All kinds of critters and creatures can get to your roof and make it, or your attic, their home. Not only is their scratching and scampering around annoying, but their invasion into the structure of your home can cause damage and more inconveniences. We’ve heard all kinds of stories about birds, squirrels, raccoons, bats, bees and ants, and many homeowners want to know how to keep these pests away from their home. So, we’ll give you some advice on how to keep pests out of your attic and off your roof.
First things first, if you have pests that are getting into your attic, you’re going to need to find their access point(s). When inspecting your roof and the exterior of your home, pay particular attention to dormers, damaged flashings and the areas where the siding meets the soffits. If you find any evidence of your little friends, such as holes, claw marks, chew marks or nests, this will be your major point of interest.
Next you’ll need to check inside your attic, patch up the holes and reinforce areas that might be susceptible to pest entry. Before you go up there though, consider the possibility that whatever you’re dealing with might currently be up there and may not take kindly to you disturbing them. You might think about setting a trap or two or hiring the help of a pest control company so you can be sure the coast is clear.
Once you get up there, cover any vents to the outdoors with a heavy gauge wire screen and make sure you attach it adequately. Squirrels can shimmy through if you only attach a screen at the corners. Patch any holes that the critter used to get in with a non-chewable material. If you choose to use wood to cover the whole, make sure it is decently thick as squirrels have been known to chew through two inches of wood. Reinforce any other area in your attic where there are only two inches between you and the outdoors with additional pieces of wood or wire screens. Then, clean up any droppings that have been left by the pests, which can be like a glowing review of your attic’s hospitality.
When you are sure your attic is secure, make any necessary provisions to be sure pests can’t reach your roof. One of the easiest ways for them to get to your roof is from the trees. If you have any branches extending onto or within inches of your roof, cut them back so that there are at least six feet of clearance. Remember, squirrels can jump so a few feet might not be enough. Also be aware of power lines touching your roof. We once saw an army of carpenter ants crawling along a line and onto a customer’s roof, causing all kinds of problems.
If carpenter ants or any other pest have managed to make a nest within the layers of your roof, contact Pacific West Roofing today. We’re here to help.