When cold winds and heavy rain hit the coast, you feel it right away. Your home becomes your warm spot, and you stay inside as much as you can. But you may not realize that wild animals feel the same way. When weather turns rough, squirrels in BC rooflines start looking for a safe place to hide from coastal winter storms.

You see them in parks and on trees during the warmer months. But when winter hits the Vancouver area, these animals need dry, quiet, protected spaces. Rooflines become one of the first places they try. You want to know how they get inside, why they choose these spaces, and what signs to watch for. You also want to know how to prevent squirrels in rooflines without putting yourself in danger. 

Our team at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Vancouver handles this work every day, and we understand how fast these situations can grow. You should know what these animals look for, how they find shelter, and what helps keep your home protected. 

In this article, you’ll learn how squirrels find shelter from coastal winter storms, what attracts them to rooflines, the signs they leave behind, and how our professionals keep your home safe.

Why BC Rooflines Attract Squirrels During Winter Weather

Coastal winters in Vancouver are wet, windy, and unpredictable. Squirrels search for spots that stay dry and shield them from the cold. Rooflines offer everything they want in one place. They do not want to be exposed to storms when branches shake, rain pours down, and temperatures drop.

Below are the main reasons these animals choose the top of a house when the weather turns rough:

• Protection from cold winds
• A hidden place where predators cannot reach them
• A steady structure that stays warm longer than outdoor trees
• Small gaps they can squeeze through
• Quiet corners for nesting

Squirrels in BC rooflines are not random. They are following natural instincts to survive during harsh weather. Once they get inside, they settle fast, and the space becomes theirs unless professionals remove them safely using humane methods, like one-way doors that allow them to exit but not re-enter.

How Squirrels Enter BC Rooflines Before or During Storms

You may think a roof is sealed, but even small gaps are enough for an animal to slip inside. As winter storms approach, squirrels look for openings that feel hidden and stable.

1. Roof Vents and Gaps in Vent Screens

Roof vents play a big role in keeping your home dry and ventilated, but they also attract squirrels during coastal storms. These vents push warm air out, and that warm airflow becomes a signal that a dry cavity exists inside. If a screen is loose or the material weakens over time, squirrels find their way in.

Once they reach a vent, they test it with their teeth and paws. A small opening becomes larger quickly. When the wind picks up and rain starts coming down sideways, the vent provides a perfect entry point. You may hear scratching or light thumping as they move in and explore. Since these vents sit high above the ground, squirrels feel safe from predators while still gaining access to shelter.

2. Rotting Wood and Soft Spots Along the Roofline

Winter moisture weakens roof edges over time. Soft wood and decayed trim give squirrels an easy opportunity to get inside. During coastal storms, these weakened spots soften even more, and the animals take advantage. They push, bite, or pull until the damaged area breaks open.

It doesn’t take a large gap. Even a space the size of a small apple lets a squirrel slip inside a roofline. They often target the same area again and again until they create a pathway into the attic or wall cavities. Once they find this weak point, it becomes their regular entry spot every time the weather turns cold or rainy.

3. Gaps Around Roof Returns and Eaves

Roof returns, overhangs, and eaves create quiet corners that stay protected from direct rain and heavy wind. These areas give squirrels a place to hide while they explore. With Vancouver’s coastal storms, these sheltered pockets stay drier than the rest of the roof, so squirrels move toward them naturally.

If there is even a small gap between the roof material and the wall, a squirrel can slip through. They use the space as a doorway into the roofline. Once inside, they follow the warm air and settle deeper into the house structure. Eaves are common because they offer the most protection and hide their movement from the ground.

4. Chimney Edges and Loose Flashing

Chimneys often have gaps where the metal flashing meets the stone or siding. When heavy rain and wind hit, this area becomes even looser. Squirrels move along the top of the roof searching for warm air leaks, and chimney edges give off exactly that.

If the flashing lifts even a little, squirrels can wedge their way under it. Once they do, the space behind the chimney becomes a hidden chamber. This spot stays dry even during storms, making it a high-value shelter. You may hear slight noises behind walls connected to the chimney when this happens.

What Squirrels Look for Inside Rooflines During Harsh Coastal Weather

Once inside the roofline, squirrels start searching for places that feel warm, still, and safe from predators. Their behaviour changes during winter storms because they want to avoid exposure.

Here is what they look for indoors:

• Warm pockets near insulation
• Dark corners with little noise
• Spaces far from wind, leaks, and cold air
• Soft materials for nesting

These animals choose stability over everything else. They want a space that stays dry even when the outside world feels chaotic. Because BC winters bring so much rain, rooflines become ideal, long-term shelters.

How Coastal Storms Push Squirrels Closer to Homes

Coastal storms are noisy, windy, and unpredictable. When branches shake and cold rain hits fast, squirrels react quickly. You may see them running along fences or jumping across rooftops, trying to find cover before the storm gets worse.

• Storm Winds Drive Them Downward: Tree branches move wildly during winter storms. Squirrels avoid this movement and look for the nearest stable surface, usually a roof. Strong winds make trees feel unsafe, so they try to reach a spot that doesn’t sway. A roof gives them steady ground where they can pause and look for shelter.
• Heavy Rain Pushes Them Toward Heat: Houses give off warm air through vents, edges, and small cracks. Squirrels sense this and follow it toward the roofline. The heat tells them a dry, protected space is nearby. When rain gets heavy, they move quickly toward that warm airflow because it feels like safety.
• Predators Stay Active During Storms: Owls, hawks, and other predators take advantage of low visibility. Rooflines offer squirrels the safest escape. When predators fly lower to hunt, squirrels choose higher, hidden areas to avoid being seen. A roof gives them a quiet place to hide while the storm passes.

How to Prevent Squirrels in Rooflines With Professional Help Only

You should never try stopping wildlife activity on your own. It is unsafe, and it can make the situation worse. Our team at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Vancouver uses humane, proven steps to protect your home while keeping the animals safe.

Here’s how our professionals prevent squirrels in rooflines:

• Carefully inspect the full roofline for entry points
• Install one-way doors that let animals exit but stop re-entry
• Seal every weak point with durable, long-lasting materials
• Protect vents, eaves, and roof edges with proper barriers
• Confirm that all young animals are removed safely and humanely

This keeps your home secure and prevents squirrels from coming back when the next coastal storm hits.

Keep Your Roofline Protected Before the Next Coastal Storm

Squirrels in BC rooflines become much more active during harsh weather, especially in the Vancouver area. They search for dry shelter, follow warm air, and squeeze through small gaps to escape winter storms. You want to keep your home protected, and our team can help you do that safely. 

To prevent squirrels in rooflines and learn how our humane methods work, request an estimate from Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Vancouver today.