Is something furry lurking in the depths of your gutters? Worried about gutter cleaning with animals nesting in them? You may have wildlife living where they shouldn't�but don't worry! Wildlife living in your gutters may sound like a unique home idea, but it's far from ideal. From raccoons to squirrels to opossums, these animals can cause significant damage to your Wilmington property and create an unsightly mess. Fortunately, you can take steps to safely remove nesting animals from your gutters and keep them away for good. Read on for tips on handling critter control around your home and helpful information on your gutter cleaning needs.

How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?

If you live in Wilmington, NC, we suggest you clean your gutters at least twice a year. In the fall, leaves and other debris can quickly accumulate and cause clogs that prevent proper water drainage from your home. In the springtime, after winter storms have subsided, it's essential to check for any damage that might have occurred or clogs that may have formed during the season. Regular gutter cleaning is also essential after severe hurricanes or heavy snowstorms. After such events, debris and branches brought down by high winds can block your gutters if not removed immediately. If left unchecked, clogs can back up water and cause severe damage to your home's foundation. It's also important to keep an eye out for small animals that may be living in or around your gutters. Raccoons, squirrels, and other pests build nests in gutters if left unchecked. Such blockages can lead to significant drainage system blockage and cause flooding in your yard or basement. When cleaning your gutters, check for any signs of animal activity, such as droppings, fur, or nests. Ultimately, the frequency with which you clean your gutters will depend on various factors, including weather patterns and the condition of the area around your home. For most homeowners in Wilmington, however, cleaning your gutters twice a year is recommended�once in the fall and once in the spring. Keeping this schedule helps ensure that your drainage system always functions as it should.

What Are The Benefits of Maintaining a Gutter Cleaning Schedule?

With the concern of animals and gutter cleaning in mind, let's discuss regular gutter cleaning services. Keeping a consistent schedule will help to keep your home's drainage system running smoothly and efficiently. Here are some of the benefits:

1. Better protection for your home: Keeping your gutters clean will help protect your roof, siding, and foundation from water damage caused by rainwater runoff.
2. Cost savings: Without regular gutter maintenance, the water damage caused by clogged gutters can be expensive to repair. Keeping your gutters clean will save you money in the long run.
3. Peace of mind: Knowing that your gutter system is free from dirt and debris will provide peace of mind when heavy rains hit your area. Clean gutters ensure adequate drainage so the diverted rainwater runoff is quickly removed from your home's foundation.

Keeping up with your gutter cleaning schedule can reduce the risk of critters taking up residence in your gutters. Regular maintenance and upkeep will help ensure your gutters are always in tip-top shape and critter-free!

How Do You Remove Nesting Creatures Prior To A Gutter Cleaning?

Removing nesting animals for a gutter cleaning can be a tricky task. But fear not - you can easily take on this challenge with the right tools, knowledge, and precautions! Here's a list of steps to help keep your gutters safe and wildlife-free:

1. Assess the Situation - Before you start working on removing any animals or nests, make sure it's necessary. If there are no signs of activity or damage, continue cleaning.
2. Obtain Proper Equipment - To get started, gather supplies such as gloves, protective eyewear, a ladder, and a rake.
3. Start at the Top - Climb your ladder carefully and start with the higher sections of gutters first so that any debris can fall to the ground below.
4. Use Caution - If you find animals or nests in your gutter, don't harm them. It is best to contact wildlife professionals for assistance before attempting anything yourself.
5. Remove Debris and Clean Out Gutters - Once safely removing the animals, use a rake to clear away leaves, sticks, rocks, and other debris from your gutters, then rinse them out with water if needed.

And there you have it! You've just successfully removed wildlife from your gutters safely and humanely. This task can be easy and satisfying with some preparation and patience. Happy nesting creature removal!

Final Thoughts

It is never fun to discover an animal or critter has taken up residence in your home, especially when tucked away in your gutters! When dealing with these creatures, it is crucial to consider their safety and yours. Remember to remain calm when encountering a creature, and try not to harm them. While animals and gutter cleaning don't mix, you can take actions to ensure cohabitation! By staying proactive with a gutter cleaning schedule, you can rest assured that this problem will be a minimal nuisance. Remember, a little research goes a long way in helping you take care of your Wilmington, NC property - so be proactive and don't let animals nesting in your gutters ruin your day! If you need advice or guidance on removing these creatures best, please call our team at Window Ninjas today at 910-538-4223 or visit us online at windowninjas.com. Or, if you decide that tackling this issue is too much to handle, we will be happy to complete the job for you. Either way, best of luck in safely removing any critters from your gutters, and remember that we are always here to assist you! Back to All Posts