When it comes to your gutters, leaves aren’t the only problem. If left unchecked and neglected, the dead leaves, pine needles, dirt and other debris that collect in your gutters attract bigger pests, and with them come bigger problems. Get to know the different critters that could get into your home’s gutters.

Mosquitoes

Once your gutters are blocked by leaves, twigs and similar debris, these will hold water when the next rain comes. Even if the standing water doesn’t do significant damage, it offers a perfect mosquito breeding ground. These bugs may pose a minor annoyance, but these days, you should take mosquito infestations more seriously as they were found to carry the dreaded Zika virus in 2017.

While there aren’t any new Zika cases this year, there’s been an alarming rise of West Nile Virus cases from mosquito infestations.

Birds

Gutters that aren’t cleared of leaves and other debris attract birds. Piles of leaves and twigs are the preferred nesting material for birds, and they will do exactly that.

Birds don’t really pose a danger to you or your family, but their acidic droppings can slowly corrode metal gutters. When birds nest in your gutters, get them out ASAP. Should you allow them to take up residence, and they spawn any young, you can count on a new generation of birds to instinctively return to the safety of their gutter-home. We’ll also list another problem that comes with birds in a moment.

Bees

It’s possible that bees will take up residence in your gutters. Bees will always seek out any shelter that will protect them from the elements and conceal them from predators. If there aren’t any birds that have claimed your gutters, bees are one of the next likely candidates.

Bees can be dangerous, especially if you have family members who are allergic to bee stings. Should any bees inhabit your gutters, don’t attempt to remove them yourself as there are legalities you may not be aware of regarding this. Consult a pest control expert.

Squirrels

Pests that shack up in dirty gutters aren’t only of the feathered sort, but also the furry kind. Like birds, squirrels make nests in piles of leaves in your gutters. Their constant scurrying about can cause serious damage to your gutters and roof over time.

Rats

Another problematic pest that can take up residence in your gutters is rats. These rodents will take to your debris-clogged gutter as it can provide them with shelter and warmth. Rats also enjoy the bonus of being close to your home and will get inside eventually to look for food.

Snakes

What do the presence of birds, squirrels, rats and other gutter pests attract? Snakes. You know you’ve neglected your gutter debris problem for too long when more pests move in, and snakes enter the picture.

Keeping your gutters clear and free of fallen leaves, stray pine cones or any other debris is a task you should never put off for very long. It only takes a few leaves to clog your gutters and you’ll soon have a domino effect of pests.

Avoid the dangerous, difficult work of constantly cleaning out your gutters, and just go for the best solution: get our roof gutter protection from Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters. Trust us, with this gutter protection system, you’ll never have to worry about clogged gutters, and never have to spend hundreds of dollars for pest control, too.

Call us today at 877-594-7449, or you can set up an appointment with us.

Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and proper research is needed to guarantee that it pays off. This includes planning, budgeting, designing, and even enlisting the right help. Hiring a contractor may be a considerable upfront expense, but the rewards and sheer convenience of having a professional guiding you through the process are well worth it. 

But with so much hanging on the line, how do you find the right contractor to build you your dream home?

What are the characteristics of a successful contractor?

As in any industry, success in a company is the hallmark of good quality services. In this case, the first thing you want to look for in your contractor is the degree of success they enjoy.c

One can usually tell, even with a small customer base, if a company is able to satisfactorily fulfill the needs of their clients. To begin with, they never overcharge their customers.

Every service has its price, and a successful contractor has no need to jack up their prices because people are more than willing to pay premium when they know full well they will get premium in return. A successful contractor charges according to what they render, and you can expect to get every last cent’s worth with their work.

Second, you want your contractors to be responsible, but especially when it comes to site organization and the proper disposal of trash. Even the smallest disarray in a worksite can lead to costly mistakes, whether in property or even in life, and true professionals know how to avoid or address these. 

Find trustworthy, reputable, and A-rated contractors

Choosing the right contractor for your project entails that you check their licenses, litigation history, and references and customer testimonials. A-rated contractors are reputable and trustworthy, and they have a long list of clients who can attest to the quality of their work.

In the age of Internet and social media, finding such testimonies is a matter of a few clicks and quick browsing; you can easily see what people are saying about a particular contractor simply by going to their page or looking up their name.

Most importantly, see how the company responds. Remember that you’ll be working with these people for a significant amount of time, and there are many nuances and minute details you will need to iron out in the process. If a contractor cannot even be bothered to take a few moments to respond to a legitimate concern aired to them on a public platform, you might want to give their services a second thought. If you want to go the extra mile to verify a contractor, reach out to their previous clients, or ask their subcontractors to make sure you are hiring someone actually fit for the job.

Make sure the company is experienced and locally based 

A good general contractor is someone with experience in all aspects of home construction, from drafting the first blueprint, down to making maintenance work such as metal roof repairs over the years.

It is often a good idea to hire a local contractor, as they tend to have a better understanding of the area. They know the necessary permits, licenses, and regulations unique to your region, and they can also account for local situations such as weather conditions, topographical considerations, and other regionalized concerns. It is also easier to ask for references because a reputable local contractor will most likely be already well-known in your community, and the best ones tend to have been in the business long enough to have a well-founded legacy. 

When it comes to home construction projects, there is no one-size-fits-all route. Even among the most similar-looking residences, each individual house has its quirks and requirements that a good contractor knows how to look out for. And as houses are an integral part of any person’s life, it is only expected that a contractor produces high-quality work worthy of the investment. 

How We Can Help You

At Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters, we’re proud to offer the best gutter guard system on the market to help your home become a lasting investment that stays with you over the years. We have earned our stellar reputation in the community by providing excellent customer care and top-quality projects. If you need metal roof repairs or gutters servicing, contact us today at +1 877 594 7449 and get a free assessment!