We all know that gutter maintenance often takes a backseat in our list of home care routines. We wonder, can leaves and twigs in our gutters really cause any significant problems? While the debris itself may not directly damage your gutters, it can become a cozy home for some unwelcome critters. In this article, we will explore the common critters that may inhabit your gutters and will offer practical solutions to keep them at bay.
Critters That Might Be in Your Gutters
Your gutters can become home to a variety of critters. Here are the common six you might encounter:
- Mosquitos: Stagnant water in clogged gutters is a paradise for mosquitos, especially in warm months. Not only do they give itchy bites, but they can also be carriers of diseases like Zika and West Nile Virus.
- Birds: While birds are a pleasant sight around your property, they might nest in your gutters if they’re filled with leaves, needles, and sticks. Bird droppings can stain your home’s exterior and block your gutters.
- Rodents (Mice, Squirrels, and Chipmunks): These critters use gutter debris to build nests. And, they can find their way into your home, especially in colder months.
- Bees and Wasps: Stinging insects like bees and wasps might choose your gutters to create nests, potentially posing a threat. Their hives’ weight could damage your gutters or roof, not to mention the fact that their sting could hurt anyone around.
- Snakes: Snakes, some potentially dangerous, can crawl into your gutters, drawn by the wet environment, shade, and access to food that are provided by other critters in your gutters.
- Ants and Termites: Gutter debris can shelter ants, while carpenter ants and termites might use gutters as a pathway into your home. They can cause damage to the wood around your gutters.
Getting Rid of Critters
If you suspect critters in your gutters, consider these methods to remove them. For many, it’s wise to involve pest control professionals:
- Mosquitos: Contact a pest removal specialist to eliminate mosquitoes from your gutters.
- Birds: Removing birds depends on whether there’s an active nest. You can call a professional or remove the nest once it’s inactive, wearing protective gear. To deter nesting, you can try decoys like rubber snakes or owl statues.
- Rodents: Apart from regular cleaning, seal cracks and gaps in your gutters or home exterior to keep rodents out. Consider professional assistance for chipmunks, squirrels, and mice.
- Bees and Wasps: For safety, hire a professional for bee and wasp removal.
- Snakes: If you spot snakes, call a pest removal expert to ensure safe removal.
- Ants and Termites: Seek a pest removal specialist to address ant or termite issues and assess potential structural damage.
Preventing Critters in Gutters
Preventing critters often begins with regular maintenance. Gutters filled with debris create an inviting environment for animals. Cleaning your gutters at least twice a year, ideally in early spring and fall (or more if you’re in a wooded area), is crucial.
Another effective prevention method is installing gutter guards, which act as barriers, keeping debris out while allowing water to flow freely.
We at Bergen County Gutter Cleaning & Power Washing offers a range of gutter services, such as gutter cleaning and gutter installations. With our service and expertise, you can ensure that your home in in good hands and that your gutter system is in its top shape.
Critters in your gutters are more than just a nuisance; they can lead to various problems. Regular cleaning and the installation of gutter guards are essential steps in preventing these unwanted guests.
For more than ten years, we at Bergen County Gutter Cleaning & Power Washing have been dedicated to serving the communities of northern New Jersey and its neighboring areas. Since our establishment in 2008, our mission has been clear: to assist homeowners, apartment complexes, condominiums, and businesses in maintaining clean and debris-free gutters. We achieve this goal by employing top-tier cleaning products and processes. Our expert team is well-equipped to remove sticks, leaves, pesky bugs, and any other debris that might have found its way into your gutters. Our primary aim is to ensure that your gutter system functions flawlessly, preventing any potential costly damage to your building’s exterior and protect your home.
