Roofs and attics are pretty easy targets for animals searching for a way into your home. And as a residence owner, the last thing you would want to deal with is squirrels and mice living in your attic. Besides, wild animals like raccoons might even hurt your family, especially kids.
Therefore, we will discuss ways to
keeping squirrels off your roof and other animals as well. But before we get started with the tips, analyze your existing roof exterior and see if you can find any of these:
● Are there any loose detritus near your roof?
● Are there animals near your roof or attic?
If for any of them, your answer is yes, you would need to follow the below-mentioned steps.
1 – Install Animal Proof Vents
Animal-proof vents include special covers of wire mesh. This mesh helps prevent animals (even small insects) from entering your home. However, to get the most out of animal-proof vents, it is recommended to get them of exact specifications as of your roof space. This will ensure that they fit perfectly without preventing the flow of air in your home. You can even consult professionals to install animal-proof vents so as to get the most out of your investments.
2- Block All Possible Entry Points
Blocking all possible entry points is probably the best way to animal-proof your roof and attic. Check out from where animals might enter your home. It doesn’t matter how small the passage is; make sure to seal them with something solid.
At the same time, ensure that your attic is locked. And if it has vents with openings, we recommend you to get them repaired as soon as possible. Unless you get rid of every single entry point, the problem won’t go away.
While examining your attic, make sure to analyze the ducts to analyze if there is a small hole that squirrels might use. Also, inspect areas like vents and wood that animals like raccoons might damage.
Once you have completed the assessments, make sure to patch all the holes you found.
3- Trim your trees
If you have trees close to your home (especially if you have them near roofs), they can provide an easy way for animals to get onto your roof. Make sure to trim them to the point that prevents access to your roof.
Also, remember that squirrels can leap pretty far, meaning you need to trim to at least 8 ft to ensure that they don’t jump straight to your roof. You can also consider installing tree guards to protect your roof from animals that might come from trees.
4- Leverage Repellents and Traps
If any of the above strategies don’t work, try using repellents and traps. Repellents create a strong odor in your room, thereby preventing them from entering. Traps, on the other hand, can capture animals. You can use foods as bait to attract and capture animals. However, make sure to check animal laws in your area regarding the trapping of live animals.
If you have strict policies, consider using repellents (which you will easily find in supermarkets). Common repellents are usually made with materials like ammonia.
5- Ensure Your Gutters are Clear
Gutters are yet another great place for animals to enter your home. Though they don’t fall in the roof and attic category, animals like mice can use them to enter your home. Besides, squirrels and insects might be living comfortably near wet debris.
Therefore, make sure to clean your gutters regularly and get rid of any debris that might be restricting the regular flow of rainwater. If you cannot clean gutters on a regular basis, you can consider installing gutter guards to prevent animals from entering.
Wrapping Up
Animals can create havoc if they get access to your home via your roof or attic. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent them. Follow the five strategies mentioned above to animal-proof your roof and attic.
