3 Gutter Maintenance Tips to Keep Pests Away
Did you know that leaves and twigs aren’t the only things that can clog your gutters? Birds, insects, chipmunks, and other critters love to make their homes in gutters and downspouts. If you are like most people, your gutters aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about cleaning your home, but they should definitely be on the list. Pests that have taken up residence in your gutters and aren’t evicted quickly can cause serious damage and even start making their homes in your roofing system. This can lead to leaks and even structural damage to your home. That’s why it’s important to keep on top of gutter maintenance, and implement some simple tips to keep pests away.
At Peak Performance Gutter Protection, we help people in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Southern Pines, and surrounding communities with expert gutter cleaning and installation of gutter guards. We know a thing or two about gutter maintenance so, in this blog post, we’ll discuss three gutter maintenance tips that will help keep pests at bay.
Why Pests Love Gutters
Pests love gutters because they provide a safe place to build their nests and raise their young. Gutters that are full of leaves and twigs offer ample hiding places for bugs and critters, and the debris provides a food source for many pests. In addition, standing water in gutters is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Not only are these pests a nuisance, but they can also transmit diseases like Zika virus, West Nile virus, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
Why Pests Are So Bad for Gutters
Pests are not only bad for your gutters, but they can also cause serious damage to your home’s roofing system. Animals like squirrels and raccoons will chew through shingles and flashings to gain access to your attic, and birds can cause serious damage by pecking at shingles and vent covers. Once pests have gained access to your attic, they will urinate and defecate, which can lead to water damage and mold growth. In addition, animals that nest in attics often gnaw on electrical wires, which can create a fire hazard.
Tips to Remove Pests and Keep Them Away
There are a few things you can do to remove pests from your gutters and keep them away:
Consider Gutter Guards
Gutter guards offer a physical barrier between your gutters and the outside world, making it more difficult for animals to get inside. In addition, gutter guards help keep leaves and twigs out of your gutters so there is less of a food source for pests. Learn more about gutter guard installation in Raleigh with Peak Performance.
Prioritize Gutter Cleaning
Be sure to clean your gutters on a regular basis, and pay special attention to areas where debris tends to build up. If you have trees nearby, you may need to clean your gutters more often since leaves and twigs will fall into the gutters more frequently. Professional gutter cleaning is a great investment if you’re not comfortable cleaning your gutters yourself.
Test Water Flow to Ensure Good Results
To ensure that your gutters are working properly, test the water flow by flushing them with a hose. This will help you identify any areas where the water is not flowing freely, which could indicate a blockage.
Peak Performance: Your Raleigh Gutter Cleaning & Gutter Guard Specialists
If you live in the Raleigh, N.C., area and are looking for expert gutter cleaning and installation of gutter guards, contact Peak Performance Gutter Protection today. Our team of experienced professionals will help you keep your gutters clean and free of pests. Contact us today to learn more.
