It’s late at night, and you’ve just been woken up by the sound of scratching. You don’t give it much thought and go back to sleep. But, in the following days, it happens again and again. Eventually, you can’t take it any longer and have to investigate the issue. It turns out that the issue has a bushy tail and beady eyes — it’s a squirrel!
Birds, squirrels, cats, rats, and foxes are just a few of the animals that can end up on your roof. They can chew through wood, move the shingles, and cause a whole lot of damage. That’s not something you should ignore. All it takes is a little hole in the roof and some rain, and you’ll have a serious issue on your hands.
Dealing with pests quickly is the best way to save yourself a lot of trouble and money. Don’t know where to start? We’ve gathered all the information you need in order to deal with the animals on your roof.
What Are the Signs of a Pest Infestation?
Though you might not spot a raccoon on your rooftop first thing in the morning, you may notice some other signs. Scout your attic regularly and inspect your roof for any damage. You should also keep an eye out for:
- Animal droppings
- Damaged chords
- Holes
- Chewed wood (or insulation)
- Noises coming from the attic
Animal droppings can usually be found in the corners of the attic or in cramped spaces. They might be accompanied by small pieces of wood shavings. Those show that the animal has been chewing on the wood, causing damage.
Problems Caused by Animals On Your Roof
Having an animal on your roof, even for a single day, can turn into a huge problem, especially if it is raining outside. For instance, they can move the shingles to get inside your roof. By doing that, they will leave holes for the water to pour through.
Another big issue is the chewing. Pests can chew through the cords and wires, which can cause an electrical shortage. If that happens, the animals can also get electrocuted and die.
In turn, this can become an even bigger issue because the dead animal will eventually start to rot. Consequently, what’s left of it will emit a really unpleasant smell (and will be a pain to clean up).
How to Deal With Animals on Your Roof
Learn as Much as You Can About the Animal
There are quite a few animals that can end up on your roof, from raccoons and squirrels to feral cats. The first thing you should do is try to identify the animal (or animals), and determine if it’s trying to nest there or if it’s simply stuck.
Nesting animals will usually go back and forth, looking for little branches to build their nest. A stuck animal is usually frightened, and could even stand still for hours. The former is the one that is likely to do the most damage to your roof.
In the case of nesting animals, you can just leave the house and wait for them to go outside. That will tell you their point of entry. Once you spot it, you can then close it off and safely remove the nest.
Place a Plank to Help Stuck Animals Climb Down
An easy way to help animals climb down from your roof is to place a wooden plank that connects the roof with the ground and hope that they will use it. Sometimes, frightened animals might take a while to build the courage to come down. Just remember to be patient.
This fix can work in the case of raccoons, opossums, and feral cats. It is unlikely to work for squirrels and rats, however. These are slightly hungrier pests that are drawn to food. There’s no harm in trying, though!
Place a Trap
If you’re dealing with rodents, luring them with food and trapping them will be the most efficient approach. Try placing a box with some seeds in the attic. When the animal goes inside, close the lid. You can then safely take the box down and release the pests into the wild, away from your home.
You don’t want to hurt yourself or the animals, so if you are not properly equipped (gloves and boots to avoid scratches and bites), it’s best to leave this to a professional.
Call the Local Animal Control
If you want to deal with the pests in a professional way, then all you need to do is give your local animal control a call. These people are specialists, and they will come and remove the animals for you, for a price.
They will usually ask for some details, so make sure you note them down beforehand. The most common questions include:
- When did you start hearing noises from your roof?
- Did you see the animal?
- Did you find the entry point?
All the details you can give them will help them to catch the animal fast.
They will deal with the pests by placing a trap that will have some food as bait. Once the animal steps in, the trap will automatically close.
Do Not Lock the Animals Inside the Roof!
You should work on closing off the entry point only after you have removed the animal. If you lock it inside the roof, it might end up causing a lot of damage and hurting itself too. Therefore, always remember to check for other animals before sealing off the entry.
Repair the Damage
Once the animal is out, you should check if there is a nest and remove it. Then, check for damage. Make sure that you inspect not only the shingles but also the vents and other small spaces.
The roof should be inspected for damage regularly. If you notice something unusual, it might be time to hire a professional roofing contractor.
Prevention Is The Best Protection
In order to avoid going through this whole ordeal over and over again, it might be best to try and animal-proof your roof. Here are a few tips to help you avoid pests in the future:
- Cut down any trees or overhanging branches that can lead to the roof.
- Remove fruit and nut trees (or their branches) that can attract animals or fall on the roof.
- Place a protective screen on your vents to prevent animals from entering.
- Do regular roof inspections.
- If your neighbors are complaining about pests, animal-proof your roof preventively.
If you’ve ever had to deal with an animal on your roof, then you know it’s no small feat. There’s plenty of stress that goes along with it, that’s for sure. However, the best way to avoid it is to prevent a pest infestation from happening. Don’t wait to deal with the consequences!
About the Author
J.O.N. Construction, Inc is a professional roofing company in Allentown, PA. We’ve been providing high-quality residential roof replacements since 2010. Contact us today to schedule an estimate.
