How to Keep Squirrels Off the Roof: Easy Tips
Squirrels may seem innocent, but they can do significant damage to your roof and home. These little creatures enjoy climbing trees and jumping onto roofs, treating roofs as their highways and nesting areas.
Once in, they start chewing anything that seems fit like electrical wires or roof shingles, they start creating small holes in your attic. To prevent any danger to your house and possible repairs, consider keeping them away.
In this guide, we discuss why squirrels should be kept off, the best methods to get them away, and what to do to keep them away.
Why You Should Keep Squirrels Away from the Roof
Squirrels are good climbers and climb tree branches, poles, and gutters to get to your roof. They prefer high places since those are safe from predators such as birds and foxes. Noticing their appearance could be the beginning of serious squirrel problems. For such reasons, knowing ways to get rid of squirrels is important.
Once on the roof, they go ahead and chew on fascia boards, weaken soffits, and create an entry point into your attic. Inside, they gnaw insulation and electrical wires and build nests. Their destruction may also cause water damage, chew marks, and fire hazards from exposed wires.
If you ignore them, a squirrel infestation will cause lasting structural damage. For this, taking precautions will keep your home safe from these indefatigable creatures.
Best Ways to Get Rid of Squirrels Off Your Roof
1. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
One simple way to prevent squirrels on the roof would be to cut branches hanging too close to the roof. If branches are within ten feet, squirrels can easily leap onto your home. Regularly trimming these branches removes a major entry point and makes it harder for them to reach your roof.
2. Install Squirrel Guards
Squirrel guards installed on tree trunks, poles, and fences can prevent their climbing. Made of thin sheet metal, these guards create physical barriers that squirrels cannot grip. Installing these on potential entry points such as gutters and fascia, will reduce squirrel activity.
3. Cover Electrical Wires
Squirrels often use electrical wires to access roofs. You can install thin PVC pipes over these wires, which will spin when squirrels try to walk on them. This makes it hard for them to balance, which discourages them from using this route.
4. Use Natural Repellents
Natural strong odors like peppermint oil and predator urine repel squirrels. Spraying on the roof shingles, gutter guards, and soffits can render the area less comfortable for them. The placement of these natural repellents near potential entry locations and holes can help deter any incidents with squirrels.
5. Block Entry Points
Look for small openings in the roof, soffits, and vents. Seal them with metal flashing or barriers so that squirrels cannot enter. Look for chew marks and other signs of squirrel activity to help find possible places of entry.
How Do I Know If Squirrels Are Living in My Roof?
Signs of squirrels on your roof include noticing scratching sounds, running noises, or chewing sounds at night. Look for droppings, scratches, and tiny entry holes around vents, soffits, or fascia boards.
Nesting materials such as leaves and twigs are also a sign. Confirming an infestation requires quick action to evict them and secure all openings.
What Attracts Squirrels to My Roof?
Squirrels tend to prefer warmth, shelter, and easy access to food. In case your roof has gaps, displaced shingles, or damaged soffits, they could easily get into the roof to build their nests.
Nearby bird feeders, fruit trees, or pet food could also draw them in. Therefore, sealing your attic and shutting down food sources are the best ways to prevent infestation.
Do Squirrels Leave the Attic on Their Own?
Squirrels might leave their attic temporarily but will most likely return if there is a nest or food stored inside. If left alone and feeling safe, squirrels will not leave. Breeding mothers will hardly leave until their babies are old enough. Sealing their exit points and offering humane removal will prevent return.
What to Do If There’s a Squirrel on Your Roof
1. Live-Trapping
If a squirrel has already made its way to your roof, you can use a humane squirrel trap. These traps allow you to capture and relocate the squirrel safely. If you’re unsure how to handle this, call a wildlife control professional.
2. Use a Squirrel Deterrent
Once the squirrel is gone, you’ll want to prevent future problems. Use squirrel deterrents like squirrel repellent, predator urine, and gutter guards to keep them from returning. Removing food sources such as bird feeders also helps reduce squirrel problems.
3. Install a Chimney Cap
A chimney cap prevents squirrels from nesting inside your chimney. Make sure it fits properly, allowing smoke to escape while keeping animals out.
4. Use Strips of Aluminum Foil
Placing aluminum foil on areas where squirrels climb can discourage them. They don’t like the texture and will avoid these surfaces.
5. Maintain the Roof Regularly
Regular roof maintenance helps you spot damage, small holes, and other potential entry points before they become bigger problems. Inspect your roof shingles, fascia boards, and roof vents to ensure they are in good shape.
Conclusion
Keeping squirrels off your roof takes effort, but it’s worth it to avoid damage and costly repairs. By trimming tree branches, installing squirrel guards, sealing entry points, and using natural repellents, you can protect your home. If a squirrel infestation happens, take action immediately to remove them and prevent them from returning.
FAQs
What attracts squirrels to my roof?
Squirrels climb onto roofs in search of food sources, warmth, and shelter. Overhanging tree branches, bird feeders, and small openings in the roof make it easy for them to get inside.
How can I prevent squirrels from coming back?
Use squirrel deterrents, seal entry points, trim tree branches, and remove food sources like bird feeders. Regular roof maintenance also helps keep them away.
Are there any humane ways to remove squirrels from my roof?
Yes, using live traps and relocating squirrels is a humane option. You can also use natural repellents like peppermint oil and predator urine to make your roof less appealing to them.
Get Help From Professionals For Squirrels on Roof!
It can be difficult to get rid of squirrels, especially when they are on your roof. In such situations, it is best to get help from professionals like Safe Pest Sol. Our team of expert pest control technicians can effectively and safely remove squirrels from your roof.