Many people don’t know how to keep squirrels off the roof and out of soffits. Squirrels in and around the roof can not only be extremely annoying to deal with, but they can also cause incredible damage to your roof. The following is a guide on how to keep squirrels out for good.
Stop Squirrels Nesting in Roof
First, it’s important to understand why squirrels might be nesting in your roof in the first place. Squirrels will often build nests in roofs because they provide an ideal location for raising young: the roof is elevated off the ground, providing good visibility and protection from predators; and it’s usually out of the way and easy to access.
Once you’ve identified where your squirrels might be nesting, check for any loose, damaged, or missing shingles. Squirrels will often chew through shingles as they’re looking for a place to build their nests, so this is an important thing to check for. A chewed-up roof is an open invitation for squirrels to move in, so be sure to fix any damage as soon as possible.
A lot of times the squirrels sneak in through the soffits in the roof. These are the areas where the roof and the walls meet and they are often made of wood or another porous material. If you have a squirrel problem, take a look at your soffits and see if they’re damaged. If they are, you’ll need to seal them up with some hardware cloth or metal flashing.
Getting Rid of Squirrels on Roof
If you’ve already got squirrels nesting in your roof, getting rid of them can be a bit more difficult. One way to try and get them to leave is to remove their food source. This can be a little difficult though since squirrels will often go to great lengths to get at a tasty leftover.
If you’ve already tried moving your pet’s food bowls and still have no luck, try spraying an animal repellent around the perimeter of your roof. These sprays are made from things like fox, bobcat, and coyote urine. They’re certainly not pleasant to have sprayed around your yard, but they can be incredibly helpful in keeping squirrels out of your roof.
Another option is to install a wire mesh fence around the roof. This fence will keep squirrels from being able to climb up onto the roof, and will also stop them from entering through any damaged areas.
How to Keep Squirrels Off Roof
Once you’ve gotten rid of the squirrels that might be nesting on your roof, it’s important to think about other ways to keep them from coming back. One of the best ways to do this is to install a metal roof. These roofs are virtually squirrel-proof, as the animals have a difficult time getting a grip on the metal surface.
If you’re not interested in installing a new roof, another option is to try and create a physical barrier between your roof and the squirrels. This can be done by installing a metal or PVC fence around the perimeter of your roof, or by installing an electric fence.
Another thing to consider is to look at one of the most common ways they get in. A lot of these little acrobats get onto the roof by jumping from trees close to the house. If this is the case, you may consider getting rid of those trees to make it harder for these guys to get onto the roof in the first place. This option can get a little expensive, depending on the size and number of trees that they are using. You also have to consider whether or not it is worth it to get rid of the trees. They may be providing you with some privacy or some other aesthetic appeal. So there are other considerations to weigh when it comes to taking away the pesky squirrel’s access.
While getting rid of squirrels from your roof can be a bit of a hassle, it’s definitely worth it in the end. By following the tips mentioned in this article, you can rest assured that your roof will be squirrel-free for years to come. Good luck!