Pests and Your Roof: What Homeowners Should Know
Your roof keeps rain, wind, and snow out of your home. But it also needs to keep critters out. We've pulled raccoons out of attics, found squirrel nests packed into ridge vents, and seen bird colonies turn soffit gaps into full-blown entry points. Pest damage is more common than most homeowners think, and it can get expensive fast.
The usual suspects are squirrels, raccoons, birds, and insects (especially carpenter ants and wasps). They find small gaps or damaged spots on your roof and move right in. Once they're in your attic, they chew on wiring (fire hazard), tear up insulation, and leave droppings that lead to mold. A raccoon family can do thousands of dollars in damage in just a few weeks.
The best defense is regular inspections. A roofer can spot signs of pest activity that you'd miss from the ground: chew marks on fascia boards, disturbed flashing, nesting material near vents, or droppings in the attic. Catching it early means a simple repair instead of a major restoration project.
There are a few things you can do on your own to reduce the risk. Keep tree branches trimmed back at least six feet from your roofline since they're basically highways for squirrels and raccoons. Make sure all vents have proper screening. Keep your gutters clean since clogged gutters attract insects and create standing water that draws pests.
If you think animals have gotten into your roof or attic, don't ignore it. The longer they're in there, the worse the damage gets. Bakeris Roofing can inspect your roof, identify any entry points, and make the repairs needed to seal things up. Call us to schedule an inspection.
