How to Prevent Birds from Falling into Gutters and Downspouts

Birds are beautiful and sweet beings that often find themselves in harm's way regarding our home gutter systems.

Gutter downspouts can be deadly traps for birds and other wildlife, causing them to fall down the gutter downspout and get trapped. This can result in injury, stress, and even death for these beautiful creatures. Fortunately, several inexpensive products can protect birds from falling into gutter downspouts.

This article will discuss how this happens and the various products that can be used to protect birds.

How Birds Fall Into Gutter Downspouts

Birds can fall into gutter downspouts for several reasons. One of the main reasons is that birds often build their nests in the gutter system. When the nest becomes too heavy or is disrupted, the birds can fall into the downspout.

Another reason birds accidentally fall into the downspout is because they often perch on the gutter to look for potential food sources below. If the gutter is filled with fall leaves and covering the surface of a downspout, they may land on the leaves and fall through. Birds can also be pushed into the downspout by strong winds or rainwater being swept through the gutters,

The Danger of Falling Down Gutter Downspouts

Falling down the gutter downspout can be dangerous for birds. The downspouts are narrow and can cause the birds to become stuck or trapped.

Depending on the size of the bird, it can get trapped at the top or at the very bottom of a downspout where it curves underground. This can result in injury, stress, and even death for the bird, as it is nearly impossible for them to escape.

The trapped bird may become weak or dehydrated, and the longer they remain in the downspout, the less chance they have of survival.

Products That Protect Birds From Falling Down Gutter Downspouts

Thankfully, several inexpensive products can protect birds from falling down gutter downspouts. These products include:

Gutter Downspout Guards

These are small plastic guards that attach to the opening of the downspout. The guards prevent birds from entering the downspout but still allow water to flow freely.

Gutter Downspout Nets 

These are fine mesh nets placed over the downspout's opening. The nets prevent birds from entering the downspout but still allow water to flow freely.

Leaf Guards

Leaf guards are an excellent way to protect birds from falling gutter downspouts. These mesh screens are placed over the top of the gutter system, preventing leaves and debris from entering the gutter and clogging the downspout. Leaf guards also prevent birds from entering the gutter system and falling down the downspout. They are an effective, long-lasting solution that can protect birds and other wildlife for many years.

You can snap in these 3-foot pieces at Home Depot or Lowe's or contact a gutter company for a quote. It doesn't take long to install.

Conclusion

Gutter downspouts can be dangerous for birds, causing them to become trapped or injured. Fortunately, several inexpensive products can protect birds from falling into gutter downspouts. Gutter downspout guards, nets, and caps are all effective solutions that prevent birds from entering the downspout.

Leaf guards are also an excellent solution that protects birds and prevents leaves and debris from entering the gutter system.

Using these products, we can protect our beautiful friends and ensure they remain safe around our homes.