Rats In Rain Gutters

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

Rats in rain gutters.

You may notice chipmunks climbing into your downspouts after rain or snow to collect food washed down your gutters. Unfortunately they may also get the idea pretty much any other time too. True you can simulate the effect by adding helmets or screens. 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.

Avoid planting fruit trees close to your house. It s like a free collection trough for chipmunks and they ll use it that way. Rats need to drink as well as to eat. Keep garbage in an enclosed space until the morning of pickup to further discourage rats.

Don t leave open water containers out at night inside your home. From there they may find an opening into your attic or perhaps their little pitter patters are a nuisance. 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. Blocked gutters can also lead to waterlogged soil which leads to foundation damage.

Keep the area around your drain spouts clear. Believe it or not they re often successful in your downspout. Rats mice chipmunks squirrels and other little critters may be using your downspouts to reach your roof. Don t over water plants.

Secure the tops of garbage cans with bungee cords to keep garbage from attracting rats raccoons and stray animals.