If you hear noises in your roof, there’s a good chance you have a pest problem. As a homeowner, it’s not uncommon to discover one in the spring. Animals begin to recover from hibernation as spring arrives. This means a lot of pest problems begin as the weather warms. And your roof is a common target. To help you safely eliminate your problem, I’m going to show you how to get rid of the rodents in your roof.
Small animals like mice, rats, raccoons, and squirrels can damage your roof, chimney, and eaves. You want to make sure your roof and the exterior of your home are in good shape to prevent this from happening.
How do I get rid of the rodents in my roof?
Pests like rats and mice can fit through holes as small as one-half inch wide. Rodents have no problem reaching almost any area of the house, so many homeowners struggle to keep these pests out.
Rodents often enter homes from:
- Chewing entry holes
- Damaged vent covers
- Gaps in shingles
- Squeezing through cracks
To effectively eliminate roof rodents, start by sealing entry points using steel wool or caulk. Place traps near signs of activity. Consider using rodent repellents or consulting a professional exterminator for a thorough solution. Regularly inspect your home for new gaps, ensuring timely prevention. Proper maintenance is key to rodent-free living.
How serious is it to have rodents in your roof?
Uninvited animals can cause extensive damage. A few of the way they can damage your home is from:
- Chewing on electrical wires
- Damaging furniture and storage boxes
- Ripping up insulation
Rodents like mice and rats can also spread diseases such as salmonellosis. A common way they do this is through contaminating pantry foods with dropping. They can also contaminate the surfaces they walk on.
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is another disease that can be contracted from rodents. It’s transferred via inhalation of droppings, urine, and saliva.
How do rodents transfer disease? The common ways rodents transmit diseases are from:
- Bites
- Contamination
- Droppings
- Fleas that feed on the rodents
- Physical contact
Signs of a rodent infestation
You may hear your uninvited guests before you see them. But there are several signs to look for that will let you know for sure whether or not you have a rodent problem in your roof.
Visual Sightings
Sightings of live or dead rodents indicate rodent activity. If rodents are seen exposed, it often indicates their hiding spaces are filled by other rodents or that they have been disturbed and chose to leave their nest. Indoor nests can be found in the insulation of your attic.
Droppings
Droppings are a common indicator that you have a rodent infestation.
Grease Marks
Grease marks along surfaces can be signs of an infestation. As rodents travel along edges in your home they leave grease marks from the oils in their fur.
How do I get rid of rodents?
Here’s how you can help prevent roof rat infestations:
- Repair your roof: Rodents can fit in small spaces. If there’s a way to access your attic they’ll find it. So, make sure your roof is in good condition. Springtime is the perfect time to have your roof inspected.
- Block your entryways: To prevent rodents like mice and rats from nesting in your home, make sure you have screens on all your windows and that your vents are sealed and in good shape.
- Trim your trees: Rodents can get to the roof from the branches of trees. Make sure to trim all tree branches so they are away from your roof to prevent entry.
Call a professional roofer you can trust to repair your roof
Your home is your largest investment. And your roof plays a very important part in protecting it. So, don’t trust it to anyone.
Give JB Roofing & Gutters a call at 515-554-1964 today to repair any springtime roofing problems you might encounter. We’d be happy to provide a free estimate.
About the Author
Joe Burkhart, the driving force behind JB Roofing, has been a trusted roofing expert in Ankeny, IA, since 2006. Joe’s passion for quality craftsmanship and personalized service comes from over 20 years of hands-on experience, starting his journey in the roofing industry back in the early 1990s. JB Roofing is more than just a business to Joe—it’s a reflection of his commitment to providing reliable, long-lasting roofs that protect homes and families across Iowa.