Your gutters are responsible for channeling rainwater off the roof and away from the foundation. Unfortunately, they can also become a home for animals like birds, raccoons, squirrels, and rodents, which can compromise the system and require costly repairs. To learn more about how you can prevent animals from settling in your gutters, consider these four tips. 

4 Ways to Keep Animals Out of Gutters

1. Clean Your Gutters

Gutters often collect leaves and debris; animals like raccoons and rodents can use these materials to build nests. To prevent them from making a home inside your gutters or roof, clean them out regularly. Typically, gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, but if you have a significant number of trees around your property, you may need to do it once every three months. This practice will also ensure your gutters won’t clog, which can lead to water damage to your roof or foundation.

2. Use Birdhouses

If you’re concerned about birds building nests in your gutters, consider building or purchasing a birdhouse for your yard. These shelters offer birds cool, dark places to nest. By installing one or two of these structures on your property, you can entice birds away from your gutters while still providing them with shelter.

3. Trim Tree Branches

If nearby trees have limbs that hang onto or over your roof, leaves, pine needles, and twigs can find their way into your gutter system. Reduce your need to clean frequently by trimming branches and clearing a space over your roof. Tree pruning will also give animals less access to your home, as it will prevent them from using low-hanging branches to get onto your roof and into your gutters.

4. Use Gutter Guards

You can fit gutter guards onto your system for optimal protection. These screens will allow precipitation to flow through, but they prevent debris and pests from infiltrating the system. You can also fasten mesh screens to your downspouts to prevent anything from entering the gutters from the ground.

Keep your gutters in optimal condition by reaching out to the professionals at McCarthy Seamless Gutters in Danbury, CT. For over 45 years, their licensed and insured experts have provided residents and businesses throughout the area with exceptional gutter services, including seamless gutter installation, repairs, and maintenance. To learn more about their services, visit them online or call (203) 743-0599 today to schedule your free estimate. You can also follow them on Facebook for regular updates.