Rats In Rain Gutters

Rats mice chipmunks squirrels and other little critters may be using your downspouts to reach your roof.

Rats in rain gutters.

It s like a free collection trough for chipmunks and they ll use it that way. They drink water from water bowls for pets buckets sinks pots and pans dishes for potted plants window pits for basements clogged rain gutters bird baths and old tires. Don t over water plants. From there they may find an opening into your attic or perhaps their little pitter patters are a nuisance.

Keep the area around your drain spouts clear. Rats need to drink as well as to eat. You may notice chipmunks climbing into your downspouts after rain or snow to collect food washed down your gutters. Believe it or not they re often successful in your downspout.

Unfortunately they may also get the idea pretty much any other time too. Blocked gutters cause problems for your roof and your siding and waterlogged roofs and siding are more prone to be soft and easy for animals to damage. Keep garbage in an enclosed space until the morning of pickup to further discourage rats. Blocked gutters can also lead to waterlogged soil which leads to foundation damage.

Don t leave open water containers out at night inside your home. Secure the tops of garbage cans with bungee cords to keep garbage from attracting rats raccoons and stray animals. Gutters full of debris are the ideal places for squirrels rats and mice to gather nesting materials. Avoid planting fruit trees close to your house.

Rain and other runoff wash all kinds of plant material into your downspouts.