How Are the Squirrels Getting on My Roof?
When you see a squirrel on your roof, you’re probably wondering, “how are they getting on my roof?” There are several potential routes that they might take, from tree limbs, to plumbing vents, to electrical wires and more. But which one should I avoid? Here are a few tips that might help. Also, don’t be afraid to use bird repellent, like pine tree oil. After all, squirrels are prey for many types of birds of prey, so getting rid of them is a great way to save your roof from damage and save money.
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Tree limbs
There is a very good reason why squirrels can be considered nature’s tree-pruning crew. Although their pruning isn’t very effective in terms of increasing the number of leaves, it does make trees bushier. Even though squirrels do break off twigs, these animals aren’t causing any serious damage to your trees. It’s likely that they’re simply taking advantage of the sugars and nutrients that are contained in the sap running under the bark.
One way to prevent squirrels from chewing on your trees is to offer them their favorite foods. While squirrels may not be destructive to your trees, they will be prone to chewing off the bark of your trees. It’s possible to stop this behavior by putting salt blocks at the base of the trees, or you can offer tiny blocks of salt instead. A few drops of salt on the branches of your trees is enough to deter most squirrels from climbing them.
Roof valleys
One of the easiest ways for squirrels to access your attic is through a hole in your roof’s valleys. Once there, squirrels will chew their way through these openings to make their way inside your attic. If these holes are small, they can easily squeeze through them. Moreover, these animals prefer soft materials like wood. If you find any hole in your attic, be sure to plug it immediately so the squirrels don’t get in.
If you have any doubts about the problem, you can inspect the entire roof, including the edges and valleys. A ladder and a flashlight are helpful in inspecting these areas. You should also check for missing boards and gaps around dormers. In addition, inspect the vents on your roof, as they may also be susceptible to squirrels. During the winter, you should place gutter screens along the roof edge to prevent the squirrels from accessing the attic.
Plumbing vents
If you are asking yourself, “How do squirrels get on my roof through plumbing vent pipes?” you have several options. One way to prevent them from getting into your attic is to seal off any exposed plumbing vent pipes. You can do this by installing a wire mesh screen. If you can’t afford to install this screen, you can get rid of the squirrels’ entrance by installing a lead vent pipe.
The plumbing vents on the roof connect to the plumbing system and expel sewer gases. To install one, cut a hole in the roof larger than the vent. Then, place rubber matting over the open space. Once the squirrels begin chewing the rubber mat, they’ll use this as their nest. If you don’t install the screen, the squirrels may find it attractive and use it as a nest.
Electrical wires
If you’ve ever wondered how squirrels get on electrical wires, you aren’t alone. In fact, most people aren’t even aware that these critters can cause electrical shocks – they often build massive nests on tree branches above utility runs. These nests may be conductive, but the insulating outer core of the wires is not – and a squirrel’s pups can chew through it.
Fortunately, birds and squirrels can safely perch on overhead wires. Unlike humans, animals must be at least 20 feet away from an electrical line before contacting it. And remember that while humans are told not to touch high-voltage wires, these suspended objects are still conductors of electricity. Hence, animals should be taught to stay away from power lines. Educate your friends and family to do the same.
Attic insulation
Squirrels can make their homes in a variety of places on your roof. These places may include plumbing vents and air vents. Squirrels like to live in attics, where the warm air from these vents attracts them. Some vents may be covered with plastic or aluminum to keep squirrels from gnawing on them. Alternatively, you can place a wire mesh to discourage squirrels from using these areas.
The most common way for squirrels to gain access to your roof is to chew on wooden trim and branches. While this may sound threatening, it’s unlikely that squirrels are intent on chewing on your roof. In most cases, squirrels will leave your roof after a couple of weeks, so you don’t have to worry about them living in your attic. Alternatively, they may be trying to raise their young in an environment that is less likely to attract predators.
How do squirrels get on roofs?
They can jump from trees or other high places or they may climb up the house itself.
How do they get into the attic?
If there are any openings they will squeeze through.
This includes vents gaps in the soffit or fascia or even the tiniest of cracks.
How do I keep squirrels out of my attic?
You need to seal all possible entrances to your home including vents gaps in the soffit or fascia or even the tiniest of cracks.
Why are the squirrels getting in my attic?
They may be looking for a safe place to nest or escape the cold weather.
What damage do they caused once they’re in?
They can cause a lot of damage chewing on wires or insulation or using the space to hoard food.
How do I get rid of the squirrels?
You need to remove them from your property and then seal all possible entrances to your home so they can’t get back in.
What if I can’t find all the entrances they are using?
You can set up a one-way door which will allow the squirrels to leave but not re-enter your home.
How long will it take for the squirrels to leave?
It depends on how many squirrels are living in your attic and how many entrances you have sealed.
It could take a few days to a few weeks.
What if the squirrels get trapped in my attic?
If you have sealed all the entrances they will eventually starve to death or die of dehydration.
Is it cruel to let them die like that?
It is more cruel to trap them and relocate them as they will often die anyway due to the stress of the move or from being attacked by other animals.
What are the other options for getting rid of squirrels?
You can hire a professional trapper to remove them for you.
How much does that cost?
It depends on the company the number of squirrels and how difficult it is to access your attic.
It can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand.
Is there a cheaper way to get rid of them?
You can try to trap them yourself but it can be difficult and dangerous.
What if I just ignore them?
They will eventually go away on their own but they may cause a lot of damage in the meantime.
How can I prevent this from happening again?
You need to seal all possible entrances to your home so they can’t get in.
You also need to remove any food sources that may attract them such as garbage or pet food.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
