Without gutter protection products, gutters can become home to a number of animals. Here are some of the critters that may be living in your gutters:

1- Squirrels

Agile climbers, squirrels like to build their nests of twigs and branches inside gutter systems. As they simultaneously block water flow and create obstructions, squirrels are the biggest enemy of functional and effective gutters.

2- Chipmunks

Like squirrels, chipmunks like to nest and travel in gutters, creating obstructions that cause water to overflow close to the foundations. For this reason, chipmunks are also a formidable opponent of unprotected gutters.

3- Birds

Birds often find open gutters a safe place to build their nests, away from predators. However, if gutters are not cleaned regularly or equipped with a leaf guard, these nests can lead to clogs.

4- Grass snakes

When gutters become home to small rodents and birds, grass snakes and other reptiles are known to climb up downspouts in search of their prey. Thus, your gutters are transformed into a veritable ecosystem instead of a simple way to drain rainwater.

5- Wasps and bees

Bees like to make their hives against houses, and unprotected gutters are in no way immune. It is also common to find wasp nests against gutter systems. Both insects can easily ruin a relaxing day on the patio or a friendly BBQ, in addition to clogging your gutters.

The moral of the story: Gutter protection products do more than prevent leaves from filling up your gutters. They also help protect you against unwanted critters while cleaning your gutters!