Raccoons appear cute and cuddly, but they can be a real menace to homeowners. They not only go through dumpsters (which has earned them the nickname “trash pandas”) and create health concerns, but also cause damage to your home. Raccoons are usually attracted to the resources inside your home, which is why they tend to climb downspouts to have access to your roof and gutters. From there, they may sneak their way through openings like dormer windows and chimneys and into your home.
Luckily, there are a few effective ways to stop raccoons from climbing up your downspouts.
1. Curb the raccoon’s desire to climb. Avoid leaving your pet’s food and water bowls outside as raccoons will be attracted to them. Keep any trash bins firmly secured, and try to keep your yard clear of any fallen fruits and nuts. If there are any trees and shrubs close to your gutters and downspouts, trim them back. Make sure that any opening on your walls and roofing are covered with metal mesh or fencing to eliminate possible access points.
2. Have pest guards installed on your downspouts. Pest guards are designed to wrap around gutters, downspouts and trees. These usually come with a rough and pointy surface that discourage raccoons and other mammalian pests from climbing over them. Pest guards won’t actually hurt them, but if you feel like that’s still too harsh, you can opt to install metal sheeting between the downspouts and the walls instead. The smooth metal surface makes it hard for raccoons to secure a grip with their claws, helping keep them away from your roofing and gutters.
3. Grease the downspouts. You may apply automotive grease to a 24-inch section of downspout. The slick surface makes sure the critter won’t find any purchase with their claws, hindering its ability to climb up downspouts. For maximum effectiveness, apply the grease at a high point of the downspout.
Raccoons may no longer have access to your roof and gutters, but it still pays to have these components checked periodically for damage. Just give Winfield Builders a quick call, and we’ll have our trained and experienced team conduct a thorough roof and gutter inspection. Should we discover any problems, we’ll recommend – and perform with your go-signal – the necessary solutions.
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When in need of high-quality roofing, gutter and siding services, look no further than Winfield Builders. Make us your choice, and we’ll show you firsthand why we remain one of the leading exterior home renovation companies in Howard County and beyond. Call us today at (301) 370-7925, or fill out this contact form to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve the areas in and around Columbia and Annapolis, MD.