Gutter guards are an excellent investment to protect your home from debris and pests. While gutter guards can help prevent rodents from entering your gutters, they’re not a cure-all for rodent prevention. In this article, we highlight how gutter guards can keep rodents out of downspouts, their benefits and limitations, and additional measures you can take to protect your homes from unwanted furry visitors.
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How Much Damage Can Rodents Do to Your Home?
Rodents can inflict significant damage to homes if left unchecked. Some of the most common issues include:
- Structural damage: Rodents can chew through walls, insulation, and even electrical wiring, potentially causing fire hazards.
- Health risks: Rodent droppings and urine can spread diseases and contaminate food sources.
- Nesting problems: Rodents may build nests in attics or walls, leading to further damage and infestations.
- Unpleasant odors: Rodents often result in foul smells throughout the home.
Dealing with rodent infestations is also costly. On average, a single pest control service visit to address rodent issues costs around $171. For extensive infestations or damage, this cost can quickly multiply. Investing in preventative measures, including gutter guards, can help homeowners save money in the long run.
How Do Gutter Guards Protect Against Rodents?
Gutter guards prevent leaves and debris from clogging gutters. However, they also serve a secondary purpose in pest control. These caps, which screw or snap onto the top of gutters, create a barrier that can deter rodents and other pests from entering the gutter system. Made of gutter mesh and PVC, vinyl, stainless steel, copper, or aluminum, the perforated design allows water to flow through while blocking larger objects, including small animals. These materials are also typically strong enough to withstand rodents attempting to chew through them.
Limitations of Gutter Guards in Rodent Prevention
While gutter guards are effective at deterring rodents, they aren’t a foolproof solution. Persistent rodents can still find ways to get around these protective measures. For example, the critters can climb through any downspouts and small gaps or joints in the gutter system without guards. Narrow holes in the gutter covers can also provide access. In addition, they may still be able to access the roof through other means, such as climbing nearby trees or structures.
Additional Rodent Control Measures
While gutter guards are a valuable tool in rodent prevention, we recommend a comprehensive approach to pest control for the best results. To keep pests out:
- Regularly inspect your home. Scheduling regular inspections of the home’s exterior can help identify potential entry points for rodents. Check gaps around windows, doors, and utility lines. Promptly repair any damage and seal openings.
- Perform yard care. Trim trees and shrubs to keep branches away from the roofline. Clear away piles of leaves, wood, or other debris that could serve as nesting sites, including on the rooftop. Regularly mow the lawn and remove fallen fruit or nuts that might attract rodents.
- Install smart home devices. Wildlife cameras can help homeowners track entry points and take immediate action in the event of activity. Smart sensors in attics and basements can alert you of rodents through phone notifications.
- Use ultrasonic devices. Sound waves at frequencies inaudible to humans are disruptive to rodents, deterring them from the property.
- Hire a professional. Professional pest control services can assist with persistent rodent problems. They can identify entry points and recommend targeted solutions, such as traps, baits, or deterrents, based on the specific rodent species and the severity of the infestation.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Gutter Guards?
Gutter guards offer benefits beyond keeping rodents out. Less debris in the gutters can reduce fire risk and improve water drainage, protecting the home’s foundation. You also spend less time and money on maintenance, although you’ll need to do some gutter and rooftop cleaning as smaller debris accumulates over time.
However, gutter guards can lead to ice damming in colder climates, potentially damaging gutters or roofing. In addition, while you can install some systems yourself, you may need professional installation for some models and for maximum effectiveness. Gutter guard installation costs between $6 and $8 per linear foot.
Choosing the Right Gutter Guard System
When selecting a gutter guard system for rodent prevention and overall gutter protection, look for sturdy materials that can withstand both weather elements and chewing rodents. A small mesh size will keep debris and rodents out while allowing for efficient water flow. Look for products with strong warranties, and review the installation and long-term maintenance requirements of different systems before purchasing.
