What Pests Can Damage a Roof?
To start, let’s look at some of the most common pests that can damage your roof:
Raccoons: Raccoons are one of the most common pests that damage roofs. They’re attracted to the home by the promise of food and shelter. Once they get on the roof, they can cause a lot of damage. Raccoons can rip shingles off, tear up flashing, and even create holes in the roof.
Squirrels: Like raccoons, squirrels are also attracted to the home by the promise (or temptation) of food and shelter. They’re small, so they can easily squeeze through small holes and gaps. Once they’re on the roof, they can cause damage by chewing on shingles and wood; they can also create holes in the roof.
Bats: While raccoons and bats want shelter, bats want insects. After getting onto your roof, they can cause damage by chewing on shingles and wood.
Even after this, we could talk about termites, rats, mice, carpenter ants, and bees. To prevent pest damage to your roof, you need to take some preventive measures.
How to Prevent Roof Damage from Pests
So, how do you prevent pests from damaging your roof? First, make sure that no food or water source is attracting them to your home. For example, if you have a bird feeder, make sure it’s far away from your house. Second, seal any cracks or holes in your roof and around your home. This will help to keep pests out. Also, if you do see any pests on your roof, call a professional to remove them.
If you want to assess the overall condition of your roof and the threat of pests, contact a general roofing contractor Daytona Beach. For example, they may point to an issue with your gutters or front yard. If you have tree branches hanging over your roof, pests could use them as a way to get onto your roof. By taking some simple preventative measures, you can avoid pests and the damage they can cause.
Dealing with Pests Sensibly
What if you already have an issue with pests? Maybe you’ve found a wasp nest or some termites have burrowed into your wood shake roof. The first step is not to panic. Remember, most pests are more afraid of you than you are of them.
If the pests have not caused any damage to your roof, you may be able to get rid of them without calling in a professional. For example, those with a nest of carpenter ants in their yard may be able to get rid of them by flooding the nest with soapy water. This will kill the ants and discourage other pests from taking up residence.
For slightly larger pests, you will want to deal with the problem humanely and this normally comes from a professional service. Depending on the pest, they will have the equipment and resources to deal with the issue accordingly. If you have a wasp or bee issue, it is best to contact a professional as soon as possible as these pests can become agitated and attack people who come too close to their nests.
If the pests have caused damage to your roof, you will need to find a professional for an inspection. South Florida roofing contractors will assess the damage and make the necessary repairs. It is important to get this done as soon as possible as pests can cause further damage!