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3 Easy Ways to Keep Squirrels Off Your Roof

3 easy ways to keep squirrels off your roof

If you are having a problem with squirrels, don’t worry. There are many ways to deter them from coming onto your property and these three methods are some of the easiest.

All of these methods have been proven to work for different people, so take a look at what they suggest and see if it will help you! So here are three simple methods to try to keep them squirrels off your roof!

Why Are Squirrels Harmful to Your Roof?

Squirrels are small creatures that have the ability to do a lot of damage. They can chew through wood, insulation, and even siding in order to get into your attic or build their nest inside it.

This is an issue because when they live there, you will start hearing them running around at night when you’re trying to sleep. They can also cause a lot of damage to your attic and roof from all the running around.

Squirrels, along with a variety of other small rodents, can cause a great deal of damage to your home. They have been known to chew through the eves, eaves and soffits of homes causing water infiltration issues from rain which leads to dry rot.

They will also use any hole they find in the exterior wall as a quick way to get into and out of your home. Once they have made a hole in the exterior, they tend to chew through insulation and electrical wire which can cause fires and other damage.

The roof is not typically an available item to chew on, but if they find a hole or gap within the roofing material, they will take advantage of it. Once inside the attic, squirrels will do more damage and potentially contaminate your home by urinating and defecating (a lot).

If you do find these entry points, use caulk or steel wool to plug the gap. Squirrels in your home can be a very frustrating problem, but it is one which you can catch early if you are vigilant.

Not catching an animal in time can lead to roof damage and other more costly issues with your home down the road.

What You Can Do?

There are many ways that you could try to keep squirrels away, but these three methods have been proven very effective for homeowners who want to save money on hiring an animal removal service or repainting their roof after it has been chewed on.

There are a few ways that can reduce rodent noise and keep rodents away from your home. First, watch to see how they get on the roof. If you have an idea where they usually have access to your roof, then do these 3 easy ways:

Cut Trees That Are Overhanging

The solution to a squirrel problem may be as simple as trimming trees. Squirrels can jump from your trees to get to the roof, so cut any branches that are too close. This way, the squirrels won’t be able to get on your roof.

Installing Squirrel Guards

Another way to keep squirrels off your roof is by installing something called a “squirrel guard.” This device fits over the top of your gutters and prevents anything, including small animals like squirrels, from getting into them.

The metal sheet can also be attached to the trees’ trunks which are at least 6 feet up, to prevent them from climbing the trees and have access to your roof.

Covering Your Wires and Cables

The final solution to a squirrel problem you can try is by covering your wires and cables. Squirrels like chewing on them, so the best way to keep them away from doing this is by putting something over or around these cords.

You can use rubber tubing (which should be at least an inch wide) and secure it in place with cable ties or PVC pipes. This is also a good idea, because if you wrap your wires and cords, the squirrel falls as the tube will spin as they walk on it.

painting the roof

MORE Tricks to Deter Squirrels from Entering Your Roof

Method #1 : Using a Terracotta Pot to Keep Squirrels Off Your Roof

Description of method: This is an old folk remedy that was passed down through the generations, but it has really achieved some success in getting rid of squirrels from your roof. All you have to do is place one or two terracotta pots upside down on your roof.

The theory behind this method is that squirrels are afraid of the color orange because it reminds them of predators like cats and raccoons, so they will avoid areas that have orange around them.

Method # 2 : Using Ammonia to Keep Squirrels Off Your Roof

Description of method: This is another very popular method that has been used for years. You just have to take a spray bottle and fill it halfway with water, then add two capfuls of ammonia.

Once you are ready to go outside, spray the mixture around your roof so when the squirrels come in contact with it they will feel uncomfortable and won’t want to come back.

Method # 3 : Using Pepper to Keep Squirrels Off Your Roof

Description of method: This is a very easy and safe option, but it is also the most labor-intensive one because you will have to sprinkle pepper on your roof for several days in order to get rid of all squirrels that are living there.

The reason it is so effective, though, is because pepper has a very pungent smell that will make the squirrels feel sick whenever they are around it.

These are all great ways you can keep squirrels off your roof and if you combine these methods together with each other there’s no doubt in our mind you’ll be able to get rid of all the squirrels for good!

Conclusion

A squirrel’s teeth never stop growing throughout their lives so they must gnaw on things to trim their ever-growing teeth down. Oftentimes homeowners don’t realize that they have a problem until their roof begins to leak.

If the squirrel chewing on your home isn’t caught early, you will notice damage to your attic insulation and potential re-roofing needs in order to keep moisture out of your home.

Sealing any holes within the roof is the best way to catch squirrels before they become an issue with the roof.

A homeowner’s best option is to regularly check their home for any sign of small gaps in their roof, eaves and soffits which might allow a small animal like a squirrel access to your home.

squirrel eats a nut on the roof