How to Get Squirrels Out of Your Gutters

How to Get Squirrels Out of Your Gutters

Hey, Savannah homeowners! Squirrels might be fun to watch in Forsyth Park, but when they move into your gutters, they’re bad news. Those little critters build nests, chew up your gutters, and cause clogs that can flood your home—especially with Savannah’s 56 inches of rain every year.

Why Squirrels Choose Your Gutters

  • Great for Nests: Your gutters catch leaves, twigs, and acorns—everything squirrels need to build a cozy nest. These block water, causing spills during Savannah’s big storms.
  • Easy to Get To: Tree branches, like those from our live oaks, are like squirrel superhighways straight to your roof.
  • Chewing Problems: Squirrels chomp on aluminum or vinyl gutters, leaving holes that let water leak out.

A nest in your gutter isn’t just annoying. It stops water from flowing, which can soak your siding or pool near your foundation. In Savannah’s humid weather, that’s a recipe for mold or even termites, which can cost thousands to fix. Catching this early saves you a ton of trouble.

How to Tell If Squirrels Are in Your Gutters

How to Get Squirrels Out of Your Gutters

Before you do anything, check for these signs to make sure squirrels are the problem:

Stuff to Look For

  • Nests or Junk: See piles of leaves, twigs, or acorns clogging your gutters? That’s likely a squirrel nest. They look like messy clumps.
  • Chewed Spots: Look for tiny bite marks or holes in your gutters, especially if they’re not metal.
  • Squirrel Action: Spot squirrels running from trees to your roof? They’re probably hanging out in your gutters.

Sounds and Smells

  • Scratching Noises: Hear rustling or scratching near your roof? That’s squirrels moving around in your gutters or attic.
  • Stinky Odors: A nest with droppings or wet debris can make a gross smell near your home.

If you notice these, don’t wait. With hurricane season (June–November) around the corner, clogged gutters can cause serious damage fast.

How to Get Squirrels Out Safely

Kicking squirrels out of your gutters sounds easy, but it can be tricky—and dangerous. Climbing ladders or messing with squirrels can lead to falls or bites. Here’s how to handle it safely, plus why calling pros like Gutterfix Solutions is often the smart move.

Look from the Ground

Grab some binoculars and check your gutters for nests or clogs. Look for stuff blocking the downspouts. Don’t climb a ladder unless you’re super careful—falls are a big risk, and squirrels might snap if you surprise them.

Make Some Noise

Squirrels hate loud sounds. Tap your gutters with a long stick (from the ground) or play a radio near your roof. This might scare them off for a bit, but they’ll probably come back unless you block their way.

Clear Small Nests

If you see a small nest and feel safe, use a long pole to poke it loose. Wear gloves to stay safe from germs in droppings. If the nest is big or stuck, stop there—pulling it out could break your gutters or make things worse.

Get Help from Pros

How to Stop Squirrels from Coming Back

How to Stop Squirrels from Coming Back

Once the squirrels are gone, make your gutters a no-go zone. Here’s how:

Trim Those Trees

Cut back any branches within 10 feet of your roof. Savannah’s live oaks are squirrel magnets, so trim them, especially in fall when acorns drop like crazy.

Put Up Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are covers that keep out nests and debris but let water through. They cost $2–$8 per foot but save you from constant cleaning. Gutterfix Solutions installs tough guards that handle Savannah’s heavy rains.

Try Repellents

Sprinkle cayenne pepper or squirrel repellents in your gutters. The smell chases squirrels away, but rain washes it off, so you’ll need to reapply. Check with a pro to make sure it’s safe for your gutters.

Clean Gutters Often

Clean your gutters twice a year—spring and fall—to clear debris that squirrels love. Gutterfix Solutions offers cheap cleaning (starting at $70) to keep your home safe.

Why Squirrel Damage Is a Big Deal in Savannah

Savannah’s wet weather makes gutter problems worse. With 56 inches of rain and hurricanes from June to November, a clogged gutter can hurt your home:

  • Foundation Trouble: Water pooling near your home can crack your foundation, costing $5,000 or more to fix.
  • Roof Damage: Blocked gutters push water under shingles, causing leaks or attic problems.
  • Mold Issues: Savannah’s humidity plus standing water grows mold, which is bad for your health and wallet.
  • Extra Pests: Squirrel nests can bring in wasps or termites, which might spread inside your home.

Why You Should Hire a Pro

Trying to fix squirrels yourself can cause more problems. Here’s why pros are better:

Stay Safe

Ladders and squirrels are a risky mix. Pros have the right gear and know-how, especially for Savannah’s steep-roofed homes.

Fix It Right

Squirrels can leave hidden damage, like small holes or loose downspouts. Gutterfix Solutions finds and fixes these to stop bigger issues.

Save Time and Money

DIY might push squirrels into your attic or worsen clogs. Pros get it done fast, saving you from pricey repairs.

Know Savannah

Savannah’s weather and historic homes need special care. With over 10 years helping savannah, Gutterfix Solutions knows what works.

Extra Ways to Keep Your Gutters Safe

Squirrels aren’t the only thing to watch. Here’s how to protect your home all year:

Check After Storms

Savannah’s hurricanes and rains dump debris in your gutters. Look at them after big storms to catch problems early.

Go for Seamless Gutters

Seamless gutters don’t leak as much and handle Savannah’s wet weather. They also look awesome on historic homes.

Watch for Other Pests

Squirrels can bring birds or wasps. If you hear buzzing or see nests, call a pro to check your gutters and attic.

Keep Your Roof in Check

A damaged roof lets squirrels into your attic. Check your shingles every year to block pests.

Why Pick Gutterfix Solutions?

When squirrels mess with your gutters, you need a team you can count on. Gutterfix Solutions has been helping Savannah homeowners for over 10 years. Here’s what we bring:

  • Fast Fixes: We clear nests and clogs quick to protect your home.
  • Local Smarts: From Midtown to downtown Savannah, we know Lowcountry challenges.
  • Good Prices: Cleaning starts at $70, and our gutter guards are budget-friendly.

Don’t let squirrels wreck your home before the next big rain. Get professional help to stay safe.

Do It Now to Protect Your Home

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