Your gutters play a critical role in protecting your home. Designed to redirect water away from your home’s foundation, gutters can prevent erosion, protect siding, prevent basement flooding, and stop the growth of mold and mildew.
However, in order to properly protect your home, gutters need to be kept clean. When your gutters are clogged with debris or have an obstruction of any kind, the rainwater is no longer diverted away from your home. While most homeowners know that leaves and twigs can clog their home’s gutters, many are unaware that problems can also stem from pests. Because pests can cause damage to your gutters, and in turn, your home, stay diligent and watch for signs of these three common pests in gutters.
1. Rodents
Squirrels and other rodents are constantly on the hunt for a cozy place to build a nest. Your gutters are an attractive option because they protect against cold weather, wind, and predators. Your gutters are even more welcoming when they are filled with leaves, pine needles, and twigs because these materials can act as building blocks for a nest.
Rodents make their way into your gutters by climbing up the downspouts. Once the rodents have moved in and built their nests, your gutters can become clogged and, eventually, start overflowing. Moreover, when rodents are left unchecked, they can eventually cause house damage as they try to chew their way into your home.
2. Birds
While you may not typically consider birds to be pests, and may even welcome them into your yard, you don’t want to deal with birds in your gutters. A perfect habitat for nest building, dirty gutters offer birds shelter as well as the perfect nesting materials.
Once a nest has been built, it can clog your gutter and disrupt the flow of water, allowing water to damage your home and your foundation. Additionally, if the nest is large enough, it can cause gutter seams to split or cause the whole gutter system to pull away from your home.
3. Snakes
While many people are unaware that snakes can reside in their gutters, it’s easy to understand what might draw them there. Gutters provide snakes with everything they need to survive, including shade, warmth, water, and easy access to their favorite foods. Since a snake’s preferred diet consists of rodents, eggs, and birds, it’s easy to see why they might be attracted in the first place.
Snakes are most likely to reach your gutters by climbing up the downspout or by climbing a nearby tree and then using overhanging branches to get on your roof. Once there, it can be challenging to spot them because they often bury themselves under the leaves and other debris.
You need clean, operational gutters to protect your home and foundation from the damage that water can cause. It’s wise to have regular inspections and cleanings to ensure that your gutters remain free of leaves, twigs, and other debris. If you suspect that pests have made their way into your gutter system, call a professional before serious damage occurs.
