Squirrels are cute to look at from a distance, but these pesky animals can sneak into areas they shouldn’t, like your gutters. Once they sneak up into your gutters and make themselves at home, they may even start building nests. It’s important to find ways to keep squirrels out of your gutters, so you don’t have to deal with clogged gutter problems.
While a gutter guard system, like LeafFilter, is effective at preventing pests from living in your gutters if you already have squirrels living inside of your gutters, here are some tips for getting them out.
Steps for Getting Rid of Squirrels In Gutters
Use Predator Urine: You may not realize it, but predator urine deters pests from congregating around your home. You might consider soaking rags with the liquid and placing them around downspouts and in your landscaping. Since the animals do not like the smell, they’ll be less likely to cozy up in your gutters.
Trim back trees: Take a look at the tree branches that surround your home. You’ll want to consider trimming back any trees or branches that may act as a path to get into your gutters.
Keep your deck or patio clean: Since squirrels are attracted to leftovers and food scraps, be sure to clean up your barbecue area or outdoor grill after cooking.
Keep your gutters clean: It’s important to ensure your gutters are clean. Squirrels will be attracted to dirty gutters as they can make a cozy home for them to take over. After climbing the ladder to clean your gutters, use a spray to hose down the gutters, flushing any dirt, grime or nests from the system.
Try mothballs: Squirrels do not like mothballs and might stay away if they are placed inside of your gutters, although it is important to note that mothballs are poisonous and should be kept away from children and pets.
Use a squirrel trap: Squirrel traps are available at more hardware stores. Most traps do not harm the squirrel but simply trap him inside. If you catch a squirrel in a trap, contact animal control to come pick him up.
Contact a pest control specialist: If the situation becomes serious, you may need to contact a pest control specialist to get it under control. The specialist may set up custom traps to catch the squirrel.
Prevent Squirrels from Getting Into your Gutters
One surefire way to keep squirrels out of your gutters is with an effective gutter protection system, like LeafFilter. LeafFilter Gutter Protection is professionally installed onto your existing gutters and keeps everything out — pine needles, shingle grit, and pests — from entering your gutters. Its patented design pulls water in, whi