Before squirrels can damage your gutters they have to actually gain access to them. Once squirrels or other small rodents reach your gutters, then can chew through the aluminum and gain access to the soffit under your eaves. If they make a hole in the soffit, squirrels can get into your attic. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent squirrels from getting into your gutters.
Trim Your Trees
One of the first things professionals who provide gutter service will recommend to keep squirrels from accessing your gutters is to trim your tree branches and limbs away from your home. When branches and limbs grow too close to the house, squirrels and other small animals can use them to climb up the structure and into your gutters. Unless you have experience trimming trees, do not do the job yourself. Instead, hire a tree trimming service who will safely trim the branches so that the health of the tree is not affected.
Get Gutter Covers
Protecting your gutters with covers prevents nuts, pinecones, leaves, twigs, and squirrels from getting in. When squirrels can’t access your gutters, they can’t build their nests in them. This not only benefits you as the homeowner, but it also helps protects squirrels who can get stuck in the gutter.
If they are unable to get out of the gutter they may try to squeeze through the downspout and get stuck on the way down. A technician from a gutter service can help you choose the type of gutter cover that suits your needs. While you can purchase gutter covers at your local home improvement center, installing them should not be a “do-it-yourself” job, especially if you get shaky on a ladder or have balance problems.