---
title: Top 5 Critters Living in Your Gutters
description: How to prevent squirrels, shipmunks, snakes, bees, wasps and birds from gutter inside gutters and clogging them, causing damages and problems.
---

[Eavestroughs and rain water management blog ](https://alu-rex.com/en/blog)

# [Top 5 Critters Living in Your Gutters](https://alu-rex.com/en/blog/critters-in-gutters)

 Written by [Alu-Rex](https://alu-rex.com/en/blog/author/alu-rex) | Apr 17, 2025 3:33:42 PM

Without [gutter protection](https://alu-rex.com/en/selecting-gutter-protection), your gutters could become home to a whole host of unwanted guests. Here are five common critters that may be living up there—undetected.

### 1. Squirrels

Squirrels are agile climbers that love nesting in gutters using twigs and branches. Unfortunately, they block water flow and create major clogs. Squirrels are a top threat to efficient gutters.

### 2. Chipmunks

Similar to squirrels, chipmunks travel through and nest in gutters. Their activity causes overflows near the foundation, leading to potential water damage.

### 3. Birds

Open gutters are attractive to birds looking for safe nesting spots away from predators. Without regular cleaning or leaf guards, these nests can cause serious [clogs](https://alu-rex.com/en/clues-clogged-gutters).

### 4. Grass Snakes

When birds and rodents settle in your gutters, predators like grass snakes aren’t far behind. Reptiles can climb [downspouts](https://alu-rex.com/en/downspout-maintenance) to hunt, turning your gutter into a miniature ecosystem.

### 5. Wasps and Bees

Wasps and bees often build nests on or near gutters. Aside from the danger they pose to your outdoor fun, these nests can also block water flow and damage the system.

### Conclusion

Gutter protection systems do more than keep out [leaves](https://alu-rex.com/en/leaves-stick-products)—they help deter wildlife too. Installing a continuous hanger like[ T-Rex®](https://www.alu-rex.com/en/gutters/new-gutters/pro-series/t-rex), [DoublePro®](https://www.alu-rex.com/en/gutters/new-gutters/pro-series/doublepro), or a leaf guard like the [Gutter Clean System®](https://www.alu-rex.com/en/gutters/existing-gutters/pro-series/gutter-clean) ensures your gutters stay free of both debris and intruders.

[View full post](https://alu-rex.com/en/blog/critters-in-gutters)

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