4 Ways to Prevent Raccoons From Climbing Your Downspouts

Raccoons can damage your home once they reach your roofing and attic through your gutter’s downspouts. In some instances, they can even spread diseases in your household.

 

To help solve this problem, Chase Roofing LLC enumerates four essential tips for keeping raccoons off your downspouts.

1. Install Pest Spikes 

Glue pest spikes vertically on three sides of your downspouts so that raccoons won’t be able to hug the pipe and climb it. However, because raccoons are excellent climbers and leapers, make sure the spikes are high enough that the raccoons cannot get past them.

2. Add Baffles

Baffles are disc-shaped pieces of metal or plastic that extend like an upside-down saucer. If you place them around your downspouts, they can prevent raccoons from climbing. For best results, you’ll need to modify your baffles, which are typically wrap-around, so that raccoons won’t be able to work their way around the baffles and continue climbing.

3. Grease Your Downspouts

Raccoons hug downspouts to climb as they can’t use their claws. If you apply automotive grease to a 24-inch section of your downspout, raccoons will slide down and won’t get all the way to your gutters. Just make sure the greased area is out of reach from the ground so you can avoid accidentally touching it.

4. Inspect Your Attic

The main reason why raccoons climb gutters is because they’re looking for shelter. If you notice signs of raccoons on your downspout, they probably have found a way to your attic. In this case, call animal control for the safe removal of animals.

Are you looking for an experienced and reliable roofer? At Chase Roofing LLC, we have the knowledge and skills to provide you with superior solutions for your roofing and gutter needs. To schedule a consultation, call us at (757) 872-0700 (Yorktown) or (757) 206-1948 (Williamsburg). You can also complete our contact form to receive an estimate. We serve clients in and around Yorktown, VA.