How to Keep Common Types of Pests Out of Your Roofing and Chimney

Your home is a haven for you and your family, but it could also become a haven for unwanted visitors. Animals such as mice, rats, squirrels, raccoons, birds, and bats can get into your roofing and attic. Insects, such as bees, carpenter ants, and termites can also get into your home through the rooftop and attic. These critters and crawlies get inside through loose or missing shingles, missing or damaged flashing, rotten soffit boards, uncovered vents, and pipes without caps.

How Critters Get Into Your Roof

When pesky critters get into your home, they can cause serious damage. Rodents like squirrels, mice, and rats spend a lot of time nibbling and chewing. They can chew through wood and wires, which may lead to a fire. Their waste products are known to harbor bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can lead to illness. Even dried up rodent feces can cause serious illnesses.

Keeping Animals Out

You can keep your home free of unwanted guests by regularly inspecting your roof or having a roofing professional do it for you. Prompt repairs, such as replacing missing shingles or rotten boards help to ensure that your roof is structurally sound. Any openings, such as vents, should be covered with high gauge steel wire which allows air to pass but animals can’t chew through. You or your roof contractor can seal small gaps with caulk so that insects and mice cannot get inside. You can protect your chimney by having a cap installed. Repairs can be made to loose or missing flashing, which stops animals from getting in and helps prevent roof leaks. Finally, keep your fireplace damper shut when the chimney is not in use.

Sources
10 Pest Control Tips: Keep Bugs, Insects and Mice Out of Your Home, PestControl.about.com
How to Keep Pests Out of Your House, This Old House