Gutters direct rainwater away from your roof, siding, and foundation. This helps prevent leaks, mold growth, and other types of water damage. However, in the process, they gather moisture and debris that makes them an attractive home to some kinds of pests. To prevent these creatures from taking up residence in your drainage system, review the following. 

Which Pests Like Gutters?

Gutters most efficiently accommodate creatures that do well in small, shadowy, or damp spaces. This includes squirrels, mice, rats, birds, ants, mosquitoes, cockroaches, wasps, and even small snakes. 

By building nests or laying droppings, any of these pests could clog the system, forcing the precipitation the gutters were supposed to channel elsewhere to backup instead. Water that pools on shingles can lead to leaks that accelerate the need for roof replacement.

By wearing down shingles, this issue also creates openings that invite more pests into your home. These pests tend to carry diseases or toxins in their droppings or bodies that can make you or your family members sick. Bird droppings are extra hazardous because they’re also acidic, which can cause metal components of your gutters and roof to corrode. 

Sometimes, the combined weight of nests, droppings, and the animals themselves could be enough to distort the shape of your gutters.

How Can You Keep Them Out? 

Clean your gutters at least twice a year so that leftover leaves, twigs, or other debris don’t gather, attracting pests who use those materials for food or shelter. You should also consider installing leaf guards. Made of mesh screens, they prevent larger creatures and objects from entering the troughs. 

For good measure, trim your tree branches away from the area to prevent leaves from dropping onto your roof.

If your gutters do become damaged by pests, have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible to avoid potential home water damage.

If pests damage your gutters despite taking preventative measures, contact Gutters Unlimited in New Braunfels, TX. With over 25 years of experience in gutter installation and repair, they’ve earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau®. They offer a wide assortment of products that will keep water away from your roof. To schedule an appointment, call them today at (830) 907-3511. Learn more about their offerings online.