Insects are opportunistic creatures and will settle anywhere around your home where there is moisture and food. Most of the time, homeowners look down around the home or garden areas for sources of trouble and are surprised to find a perfect breeding ground surrounding your home's roof line, the rain gutters.  More often than not, the source of your mosquito or gnat problem is in the rain gutters.

Several types of insects can breed in rain gutters when they become clogged and create stagnant water. Some common insects that are attracted to clogged drains for breeding and shelter include:

1. Mosquitoes: Stagnant water in clogged gutters provides an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs on the water's surface, and the larvae hatch and develop in the water before becoming adult mosquitoes.
2. Flies: Various types of flies, such as house flies and fruit flies, are attracted to decaying organic matter found in clogged gutters. They lay their eggs in the decomposing material, and the larvae feed on it as they develop.
3. Gnats: Gnats, also known as midges or no-see-ums, are tiny flying insects that are drawn to stagnant water. They lay their eggs on the water's surface, and their larvae develop in the water.
4. Ants: Certain species of ants may find clogged gutters to be an inviting place for nesting. The moisture and availability of organic matter can attract ants looking for shelter and food.
5. Termites: Although termites are not typically attracted to stagnant water, clogged gutters can create a moist environment near the home's foundation. This moisture can attract termites, which are attracted to damp conditions and may find their way into the house.
6. Roaches: Cockroaches are opportunistic insects that thrive in environments with food, water, and shelter. Clogged gutters can provide all of these elements, making them attractive to roaches.

Regular gutter cleaning and clearing of debris can help prevent the buildup of stagnant water and discourage insects from establishing colonies in and around your home. 

Clogged gutters can become a source of insects for several reasons:

1. Stagnant Water: When gutters are clogged with leaves, debris, and dirt, they create pools of stagnant water. Stagnant water is an ideal breeding ground for various insects, including mosquitoes, flies, and gnats. These insects lay their eggs in the water, and the larvae hatch and develop into adults, perpetuating the insect population.
2. Organic Material: The debris in clogged gutters consists of organic matter such as leaves and twigs. As this organic material decomposes, it creates a nutrient-rich environment that attracts insects like ants, beetles, and roaches. These insects feed on the decaying material and can establish colonies nearby.
3. Shelter: Clogged gutters provide insects with a cozy and protected space to hide and build nests. Insects seek out areas that offer protection from predators and extreme weather conditions, making clogged gutters an appealing spot for them to establish their homes.
4. Moisture: Insects require moisture to survive and thrive. The presence of damp and moist conditions in clogged gutters makes them attractive to moisture-loving insects, such as termites and certain types of ants.
5. Access to the Home: Clogged gutters can be in close proximity to the house. Insects that breed and thrive in the gutters may find easy access to the home, leading to potential infestations inside.

In summary, we can note that often the last place homeowners think of having insect problems are the best breeding grounds. If you get your gutters cleaned annually, your pest control professional will have a much easier time keeping pests like mosquitoes and gnats away in the summer.