7 Ways to Keep Birds and Rodents Out of Your Gutters (Without Harm)

If you live in Utah, you’ve probably wrestled with this question, 

“How to keep birds out of gutters?”

You must keep rodents and birds out of gutters because it’s critical for the safety and functionality of your home, especially in Utah’s unpredictable climate. When rodents or birds nest in gutters, they can clog your systems, result in water overflow, and even cause structural damage to your home. 

At Ace Gutter Inc., we’ve years of expertise in helping Utah homeowners with gutter maintenance and pest prevention. In this article, we’ll explore effective and humane tips on how to keep birds out of gutters. 

Let’s dive in. 

1. Install Gutter Guards

One of the best ways to keep rodents and birds out of gutters is by installing leaf guards. Gutter guards are designed to prevent large particles like leaves, twigs, and animal nests from entering your gutters while allowing rainwater to flow freely. These guards come in several types: mesh, screen, reverse curve, and foam.

Why It Works: Gutter guards create a barrier that prevents animals from entering your gutters in the first place. This solution is long-lasting and reduces the frequency of professional gutter cleaning. For homeowners in Utah, where falling debris is a common issue, gutter guards provide year-round protection, keeping gutters clear and preventing overflow.

2. Choose the Right Type of Gutter Guard 

While all leaf guards aim to prevent debris, not all of them are equally effective at keeping birds out of gutters. For instance, mesh guards are great at filtering out small debris, but larger animals might still find a way in. 

A more robust option like Leaf Sentry or Leaf Blaster, designed to block larger debris and keep out critters, is a better choice if you live in areas with a lot of wildlife.

Why It Works: Selecting the right type of gutter guard depends on your environment. For example, homes near wooded areas or with lots of trees will benefit more from sturdy micro-mesh guards that prevent even the smallest debris from accumulating. Also, having guards with a nose-forward design can help prevent rodents and birds from nesting in gutters.

3. Keep Gutters Clean and Free of Standing Water

Clogged gutters not only trap water but can also create an ideal environment for pests. Standing water can attract mosquitoes, and the decaying organic matter that accumulates in gutters provides nesting material for rodents and birds. This often makes it difficult to keep birds out of gutters. 

Why It Works: Keeping your gutters and ensuring proper drainage can help eliminate the conditions that attract pests. Depending on your property, you should clean your gutters at least twice a year, once in spring and again in fall. 

4. Install Downspout Extensions

Downspouts direct rainwater collected by the gutter away from your home’s foundation. But without proper installation and safeguards, they can play host to rodents and birds. One of the best ways to overcome this problem is to install downspout extensions. 

This should be installed in a way that they direct water at least SIX to TEN feet away from your foundation. This ensures rainwater doesn’t pool around the base of your home or garden, where it might attract critters, rodents, and birds.

Why It Works: By directing rainwater away, you discourage rodents, pests, and birds from building nests in gutters. Additionally, downspout extensions help prevent soil erosion, protecting your landscaping and garden health.

5. Use Natural Deterrents

If you’ve noticed rodents or bird nests in gutters, use natural repellents to deter them. Citrus peels, garlic, and peppermint oil are known to keep certain animals at bay. You can place these in your gutters (in a mesh bag to avoid clogging) or around your home to discourage pests from nesting.

Why It Works: Animals dislike strong smells, and using natural deterrents like citrus or peppermint oil is a harmless, eco-friendly way to keep critters away. You can also hang reflective objects like aluminum foil or wind chimes around your gutters to deter birds from perching.

6. Seal Entry Points

Sealing the entry points is also an effective way to keep rodents and birds out of gutters. Rodents, especially squirrels, can squeeze through small openings to enter your gutters and roof. Sealing these entry points with caulking or mesh screens is a simple but effective solution.

Why It Works: Sealing entry points make it much harder for pests, rodents, and birds to nest in your gutters. Regularly inspect your gutters and roofing for signs of damage and seal any holes that may have developed over time.

7. Hire Professional Gutter Services

While DIY methods can be effective, hiring a professional gutter cleaning service ensures a more thorough and safe solution, especially when dealing with two-story homes. 

Professionals not only clean your gutters, but they also check for issues like damaged sections, improper placement, and animal infestations. They can also install guards and downspout extensions with expert precision.

Why It Works: Professionals have the experience, tools, and safety gear to clean your gutters properly, ensuring that all debris gets removed and all gaps are sealed. They can also provide recommendations tailored to your specific situation, making sure your gutters stay in top shape.

Final Thoughts

There you go, seven practical tips on how to keep birds out of gutters. 

Remember, protecting your gutters and home from birds and rodents doesn’t have to involve harmful chemicals or extreme measures. You can rely on humane and effective methods like leaf guards, regular cleaning, and natural deterrents to keep your gutters clean, safe, and free from unwanted guests. Whether you decide to handle it yourself or call in the pros, be consistent with your cleaning routine.

As far as professional gutter cleaning goes, you can trust Ace Gutter Inc. We’ve been helping Utah homeowners keep their gutters in top shape for a long time. While checking your gutters, we can also help you with chimney caps, ice melt systems, leaf guards, and sidings. 

Tell us what you need help with, and we’ll get it done right the first time. Call us today to schedule a visit!