Squirrels might look small and harmless when you see them darting across your yard, but they can cause big problems for your roof and home. These clever animals are excellent climbers, and their constant chewing makes them a potential threat to your roof’s condition. They chew on materials, create entry points into your attic, and make nests in places they don’t belong. Left unchecked, the damage they cause can end up costing you a lot of money.

How do you stop this from happening? Preventing squirrel roof damage starts with understanding their behaviour and taking steps to secure your home. Simple actions such as inspecting your roof, trimming branches, and covering vulnerable areas can save you a lot of headaches. As a team that specializes in humane wildlife removal in Niagara, we’ve seen firsthand how effective these measures can be. If squirrels find their way into your home, they not only damage your roof but also create messes and even safety hazards. The good news is, you can protect your home’s exterior with the right preparations—and a little help if needed!

This guide will explain the common ways squirrels damage roofs and what you can do to safeguard your home. By the end, you’ll have a solid plan to keep your roof in great shape and avoid costly repairs.

How Squirrels Cause Roof Damage

Squirrels aren’t trying to destroy your house on purpose, but some of their natural habits lead to significant problems for homeowners. Here’s what you need to know about the damage they can cause:

Chewing on Roof Materials

Squirrels have teeth that never stop growing, so they need to chew constantly to keep them sharp and manageable. Unfortunately, they often choose roofs to do this. They’ll gnaw on wood, shingles, and even soffits (those flat parts under your roof’s overhang).

When this happens, holes and weakened sections of your roof can form. These gaps can lead to leaks, insulation issues, and even structural damage if not caught in time. A small chew mark today could turn into a big repair bill later.

Creating Entry Points into the Attic

Squirrels are always on the lookout for a safe, warm spot to make a home. If your roof has loose vents, damaged siding, or weak spots, they might see it as an invitation. Once they tear open an entry point, they’ll squeeze inside to build nests and have babies.

This is where even more damage can occur. Their nesting behaviour can mess up insulation, and they may chew on items stored in the attic. It doesn’t take long for a squirrel family to turn a small attic problem into a major issue.

Chewing on Electrical Wiring

Squirrels don’t stop at roof materials—inside attics, they commonly chew on electrical wires. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a serious safety risk. Exposed wires can lead to electrical shorts or even fires if the damage isn’t discovered early. Repairs to wiring can also be very expensive. Avoiding this kind of trouble is another reason you’ll want to keep squirrels out of your home entirely.

Clogging Gutters with Nesting Materials

Squirrels often gather leaves, sticks, and other debris to create nests. Unfortunately, some of these materials end up in your gutters. Over time, clogged gutters can cause water to back up and leak into your roof or walls. Left unchecked, water damage can even weaken your foundation. Keeping your gutters clear is vital to preventing these issues from spiralling out of control.

How to Protect Your Home’s Exterior from Squirrel Damage

The good news is that there are many ways to help prevent squirrels from damaging your home. Here are some of the most effective steps you can take:

• Inspect Your Roof Regularly: The first step to protecting your home’s exterior is simply staying aware. By inspecting your roof regularly, you can catch signs of damage early. Look for things like chewed areas, missing shingles, or small gaps where a squirrel might sneak in. Pay special attention to areas like soffits, vents, and roof edges—squirrels tend to target these spots. Doing this a few times a year, especially after storms, can make a big difference. If you notice something unusual, fix it quickly before it gets worse.
• Trim Tree Branches Near Your Roof: Squirrels are agile climbers, and tree branches make excellent pathways to your roof. If you have overhanging branches within six feet of your home, consider trimming them back. Without easy access, squirrels are less likely to reach your roof in the first place. This is a simple way to make your home less inviting to unwanted guests. Plus, keeping branches trimmed can also reduce the risk of damage from falling limbs during storms.
• Secure Weak Spots and Entry Points: Once you’ve inspected your roof, focus on closing up any weak spots. Reinforce roof vents, soffits, and eaves with strong, durable materials that are harder for animals to chew through. Another effective tool is installing mesh covers over vents and chimneys. These allow air to flow while keeping out squirrels. If your roof has already been damaged, seal up the repairs completely so that squirrels don’t come back to investigate. The stronger the materials, the harder it will be for them to get in.
• Keep Gutters Clear of Debris: Clean gutters are essential for protecting your roof from water damage, and they can also deter squirrels from nesting nearby. Regularly check your gutters for leaves, twigs, and other debris, especially in the fall. If cleaning by hand isn’t an option, consider installing gutter guards. These covers help block debris while still allowing water to flow. By keeping your gutters in good shape, you’ll reduce the risk of leaks and make your home less attractive to animals looking for nesting spots.

Every measure you take adds up to a more secure home. By combining regular inspections, trimming branches, and sealing up vulnerable spots, you’ll create a roof that’s much harder for squirrels to damage. This not only saves you money on repairs but also gives you peace of mind, knowing your home is protected.

A Trusted Solution for Wildlife Removal in Niagara

Even with all these preventative steps, squirrels can sometimes find their way in. When that happens, it’s important to handle the situation properly. Humane and professional wildlife control services are the best way to remove animals without causing harm.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Niagara, we specialize in removing squirrels safely and humanely. We use one-way doors that allow animals to leave your home but block them from returning. This ensures they stay out while keeping your home secure. Our team also focuses on prevention, helping you squirrel-proof your roof to stop future problems before they begin.

Preventing squirrel roof damage is crucial for protecting your home’s exterior, and our experts are here to help. If you’re dealing with squirrel damage or want to make sure your home stays safe in the future, reach out for assistance. Protect your investment and keep your home secure with our reliable, humane solutions!