What can I do to keep squirrels off my roof?

Have you been awoken by the scurrying, scratching sounds of tiny feet above your ceiling? And no, this is not some paranormal activity. Can you picture yourself as a talented hunter in the wild, or maybe you are a cute but irritating little squirrel, which Although these cute little creatures seem very cute, when they start to destroy your roof, they’re not so cute. Wondering how to keep squirrels off your house roof? You’re not the only one!

Understanding the Problem

But before we explore solutions, let’s take a look at what attracts squirrels to roofs and how to know if there are squirrels present in your roof.

Why Do Squirrels Go After Roofs?

There are many reasons that squirrels are attracted to roofs. These areas offer shelter and places to raise their young, particularly attics that provide warmth, dryness, and protection from predators. Roofs are an appealing stop — easy to access by way of trees, gutters or nearby buildings. In addition, food sources such as bird feeders or fallen nuts in close proximity to houses can attract squirrels to your property.

Signs of Squirrel Activity

If you hear scratching and scurrying sounds from the roof or attic, you may have a squirrel problem. Other tell-tale signs include visible chew marks on wood, insulation or wiring, or droppings and nesting materials discovered in gutters or attics.

Damage Caused by Squirrels

These cute little squirrels can wreak havoc on your property. They gnaw through timber and insulation, causing structural damage. They can be a terrible fire hazard when they gnaw on electrical wiring. Diseases can also be transmitted by contamination from their droppings and nesting debris3‌.

Preventive Measures

Now that you know why squirrels are attracted to roofs and the signs that they are present, what do you do to prevent them from getting on yours?

Physical Barriers

Use physical barriers to prevent squirrels from getting on your roof. Trim branches that extend over roofs to remove jumping points. Install metal flashing or wire mesh over vulnerable areas like vents and chimneys. You can also use caulk or hardware cloth to seal cracks, holes, and gaps in the roof and discourage their entry.

Gutter Protection

Keep squirrels out of gutters so they cannot nest there. This can include installing squirrel-proof gutter guards and regularly cleaning out the gutters of debris that may entice squirrels.

Roof Inspection Tips

Look for signs of wear and gaps or signs of squirrel activity. Then replace any rotten wood which squirrels can easily chew.

Deterrent Strategies

If prevention fails, deterrent strategies can be your next line of defense.

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Natural Repellents

Natural repellents like cayenne pepper, peppermint oil, or store-bought squirrel deterrents can do the trick too. Spray these repellents at the entrance and seal the skins.

Noise Deterrents

Such devices as the Milwaukee Train Horn can startle squirrels with loud stirrups and keep them at bay. Install motion-activated noise devices in the roof area for a continuation of scaring away.

Motion-Activated Sprinklers

These sprinklers — which are installed on the perimeter of your home — can disrupt squirrels’ movement patterns.

Trapping Methods

If squirrels have already moved onto your roof, trapping can be an option.

Setting Up Traps

Set a small cage trap baited with peanuts, peanut butter, or bread crusts. Situate these traps near high activity areas, like attics or gutters.

Relocating Squirrels

Once trapped, take the squirrels a few miles away, to wooded areas, for their release. Use freshly fallen nuts as bait and place traps along the trail to an entry point in your house or attic and cover them with grass, to help keep them out of sight; always wear thick gloves when handling traps to minimize the risk of bites or scratches from disturbed squirrels; contact your local Department of Natural Resources about proper removal and disposal of caught wildlife; and use a whistle for the karate kid-lookalike enuarily and do not overuse and disturb “@ctf”* as he would usually hide under your deck, in the attic or even in your garage.

Habitat Modification

Making changes to your yard can deter squirrels, Brown says.

Eliminating Food Sources

Put bird feeders at a distance from the house and consistently clean up shed nuts, seeds and other food sources in your backyard.

Tree Protection

To make it more difficult for squirrels to climb up tree trunks wrap a 2-foot metal sheet around the truck 7 feet off the ground.

Professional Solutions

If you have tried everything above without success, you might need to leave it to the professionals.

When to Contact Wildlife Removal Professionals

If your squirrel prevention efforts are insufficient to put an end to infestations, or if damage to your roof warrants specialized repair work, enlist professional assistance.

What Professionals Can Do

Wildlife removal specialists offer complete sealing of entry points and barrier installations. They also use humane removal methods and provide relocation services.

Long-Term Tips for Maintaining Your Success

In order to keep squirrels off your roof long-term, (more tips below):

Regular Roof Inspections

Inspections should be biannual to catch these vulnerabilities early.

Consistent Use of Deterrents

Natural repellents can lose effectiveness, so reapply often.

Proper Yard Maintenance

Prune trees and clear debris on a regular basis.

Conclusion

Squirrel prevention tips, removal & pro method for your roof Using these methods you can protect your home from visitors of the outside world, squirrels. If you get in over your head, don’t be afraid to call in wildlife removal professionals. Remember, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”

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