or something smells off. But the truth is, clogged gutters are a perfect hiding spot for all kinds of nasty stuff that can quietly damage your home over time.
Let’s break down what could be lurking in your gutters — and why it matters.

🍂 Leaves and Debris Are Just the Start
Gutters Become a Holding Tank When They’re Not Maintained
When gutters aren’t cleaned regularly, leaves, sticks, dirt, and roofing granules start piling up fast. That mess holds moisture, and that’s where bigger problems begin.
- Wet debris = perfect spot for mold
- Sitting water = breeding ground for mosquitoes
- Organic matter = food source for pests
If it’s been more than a few months since your last cleaning, there’s probably more than just leaves up there.

🦠 Mold and Mildew Thrive in Dirty Gutters
And They Can Spread to Your Roof and Siding
When water can’t drain, it sits. That trapped moisture quickly turns into mold and mildew — which can eat away at your fascia, roof edges, and even work its way inside your home.
- You may notice black staining near your roofline
- A musty smell can develop outside or indoors
- Wood rot becomes a real risk if ignored
Mold isn’t just ugly — it’s a sign your gutter system is failing.

🐜 Bugs, Rodents, and Nests
Your Gutters Might Be a Motel for Pests
Clogged gutters create warm, sheltered spots that attract ants, wasps, mice, birds, and even squirrels. Once they move in, they’re tough to get out — and they’ll often make their way into your attic or walls.
Signs pests may be nesting in your gutters:
- Birdseed or droppings around downspouts
- Wasps buzzing near your roofline
- Scratching noises near your soffits
Cleaning out the gutters helps break up those nests and keeps critters away.
💸 The Hidden Costs of Gutter Neglect
Repairs Always Cost More Than Maintenance
What starts as a little buildup can lead to:
- Rotted fascia boards
- Leaky roofs
- Basement flooding
- Foundation cracks
- Costly pest control
Gutter cleaning is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to protect your home — especially in a place like Metro Detroit where heavy rain and snow are a constant.
✅ What Should You Do Next?
A Simple Cleaning Can Prevent All of This
If it’s been a while, get your gutters checked and cleaned ASAP. We offer professional gutter cleaning and free inspections, so you’ll know exactly what’s going on before it turns into a bigger issue.
👉 Click below to request your free inspection and cleaning quote.
📞 Call us at (248)-403-0281
📧 Email us at office@jaexterior.com
🌐 Visit our website at www.jaexterior.com
If you Enjoyed Please Share
Recent Blogs
- What to Expect During a Seamless Gutter Installation
- How Power Washing Protects Your Home From Mold and Rot
- How Gutter Guards Help Keep Your Fascia and Soffit in Good Shape
- How to Know if You Need Gutter Repairs or Full Replacement
- Do Gutter Guards Eliminate the Need for Gutter Cleaning?
- What Are Seamless Gutters and Why Are They Better?
- Why Exterior Painting and Seamless Gutters Should Be Done Together