With springtime succeeding wintertime, it’s often recognized as a joyous time of year for many reasons. Not only does the weather start to warm up but signs of life start to reappear: trees start to blossom, grass becomes green again, and birds, insects, and other creatures start multiplying.
Sure, we’ll admit that birds hatching from their eggs and baby chipmunks are adorable, but they can become a nuisance when it comes to your home, especially your gutter system. Some of the most common pests that find their way into your gutter system are birds, chipmunks, squirrels, mosquitoes, mice, and more critters.
Traditional, open-top gutter systems make it easy for critters to make them their new home, especially if the gutters are not cleaned frequently. With debris like rocks, sticks, and leaves that are left to accumulate over time, critters have the building blocks for their nests and homes readily available all in one place.
Pests that live in your gutters can potentially cause costly damage to your gutter system and home. Luckily, there are some measures you can take to keep pests out. Keep reading for some tips on how to keep pests out of your gutter system this spring.
Remove Existing Debris
If pests already have the building blocks to create their nests and homes in your gutter system then they’re more likely to call it home. If your gutters and downspouts are full of debris like twigs, leaves, and dirt, then most pests will naturally use these resources to build their nests and homes, and for some pests their breeding grounds.
One of the best things you can do to keep pests out of your gutter system this spring is to remove existing debris. How can you safely remove debris from your gutter system? For traditional, open-top gutters, start by wearing thick gloves that will protect you from potentially harmful pests and sharp debris. Carefully clear as much debris as you can by hand and follow-up with flushing the gutter system with a hose to remove debris like rocks and dirt. Click here for more in-depth instructions for cleaning your gutter system.
Try Using Natural & Safe Repellents
Of course, you should clean your gutter system multiple times a year to ensure debris isn’t left to accumulate. Once you’ve removed existing debris and want to take it a step further to keep pests out this spring, consider using a natural and safe repellent.
Repellents that contain natural ingredients are often safer for pests and deter them from entering your gutter system rather than harming them. Many natural and safe repellents can be found at your local home improvement store. You could also try using some herbs and vegetables that are known to repel certain pests. Using a natural and safe repellent will help you take one more measure to ensure pests stay out of your gutter system.
Keep Trees Near Your Roof Trimmed
Most pests that enter your gutter system come from trees. If your home has trees that are close to your gutter system then pests like birds, chipmunks, and squirrels are more likely to have an easy access point to your gutter system. Keeping trees that are near your roof trimmed is another step you can take to further prevent pests from entering your gutter system.
Consider Installing K-Guard Gutter Guards
While the tips above can help get rid of pests and deter them from calling your gutter system home, they’re temporary fixes that need to be repeated time and time again. The best measure you can take to keep pests out of your gutter system this spring is to consider installing K-Guard Gutter Guards.
No other “complete” gutter system can ensure pests won’t enter the system like K-Guard. Because the K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System has a curved hood, it prevents pests from entering the gutter through a very narrow opening where only water adheres. With nowhere for leaves, debris, and pests to enter, your gutter system will never become clogged.
In addition to keeping pests out, the K-Guard Gutter System is so durable that it’s backed by lifetime guarantees that include a paint warranty, no-clog warranty, and a no-pull away warranty. Not only does each K-Guard Gutter System come with these lifetime warranties but our system is also guaranteed transferable for the life of the home! Click here to learn more about the K-Guard product and how it prevents pests and debris from entering and clogging the system.
By implementing these tips you’ll be able to keep pests out temporarily, however, traditional open-top gutter systems don’t allow for complete pest protection as K-Guard does. If you’re interested in learning more about how K-Guard can keep pests out of your gutter system and if you have any questions, contact us today. We offer free in-home estimates that include a detailed analysis of your current gutter system along with estimated costs for installing your K-Guard Clog Free Gutter System.
All of us at K-Guard wish you a warm and sunny spring!
