Do green roofs attract bugs?

Once in place, these pests can build nests inside gutters, inside trees, in shrubs, or in the corners of building walls. Vegetated roofs are often promoted as a way to promote biodiversity, but that is not limited to plant selection. Whether your roof has low grass, flowers, shrubs, or food gardens, insects and animals will inevitably be attracted to the foliage. Maintenance routines and prevention tacticsThe roof often goes unnoticed in crew maintenance routines (with or without a green roof).

In addition to obtaining LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, green roofs can reduce energy consumption, help mitigate the effect of heat islands and filter acid rain and air pollutants. They can corrode wiring, irrigation systems, roof membrane and other structural components, Curtis adds. Because of their aesthetic appeal, green roofs can be attractive equipment for current or potential residents. There is no reason to abandon plans to build a vegetated roof just because there is a chance that some pests will settle there.

In addition to earning LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, a green roof can help your apartment complex reduce energy consumption, filter acid rain and other air pollutants, and mitigate the heat island effect. If you understand the potential pest threats and follow these simple maintenance tips, you can create a rooftop oasis for your residents, not for the pests. Animals need three things to survive: food, water and shelter, so it's no surprise that a well-maintained green roof can provide them in abundance. There's no doubt that cobwebs and bird droppings can diminish the aesthetics of a rooftop space, but the possibility of insect bites or stings is much more worrisome, says Curtis.

Rooftop soil and vegetation create an attractive sanctuary for pests, providing easy sources of food, shelter and water. The same methods you use to search for insects and animals in the landscape can be applied to your vegetated roof. Curtis remembers a project in which he accidentally saw a colony of ants in the dirt destined for the roof. Rodents, especially rats, can take refuge on green roofs, burrowing through vegetation and mulch while feeding on ornamental plants.

Rooftop soil and vegetation create an attractive sanctuary for pests, providing easy sources of food, shelter and water.