Modern-day gutters have been around for over 100 years, keeping roofs from sustaining water damage and redirecting rain water away from the foundation of the house. When they’re clear of debris and functioning as they should be, they’re great at doing their job. But, did you know that small critters love nesting and creating blockages that could impact the sturdy structure of your house? Read on for four types of critters you should look out for, and how you can keep them from damaging your gutter system.
Why Do Animals Make Homes In Gutters?
It may seem strange that so many animals love to nest and hide out in your gutters. However, they offer several benefits and make the perfect home. Rain gutters can provide a snug area to find and arrange sticks and leaves for nests. In some cases, if your gutters are already clogged, animals can find pre-made nests that require little additional work.
Some animals that may be at risk for being harmed by predators on the ground, like rats and squirrels, are safest in high places as well. Being housed in your gutters allows them to have a better vantage point to look from to spot any potential threats, like a house cat or bobcat. Offering the best shelter and safety, it’s no wonder why you might find so many critters in your gutters.
4 Types of Critters That Make Homes In Gutters
There are four animals that are notorious for creating homes in gutters around North Texas, including the following:
- Birds are the most notorious critters that seek shelter in gutters, because there’s ample debris for them to make nests from. Plus, since they’re territorial, carving out a space for their family that’s high up makes it less likely that anybody will bother them.
- Squirrels are usually found scaling trees and seeking shelter in high places, making your gutters accessible and enticing places to stay.
- Rats aren’t the cutest rodents that can hideout in your gutters, but they love to shack up in damp and safe areas. You may hear them scampering around if you wait until it’s quiet outside and place your ear against the metal downspout connected to the gutters. Sometimes, the presence of rats can also attract snakes to your gutters as well.
- Lizards often like to seek shelter in gutters because there’s usually an ample food source for them due to the accumulation of debris and moisture. This attracts delicious mosquitos and flies, which are an easy meal for them.
How Can You Keep Animals From Damaging Your Gutters?
The best way to keep these critters from chewing through your gutters, clogging up your downspouts, and making noisy racket is to place gutter leaf guards on your home and regularly clean them. This will prevent debris buildup, which makes it a less enticing place to make a home for many critters. Additionally, with regular gutter maintenance, you should be able to keep rodents or other animals from preventing proper water drainage away from your home.
About Platinum Gutters
At Platinum Gutters, we provide a variety of gutter-related services, including installation, replacement, and protective leaf guards. We offer free in-home quotes and are one of the few, family-owned local experts in residential gutters in the DFW area. We stand behind our high-quality work and promise that it will be done correctly so you get the most out of your investment. For questions or to schedule a free estimate, visit our website or call 817-380-4404.