BDU Cedar Roofing College™

Wings, Stings, Legs and Eggs: Pests and Animal Traffic On Your Roof

What you will learn: effects of animals on a roof; ways to take care of animal traffic and residency on a roof; when to call for help in taking care of a roof.

Insects, rodents, and even some varieties of birds can often lead to the deterioration of your roofing, whether it be a cedar roof or a roof made of another material. Some pests can pose a threat of physical harm – wasps love a secluded, dry place to build their hives. So, what are some of the better means of dealing with the scamper of little feet (and the buzzing of wings) on your roof?

A roof is more than a structural element to a home or workplace. It is a symbol of the basic need of shelter – "a roof over your head." But, we are not the only ones who will find a use for a roof. Pests of various descriptions may find uses for your roof too; sometimes, just as a highway, as they make their way from one tree to another, or perhaps for a longer stay – for the purposes of building nests. In any case, the effects on your roof caused by pests can prove to be significant in the long run in varying degrees, particularly if certain pests take up full-time residence.

Roof under attack!

Common problems you might face when looking to take care of your roof can include shingle and shake deterioration caused by pests in varying degrees. Excessive bird droppings (a very acidic, and corrosive material), and rodent’s teeth and claws are typical issues in moderate climates. Many species of birds access your roof because it is a prime hunting ground for insects. Their beaks can do damage that may be worth your attention, coming in the form of gaps between shingles and shakes, or wear on the surface of the roof in general. Larger gaps in the roof’s shingles or shakes caused by the teeth and claws of larger rodents, such as raccoons or possums, can make your roof a more hospitable place for a wasps’ nest. This can often be a cause for alarm beyond the health of your roof.

Long term damage

Even continual foot traffic from animal pests may be contributing to the wear on your roof’s shingles or shakes by slow increments. Not only is the concern with the immediate damage to the roof, but also the longer term damage caused by rainwater. For instance, water can seep into the holes and tears caused by a rodent attempting to gain entry to the attic. Despite these factors, you are not in a helpless situation when faced with the prospect of making sure your roof is maintained properly.

You are your roof’s best friend

Despite the efforts of your furry and/or winged adversaries, some ways to minimize the effects of animal traffic on your roofing start with the common starting point true of taking care of anything – start with the basics. Even the simplest methods, such as making sure that all of the trees around your property remain pruned in order to discourage rodents from using them as "on-ramps" to your roof, can make a great difference. Another easy method to avoid undue wear on your roof is to minimize the use of bird feeders that are close to your roof and your property in general – reducing the proximity of the feeders will cut down on the number of birds and rodents that may infest your property. materials.

Other methods of protection are more involved, yet simple enough for you to still employ them yourself. You can try installing bands of metal around trees to discourage climbing rodents from gaining access to a roof, if pruning doesn’t work. Some species of birds may pose a problem too. Some birds can cause excessive noise even if they are not trying to hunt for insects between the shingles or shakes in your roof. One of the simplest means of deterring their frequency on your roof is to install a hawk silhouette, which can be purchased at many local garden supply outlets. Most animals will avoid a place where they sense the presence of predators.

Calling in the Cavalry

One thing to remember any time you are up on your roof is to BE CAREFUL. This is particularly true if you suspect that you have a wasps’ nest, or any other type of pest that is likely to be aggressive. Walking on an uneven or sloping surface such as your roof can be risky enough without introducing a cloud of stinging insects or a toothsome rodent to the mix! Sometimes, it is worth the extra expense of calling in a professional. At other times, it is the only option that is worth considering when faced with an advanced pest control problem. Professional exterminators, or even some roofing professionals, can be valuable resources when pests, their droppings, or other refuse become a major problem. Animal Control resources in your area will also have the know-how about the habits of certain animals and the best means to remove them safely – call them if you are unsure of yourself.

One of the first steps in taking care of your roof is to be aware that it is subject to the elements, and this includes your tree-dwelling and nest-making neighbors. This awareness gives you an advantage and is a great starting point in making sure that your attractive cedar shingles or cedar shakes enjoy the long life they deserve.

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