Having squirrels invade your home is a stressful situation. The damage they cause can cost you thousands of dollars to repair. There are many misconceptions around squirrel removal methods and preventative measures. A common one being that gutter guards keep squirrels out of your home. Although gutter guards do have their benefits, adding them will not permanently stop squirrels from gaining access into your home.
Gutter Guards Are Not A Squirrel Solution
Homeowners or exclusion companies may solely add gutter guards to keep squirrels from accessing the home. Some companies try to sell gutter guards as the “ultimate squirrel protection” but this is false advertisement. Gutter guards alone will not provide a permanent solution for squirrels infesting the home through construction gaps. These gaps are prevalent on homes in Charlotte where the builder did not install metal flashing around the perimeter of the roof. Squirrels will run on top of the gutter guards instead of running inside the gutters to look for gaps to squeeze into and enter the attic. Squirrels usually enter a home through a small hole they find in the roofline. However, they often quickly chew around the area to make the access hole bigger. This is the point when many homeowners will notice their new guest.
How Squirrels Work Around Gutter Guards
Squirrels often climb up drain spouts and create a nest inside the gutter underneath the gutter guards. Unless preventative measures are taken, gutter guards provide squirrels a protected, covered area where they build a nest. The downspouts must be covered with galvanized steel mesh to keep squirrels from entering. Care must be taken not to disturb the flow of water from the roof. Some inexpensive gutter guards are made of plastic which squirrels chew right through to access the area beneath the gutter guards to build a nest or access a construction gap.
Gutter Guard Benefits
Gutter guards prevent accumulation of debris and leaves in your gutters. Some debris will collect on the top of the gutter guards, but they are much easier to clean than digging into clogged gutters to remove handfuls of twigs, seeds, leaves, and debris. Gutter guards can also help extend the life of your gutters from rust and corrosion. Gutter guards also improve water flow through your gutters and downspouts, this prevents blockages that create water overflow during periods of heavy rain. Overflow can cause water damage to your foundation. Water can enter your home and cause unsightly stains on the exterior of your home. To add squirrel protection as a benefit to gutter guards, one must seal the drain pipes with galvanized steel mesh and seal any construction gaps behind the gutter.
What To Do If You Have A Squirrel Problem
After over 30 years of offering squirrel removal services and squirrel damage repair, Varmint Gone is the premier expert in this field! Our fast and reliable team of experts will solve your squirrel issue so you can prevent further damage to your home and feel more safe. Call Varmint Gone at 888-391-3330 to help assess your squirrel situation or or schedule an inspection online.
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