5 Tips to Keep Raccoons off your Downspouts

Raccoons are intelligent animals that play a role in our ecosystem. However, they’re not exactly the best house guests. They go through your garbage, destroy building materials when making nests, and transmit diseases that can affect you, your family and pets.

It’s no wonder so many people are desperate to find out how to get rid of raccoons. To thwart these pests without harming or killing them, keep in mind these tips from Shine Construction Inc., your trusted gutter and siding contractor:

1. Install pest spikes. Raccoons climb downspouts by hugging them. Pest spikes in vertical strips installed on three sides of your downspouts will deter them from doing so. Raccoons can’t climb up these spikes as they are made to stop birds and other animals from landing on surfaces. Make sure the spikes are placed high enough on the downspout so the raccoon cannot get over them and gain access to your roof.

2. Add baffles. Baffles are disc-shaped pieces of metal or plastic that extend like an upside-down saucer around your downspout. They physically prevent raccoons from climbing. Because your downspouts are up against your house, a typical wrap-around baffle meant to stop raccoons from climbing deck posts or bird feeders may have to be modified to fit your downspout.

3. Grease your downspouts. If you want your downspouts bare but still want to prevent raccoons from climbing them, consider applying automotive grease to a 24-inch piece of your downspout. Raccoons can’t gain any footing on the greased downspouts using their legs and claws, making climbing a struggle.

4. Trim back tree limbs. In addition to using downspouts, raccoons also gain access to your roof via tree branches. Roofing and siding replacement pros recommend trimming branches back, especially if the leaves and twigs are already touching your home exteriors. Doing this not only helps keep raccoons off your roof but also keeps your shingles and siding intact.

5. Clean your yard. The prospect of food lying around your yard attracts raccoons to your property. If they’ve started climbing your downspouts, it’s most likely because your home provides them with a welcoming home base. Remove all food sources outdoors to drive raccoons away and prevent them from returning.

Always remember that the ideal raccoon remedy is one that eliminates the current intruders while also preventing the arrival of a new raccoon family. Raccoon-proof your downspouts once you’re sure all the raccoons have been safely removed from your home.

Trust Shine Construction Inc. for all your exterior home improvement needs, from roof installation to window replacement. Call us today at (508) 278-3300 or fill out our contact form to get a free quote.