Raccoons can be troublesome when they dig through your trash for food and leave a mess in your yard. However, they can be even more troublesome when they find their way up the roof via your downspouts. And when that happens, expect them to turn your roof into their shelter or even a breeding ground. To reduce the chances of this happening, here are four ways to keep them off your downspouts.
1. Don’t leave pet food outside. Check if you still have leftover pet food in your yard before going to sleep. Seeing as raccoons are nocturnal animals – that is, they’re active at night – expect them to roam around your yard in search of food. When you don’t leave food outside, you deter them from coming to your property at night, minimizing the likelihood of them gaining access to your roof and gutters.
2. Pest-proof your trash cans. Your trash is another source of food for raccoons. Make sure to choose trash cans with secure lids that cannot be easily opened. This will prevent raccoons from opening them and scouring through your trash for food.
3. Trim tree limbs. Aside from downspouts, tree branches also serve as pathways for raccoons to gain access to your roof. Make sure to trim tree branches if they have overgrown to the point that they’re already touching your roof. Cutting off alternative paths to roof access is one way of keeping raccoons off your property.
4. Install pest guards. Pest guards are designed to keep raccoons and other critters off your gutters with the use of nails, spikes or wire. These are wrapped around downspouts and trees, and poke raccoons trying to climb them.
For your gutter needs, turn to Expert Contracting. Whether your gutters and downspouts are leaking, clogged or otherwise not in good condition, our team can get them working right again. Call us now at (716) 572-7303, or fill out our contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation. We serve clients in and around Hamburg, NY.