Do You Have Animals in the Roof Vents and Attics?

Raccoons on the roof, squirrels in the attic, and bird nests in the vents can be quite discomforting. These animals are more likely to get in your home in spring when it is the mating season. You may notice their presence by sound, smell or sight. If you notice droppings or noises on the roof, the first step is to walk around and inspect things from the ground level.

How do animals get in your attic?

The smallest of spaces on the roof or uncovered vents can pave way for these animals. The main entry points are:

• Holes in the siding or soffits
• Missing shingles
• Loose fascia boards
• Uncapped or open chimneys
• Gaps between the eaves and fascia
• Unscreened, open gable or ridge vents

Signs that animals are in your attic include:

• Ripped air ducts or insulation
• Gnawed PVC pipes and wires
• Droppings or urine
• Hives or nests
• Unusual sounds in the attic

Squirrels will be more active during the day. Raccoons and bats are nocturnal and will be more active at night. Raccoons have footfalls that are slow while those of rats, mice and squirrels are light and darting.

Which animals get in the attic and what damages do they cause?

While there are so many animals that can get in the attic including cockroaches and snakes, the most common ones include:

• Raccoons: They can rip shingles off as they get in.
• Squirrels: They gnaw PVC pipes and wires and chip up wood.
• Bats: Bat droppings are highly corrosive and have an extremely offensive odor.
• Birds: Starlings and pigeons are the most common birds in the attic. They make noise, create unpleasant odors and their droppings can attract insect infestations.
• Rats and mice: Rodents gnaw wood, PVC pipes, wires, insulation and create a fire hazard. They are also vectors for many diseases.
• Wasps and bees: They can bite or sting.

Hiring a professional to get rid of these animals is the best way to go. An experienced exterminator will not only be able to identify the animal you are dealing with but also ensure the nest is completely removed and all entryways covered to prevent future infestation.

How do you prevent animal problems in the attic?

There are a couple of things you can do to keep the critters outside.

• Seal holes or cracks that could serve as entry points.
• Seal with steel because rodents can gnaw through virtually anything including concrete.
• Replace missing shingles and repair holes in the fascia or soffit.
• Use gutter guards and cover downspouts to keep squirrels out.
• Install metal screens over openings like ridge vents and chimneys.
• Get rid of the climbing vines and tree branches that hang over or near your house.
• Install plastic spikes along the eaves to deter birds from roosting.
• Remove insect hives under the eaves immediately.
• Scatter mothballs in the attic to deter rodents.

The cost of removing animals from your attic depends on the professional you hire, type of animal you are dealing with and how advanced the infestation is. It is good to remember that while your standard home/mobile home insurance policy may cover against damages caused by wild animals, damage caused by rodents and insects is typically not covered. . For FREE INSPECTION call (905) 387-3000 Roofing Experts D’Angelo and Sons. Contractors you can trust to repair your roofing repair.