When you think of maintaining your gutters, your first thought probably goes to weather-proofing them so they can be more effective in the long-term. However, did you ever stop to think that maybe your gutters aren’t working as well as they could be because of critters taking up their space? Furthermore, having any kind of uninvited wildlife living around your home without you knowing could spell disaster depending on the animal.
Take a moment to learn about the five most common animals you’ll need to check for the next time you clean your gutters.
Birds
By far the most common animal to be found nesting in gutter systems is birds. It’s incredibly easy for them to set up multiple homes in the neighborhood and move from nest to nest if necessary. Over time, birds will only continue to bring in more and more debris to build their homes, including sticks, twigs, leaves and other random trash throughout the area. What’s even worse is they can become very territorial if they’ve already laid eggs, making it even more difficult to push them out.
Chipmunks
While you’ll usually find these animals building burrows and reserving themselves to the ground, it doesn’t mean they won’t get ambitious if they need to. Think about your downspout. It sure looks like a keen way to access your gutters from the ground doesn’t it? By climbing up the downspout and into your gutters, they have a perfect place to hide from predators and store food.
Squirrels
Squirrels are even more devious than chipmunks because of their innate ability to climb from tree to tree and easily reach your roof that way. Like chipmunks, your gutters make a perfect place for them to sleep, hide from other animals, bring debris to build a home or bed, and store foods once winter comes along. Cleaning your gutters regularly will prevent them from getting that chance.
Ants and Termites
Ants can easily begin taking shelter in your gutters if they accumulate enough debris from nearby trees. Therefore, those who live in more wooded areas will need to be on the lookout for ant trails leading to their downspout.
What’s even more potentially damaging is a colony of termites accessing the sides of your house through your gutters and eating away at the walls. Damage caused by termites is rarely a cheap fix, so pay close attention to these critters should they appear.
Possums
While less common, possums can be a huge problem if they end up laying a litter inside your gutters. If you see one lying on the ground, don’t assume that it’s dead. Take the time to examine your gutters at night to confirm a possum nest isn’t developing.
Lizards
If you live in a warm climate with a lot of moisture, you’ll need to keep on the lookout for lizards. As mosquitoes, flies and other bugs begin appearing in your gutters, you’re far more likely to attract lizards as your gutters become a feeding ground.
Have your gutters been damaged due to critters? Consider gutter repair from a local gutter company in the area today!
About Platinum Gutters
Whether your gutters are leaking, cracking or overflowing with debris and animals, Platinum Gutters can help! When you call to get your free estimate, you’re guaranteed to get a team of experts whose sole market is residential homes. To learn more, contact the Idea Guys through their website.