Introduction
In our ongoing commitment to delivering reliable and effective products, we decided to put our GutterGate products to the ultimate test. With concerns raised about the possibility of rats and squirrels easily lifting the lid of GutterGate, we embarked on an experiment to evaluate its pest-deterrence capabilities. Meet our intrepid participants: GutterGayle, Gretchen, and Samantha -- our charming rat trio. This is a day-by-day account of our experiment to see if GutterGate stands up to its claims.
Day 1: Adopting the GuttterGate Rats & Acclimating Them
Updated 8/1/2023 @ 7:03 p.m.
Our experiment begins with the introduction of our trio rats. To be honest, it was never our intention to keep the GutterGate rats. But that instantly changed when we met them. It's a funny story for a later day. We wanted to first get the rats acclimated to their new environment so they weren't too freaked out when we began our experiment. This period of acclimation is crucial for the rats to get comfortable with their surroundings and build a rapport with our team.
Meet GutterGayle & Samantha below!
Day 2: Setting The Stage
Updated 8/2/2023 @ 5:33 p.m.
While GutterGayle, Gretchen, & Samantha got cozy in their new home, the GutterGate team got hard at work setting up our testing environment. We chose to do our testing within a 40-gallon aquarium tank divided by plexiglass, creating two distinct sections. On one side, a delightful charcuterie board loaded with their favorite snacks awaits. These snacks included cheddar cheese, crackers, nuts, raisins, Greek yogurt bites, dried mango, dried banana & sunflower seeds. On the other side, we placed only their water. Then, in the center plexiglass, we cut out 4 holes to place our products into. The only way to get to the snacks is to go through the GutterGates. There was some space underneath the GutterGates where the rats could hide underneath the gates, but the only way for them to get to the other side was to go through the Gates.
We placed our 4 products in the center plexiglass -- the Type A 3x4, Type A 2x3, Type B 3x4, & Type B 2x3. The challenge: to see if the rats can figure out how to navigate through GutterGate to reach their very classy and very delicious charcuterie board.
Day 3: Test Day Arrives
Updated 8/3/2023 @ 10:15 a.m.
Tonight begins the official start of our experiment. GutterGayle, Gretchen, & Samantha seem ready for the challenge as they nap in anticipation. Since rats are nocturnal animals, we will not conduct the experiment until tonight. The plexiglass and GutterGate products should present a unique puzzle for them to solve...will they be able to breach the GutterGate barrier and reach the irresistible snacks? Stay tuned for more updates.
Test Day/Night 1: A Couple Adjustments Needed
Updated 8/4/2023 @ 11:17 a.m.
Early on in night one, we realized that the rats were a bit skittish to come out while the lights were on due to their nocturnal nature. With our camcorder not having a night mode, we had to find an innovative way to record the rats while also convincing the rats that it was dark in the room. After some research, we learned that rats cannot see the color red, so we got a red light and set it up so the camera could still see the rats, but the rats had the illusion that it was completely dark in their environment. Once the red light was set up, we reset our camera and left for the night. Our footage begins right after we set up the red light and leave for the night at 19:06 hours.
Part 1 (Continued): Rats vs. GutterGate
Updated 8/4/2023 @ 11:17 a.m.
With the rats being more comfortable with the lighting, night one unfolded with our rats' curiosity piqued by the tantalizing treats on the other side. GutterGate stood strong as a formidable barrier. Observations revealed that while the rats were intrigued, they couldn't comprehend that traversing the GutterGate led to their desired feast. Climbing and exploring ensued, yet the GutterGate remained unconquered. GutterGate 1, Rats 0.
At this point, we decided we wanted to give the rats a fighting chance, so we decided to extend our test to 3 total nights with the rats also spending their days in the testing center as well to continue to familiarize themselves.
See Night 1 Footage Below!
Test Day/Night 2: A Couple More Adjustments
Updated 8/4/2023 @ 8:57 p.m.
This night we decided to set up just a little differently than the previous night. We wanted our camera to be able to capture both the rats and the charcuterie board/reward as well. So, with this in mind, we placed the charcuterie board a little higher in the tank and we also set the camera up at a different angle to better show our setup.
Additionally, we also placed treats inside each GutterGate as well so the scent would be strong inside the GutterGates.
Part 2: An Unconventional Victory For The Rats
Updated 8/5/2023 @ 7:39 a.m.
Night 2 brought unexpected results. We were nervous when we came in on the morning of 8/5/2023 to find that our charcuterie board had been breached. We nervously watched the footage and, lo and behold, at 2:22 hours on 8/5/2023, the rats found a way to the charcuterie board. However, it was not in the way we had expected. The rats did not go through the GutterGate, but rather over the plexiglass.
GutterGate held its ground, but the rats demonstrated remarkable adaptability, circumventing the challenge alltogether by finding a way over the plexiglass barrier at 22:37 hours.
It would feel unfair to say that tonight was GutterGate 2, Rats 0....so we'll give the rats half a point for creativity with their unique route. GutterGate 2, Rats 1/2.
See Night 2 Footage Below!
Test Day/Night 3: A Day Test, Then A Night Test
Updated 8/7/2023 @10:56 a.m.
For our final test, we wanted to make sure that we were completely thorough. Since it was the weekend, we knew that the rats would be more comfortable moving about the day with no one in the office. So, we set up our camera, put the snacks in place, and started recording. This was our first test during the day watching the rats. We kept it dark in the room since this has been what the rats prefer.
Part 3: Daytime Footage
We found that during our day test, the rats still failed to penetrate the GutterGate and go through. We placed some nuts and treats within the doors of the GutterGate to entice them more to enter the GutterGates. Still, the rats had no luck as desperate as they tried.
See Part 3 (Day Time) Footage Below!
Part 3: Night Time Footage - A Persistent Standoff
We entered the third and final night of our experiment after recording the rats for a full day. The GutterGate Rats, driven by the enticing scents within the GutterGates, continued to explore its openings. Some even biting the GutterGate in desperate attempts to reach the treats inside. Their persistence and curiosity were evident, but GutterGate's design continued to thwart their attempts. Despite the rats' efforts, the GutterGate's structure remained resolute.
GutterGate 3, rats 1/2
See the 2-part videos for the final night of our experiment below!
Conclusion: Unveiling GutterGate's Strengths
After three nights of observation, experimentation, and analysis, our experiment drew to a close. Our rat participants displayed impressive problem-solving abilities, showcasing GutterGate's durability against determined adversaries. While the GutterGate Rats did not breach the GutterGate barrier to access treats, their attempts underscored GutterGate's capacity to deter pests effectively.
A noteworthy reminder is that GutterGate's purpose is to seal the opening of the downspout. While we were luring the rats to go through GutterGate with delicious treats, rats and other pests will not have this sort of lure in your home (unless you are storing your snacks in your downspouts). The reason most pests climb through your downspouts is because of the gaping hole in it, which GutterGate closes. Again, we were intentionally attempting to lure the rats into the GutterGate, and they still could not get through.
One of GutterGate's many functions is to discourage pests from entering the downspout while in search of shelter by closing the gaping hole within the downspout.
