The gutter might seem like a nice place for a bird to build its nest. While birds can make for cute and innocuous house guests, they can actually cause a lot of damage to your gutters. Their droppings can clog the downspouts and their nesting materials can block the flow of water, causing gutters to back up and overflow. Not to mention, a gutter full of birds is just plain unsightly. So, how do you keep them out? Read on for our top tips.
Protect your Home with these steps:
Install Gutter Guards
One of the best ways to keep birds out of your gutters is to install gutter guards. These devices sit on top of your gutters and prevent debris—and birds—from getting in. There are a variety of gutter guards on the market, so be sure to do your research to find the one that’s right for you and your home. If you do not have a gutter guard, covering your gutter with net or mesh can also be effective. Simply drape the netting or mesh over your gutters and secure it with zip ties or duct tape. Be sure to check the netting or mesh regularly to make sure it hasn’t become loose or detached, as this could allow birds back into your gutters.
Remove Nesting Materials Regularly
If you don’t have gutter guards, or if birds are still managing to get into your gutters despite your best efforts, then you’ll need to remove their nesting materials on a regular basis. This means getting up on a ladder and manually removing any nests or eggs that you find. It’s a tedious task, but it’s one that’s necessary if you want to keep your gutters bird-free.
You can also check around your area if you have any potential nesting materials lying around near your gutters, chances are good that birds will be attracted to them. Some common potential nesting materials include sticks, twigs, leaves, straw, paper, string, hair, feathers, and even plastic bags. Be sure to remove any of these materials from near your gutters so that birds aren’t tempted to build nests there. If you have trees near your home, you may also want to trim back any branches that hang over your roof or gutters as these could provide birds with easy access into your gutter system.
Use Ultrasonic Devices
If manual removal isn’t your thing, then you might want to try using ultrasonic devices. These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are designed to scare birds away without harming them. They’re relatively inexpensive and easy to use, making them a great option for those who want to keep birds out of their gutters without putting in too much effort. Some models are even solar-powered, so you won’t have to worry about changing batteries frequently. Just be sure to do your research before purchasing one, as some models are more effective than others.
Conclusion:
Birds can cause a lot of damage to your gutters if they’re not kept out. The good news is that there are a number of ways that you can do this, from installing gutter guards to using ultrasonic devices. So take your pick and say goodbye to bird-clogged gutters. By taking these simple preventative measures, you can deter birds from making nests in your gutters and causing damage to your home. You can avoid costly repairs and save yourself a lot of headaches down the road!
