Attics and sheltered areas on the roof are inviting places for pests. When animals and insects invade your roof, ways to deal with them include removing critters safely, getting a professional roof inspection, and cleaning the gutters regularly.
Types of Damage Inflicted by Pests
A few scattered droppings or rustling sounds coming from a pile of leaves might not seem like a problem, but if pests are living in your attic or on your roof, they can do real harm. Types of damage inflicted by unwanted invaders include:
- Gnawing or clawing on flashing, shingles, and gutters (compromises protective finishes/sealants)
- Nesting (blockages causing pooling water on roof and in gutters)
- Leaks
- Compromised insulation
- Structural issues
- Health hazards (accumulation of droppings/feces)
- Increased energy bills
Signs of Roof Pests
Common signs of roof invaders that have made their home in your attic or on the roof are:
- Sounds of scurrying, scratching, gnawing, vocal noises, flapping (birds)
- Droppings or urine stains
- Unpleasant odours from nesting materials
- Visible entry points such as chewed holes or missing shingles
- Insulation that has been flattened or compromised
- Nests in the corners of the attic
- Nests in the gutters typically where two runs meet
- Scrapes, punctures, visible tracks, worn shingles, etc.
Professional Roof Inspection
If there are signs that your roof has been invaded by pests, book a professional roof inspection. While you might have recently conducted a homeowner’s roof inspection, if you’ve heard scurrying sounds or vocal noises, a roofing contractor will be able to spot signs or problems you might not have missed. When you suspect that your home’s exterior has been infiltrated by unwanted guests, the sooner a roofing contractor identifies problems associated with pests, the sooner they can be fixed.
Removing Animals and Insects
It is important to have the invaders completely removed from the areas of your roof and home as safely and humanely as possible. Different types of animals and insects require different removal techniques and pest control methods – you don’t get rid of rats the same way you do wasps or birds.
Roofing companies typically are not responsible for removing pests from your roof. However, some contractors will recommend or work with pest control/extermination companies. For the humane removal of animals such as raccoons, squirrels, skunks, birds, bats, rats and mice contact a wildlife management company that advertises non-lethal removal methods.
Ways to Prevent Roof Invaders
Clean the gutters and the roof as part of your regular winter home maintenance. Don’t make nesting materials readily available.
Seal entry points such as cracks, holes, and gaps in soffit and fascia.
Replace missing or damaged roofing shingles as soon as possible.
Ensure roof protrusions like vents, skylights, etc. have no gaps and are properly sealed.
Check the attic for anywhere birds, insects, and bats can get in; use screens to cover vents to prevent entry.
Don’t attract pests with food. Pet dishes on the patio, open trash bins, and bird feeders in trees close to the house can give them the idea that your roof might make a good home.
Trim back trees growing near the roof to discourage squirrels, rodents, and skunks from using your roof as a highway.
Schedule regular professional roof inspections; conduct homeowner roof inspections after storm activity and in between cleaning the gutters.
