Ranging from the use of traps to chemicals, pest control has existed in one form or another for approximately 5,000 years to help protect dwellings, crops, and even human beings from potentially dangerous animal intrusions and insect infestations.
In recent years, the tried and true methods of the past that often times included the use of toxic and/or poisonous applications have given way to far more eco-conscious means due to the ongoing emphasis on green building and design at every level. As a result, facility managers nationwide have intensified the search for products and procedures that will not only effectively secure the hotels and motels under their care from pest challenges, but also do it without harming the environment and the critters that live in the surrounding area.
Once thought as a simple add-on installed only to conduct the free flow of water through gutters, certified and proven gutter filtration systems have become increasingly recognized over the past few years for their ability to deliver results on several fronts. This includes eliminating the possibility of clogs that can cause overflows and numerous other maintenance problems as well as helping to improve stormwater management and reduce the possibility of insects and other pests breeding and feeding in gutter channels.
This is because there are few obstacles that consistently and constantly challenge the general integrity of buildings more aggressively than moisture. Even if cleaned regularly by expensive professional services, gutters can become clogged with any number of obstacles, which can cause stagnant water to accumulate and create conducive environments for all types of nuisances.
As a result, reliable and tested gutter filtration products have recently been proven to change the conducive conditions away from pests, critters and insects and toward nearly all types of residential and commercial establishments by:
- Ensuring water and fine particulates flow freely through gutter valleys and out downspouts
- Preventing obstructions from entering the system, which can create back ups and pools of stagnant water throughout gutter systems
- Virtually eliminating breeding and feeding insects and animals from entering the gutter and causing infestations
- Eliminating the possibility of food sources such as acorns from accumulating in gutters and attracting wildlife
Easily inserted into gutters to ensure leaves, twigs, pine needles, and other possible obstructions are kept from entering and clogging gutters, systems such as the Leaf Defier are examples of certified gutter filtration system that are also a proven mosquito vector control method. In fact, a recent field test performed at Bientco, a leading national biological and entomological firm based in Gainesville, Fla., recently confirmed the results of a previous laboratory test that demonstrated the Leaf Defier’s effectiveness in preventing mosquitoes from breeding in the free-standing water of clogged gutter systems.
As a result, proper gutter protection strategies should become an integral element of every facility management initiative. Easily fitted into gutters, these systems have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to deter pest and insect problems, while also keeping harmful water runoff from entering building interiors to create potential mold and indoor air pollution challenges.
Other benefits include the ability to effectively manage the amount of stormwater runoff by helping to evenly distribute the flow of water around building perimeters. As most environmentalists will attest this is another significant value since stormwater runoff is a major cause of stream, lake, river, and ocean pollution.
Tim Croll is the communication manager for FXI Building Products Corporation, a manufacturer of gutter filtration systems. For more information please visit www.fxi.com or contact him at 866-795-4770 ext. 10 or tcroll@fxi.com.