Common Wildlife Found in Gutters and the Damage They Cause

Your home's gutters are one of the only lines of defense that your roof and foundation have against water damage. The gutters move water off your roof and deposit it away from your home's foundation. When wildlife gets into your gutters, it can cause extensive damage that leaves your gutters unable to do their job properly. Keep reading to learn more about the wildlife that can affect your gutters and the damage they can cause.

Birds

Birds often seek out quiet, elevated spaces to build their nests, and your gutters and downspouts can provide the perfect hiding spot away from predators. Unfortunately, a bird’s nest can obstruct water flow, causing your gutters to clog and overflow.

Squirrels

With their natural instinct to climb and explore, squirrels often treat gutters as their personal playground. They not only build nests inside the gutters but may also chew on them, which can lead to cracks, holes, and eventual leaks.

Raccoons

Raccoons are skilled climbers, but unlike squirrels, their heavier weight can strain your gutter system. When they walk or rest on gutters, they may cause them to detach from the roof, leading to damage to both the roofline and siding.

Rodents

Rodents like mice and rats can nest in gutters, especially if there’s debris or standing water. These nests can block the flow of water, and the rodents’ constant gnawing can create holes or tears in the gutter material, compromising its function.

Snakes

While snakes don’t chew or build nests, they can still become a problem. A snake that enters a gutter and dies there may create a significant blockage and attract other pests, compounding the issue.

Protect Your Gutters with Critter Guard

Wildlife and gutters are a recipe for disaster. The trick is to keep wildlife out of your gutters in the first place. At Critter Guard, our wildlife control products are designed to prevent critters from accessing your roof and gutters. To learn more about our wildlife control solutions and how they can help prevent damage to your gutters and roof, contact us today.