Got Squirrels? How To Prevent Squirrels From Invading Your Gutters

From a squirrel’s perspective, a gutter system looks like a very inviting place to hunker down. It offers protection from predators and provides warmth during the winter months. But for homeowners, these bushy-tailed rodents are a major nuisance; finding out you have a thriving squirrel family in your gutters is not the kind of news most people hope for.

A squirrel’s teeth are constantly growing, which means they’re always looking for something to chew. And often, squirrels will get the bright idea that your gutter system is the perfect chew toy. This can weaken the structure of your gutter system over time, not to mention causing holes and leaks. Nest building can also cause clogs, which results in water damage to your home.

So how do you get rid of squirrels in your gutters? Here are 4 ways to make your gutters squirrel-proof.

Keep Tree Branches Trimmed

If your home is surrounded by low-hanging branches, the first thing to do is trim them back to prevent squirrels from easily reaching your roof. A good guideline is to trim branches at least 6 to 8 feet away from your home. Squirrels have been known to jump, so keeping branches as far away as possible is key.

Clean Gutters Often To Prevent Nests

If you’ve confirmed that squirrels are living in your gutters, you’ll need to inspect them often to look for nests that can cause clogs. Removing nests promptly helps counteract nest-building by making it difficult for squirrels to gain a foothold. Hiring your local gutter expert to do a thorough cleaning will make sure nests are properly removed and that your gutters are inspected for damage.

Install Gutter Covers

Getting gutter guards installed can be an effective way to deter squirrels from moving in. An accumulation of leaves and other debris are prime bases for nest-building, so preventing this in the first place goes a long way. At Troyer’s Seamless Rain Gutters, we install high-quality aluminum gutter covers that will help protect your gutters from critter damage.

Use Wire Mesh

Squirrels are adept climbers, which means they can easily climb up your downspouts to gain access to gutters. An easy way to prevent this is to install a wire mesh covering over your downspout’s opening. This allows water to still drain properly while stopping squirrels from getting inside.

Call Troyer’s Seamless Rain Gutters For All Your Gutter Maintenance Needs

Frustrated with rodent damage to your gutter system? Want to make your gutters squirrel-proof? Contact Troyer’s Seamless Rain Gutters! We specialize in gutter guards, gutter cleaning, and gutter replacements. We proudly serve the communities of Plummer and Saint Maries in Idaho, and Spokane Valley, Washington. With a long history of happy and satisfied customers, we’re ready to get the job done. Reach out today for your free quote!

Check out this article on spring gutter cleaning and why it matters next!