Though many homeowners don’t think about the state of their gutters, a rude awakening may bring it back to your attention: you realized you have animals in your gutter. Whether or not you are an animal lover, this can be a sign of poor gutter maintenance and it can lead to further problems. Wildlife creatures can cause gutter clogs, damage, and potential health risks.

That’s why it’s important to work on their removal as soon as you notice them in your gutters. Though this isn’t an ideal situation, you don’t need to panic. Once you have identified the kind of animal that is residing in your gutter, there are certain steps to take to handle the situation and prevent future problems.

Why There Are Animals in Your Gutter

Much like people, animals look for comfortable areas to live that are safe, soft, warm, and sheltered. If your gutter has not been regularly maintained, it may have attracted creatures looking for a home.

Like trees, house gutters are high up and off of the ground, which is ideal for animals that want to be safely out of the way of predators. Gutters that have been collecting branches, leaves, and other debris also provide nesting materials and soft bedding for animals.

If your home is close to fences or trees, your gutter may have become a high traffic walkway for wildlife. There is also the possibility that some animals, like rodents, have found an entry point into your home through the gutters.

Regardless of the reason why you have animals in your gutter, it is important to manage and remove them safely.

Common Animal Visitors

Some types of animals are known to frequent or live in gutters more than others. The most common creatures are:

• Raccoons
• Squirrels
• Rodents
• Birds
• Insects
• Opossums

Whether they have built a home in your gutters or are just passing through, it’s important that you do your part to ensure that your gutters are not in a condition to make the animals want to stay.

How to Safely Remove Animals

Depending on the kind of animal, there are different procedures for handling and safely removing animals in your gutter.

• For Birds: If there is an active nest, wait until the babies have left before removing it. Then install gutter covers or bird spikes to prevent further nesting.
  
• For Squirrels & Rodents: Unless you have found a nest that shows they are living in the gutters or drainage, trim tree branches near to your roof to prevent easy access. If you suspect they live in your gutter, you may need to call pest control.
  
• For Raccoons & Opossums: Though you may have enough luck just by scaring them off, it may require professional removal if they’re aggressive or have made a den.

Whichever kind of animals are in your gutter, it’s important to do the right research, not touch them or get near them, and call a professional when necessary.

Future Prevention

Now that you have safely removed the animals in your gutter, it’s important to take preventative steps to ensure that it doesn’t happen again and the creatures can make a home elsewhere.

• Clean & Maintain Gutters – Regular maintenance is key to making your gutters inhospitable for wildlife. Call professional cleaning services to ensure the cleanest and most long-lasting results.
• Seal Entry Points – If there are any cracks or holes that would allow animals to enter your home, seal these off with mesh wire or metal flashing.
• Install Gutter Guards – Not only do they ward off animals, but gutter guards can prevent leaves and other debris from collecting.
• Use Repellents – Some kinds of sprays, ultrasonic devices, or decoys (like fake owls) can help keep away creatures.

To keep your home and family safe, it’s essential to stay on top of cleaning, repairing, and inspecting your gutters regularly. Because it can take time to do all this work yourself, it’s the best option to call professional services to take care of your gutters and put your mind at ease.

Clean Your Gutters Today

For clean, maintained, and protected gutters, GutterON offers services to keep your gutters in the best condition. Our expert gutter and gutter guard installation and cleaning fend off unwanted pests and maintain the quality of your home.

If you need gutter care in the Knoxville area, give us a call or contact us today!