Squirrels on Roof: How to Stop Them Before They Cause Damage 🐿️

Hearing scratching or scampering sounds above your ceiling? Chances are, you’ve got squirrels on roof. While they may look harmless, squirrels can chew through shingles, wiring, and even create entry points into your attic. Knowing how to keep squirrels off of roof and how do you get rid of squirrels on your roof quickly is key to protecting your home.

Squirrels are one of the most common nuisance animals for homeowners—small, persistent, and capable of big damage if ignored.

This guide explains why squirrels target roofs, the risks involved, and the most effective ways to remove and prevent them.

Why Do Squirrels Go on Roofs?

Squirrels love roofs for several reasons:

• Access to shelter: They often chew into attics to build nests.

• Food sources: Rooflines near trees or bird feeders attract them.

• Safety from predators: High ground provides a secure vantage point.

Once on your roof, squirrels can easily find weak points in soffits, vents, or fascia boards and make their way inside.

Signs of Squirrels on Roof

Look out for these telltale signs:

• Scratching or running noises at dawn and dusk.

• Droppings near gutters or attic vents.

• Chewed shingles, wood, or wires.

• Nests made of leaves or insulation near roof edges.

Pro Tip: If you notice chewed wires, call an electrician immediately—squirrels are known to start house fires this way.

How to Keep Squirrels Off of Roof

Prevention is the best strategy. Here’s what works:

• Trim Trees: Keep branches at least 6–8 feet away from your roof.

• Install Gutter Guards: Stops squirrels from climbing through gutters.

• Seal Entry Points: Use metal flashing around vents and soffits.

• Remove Food Sources: Avoid placing bird feeders too close to your home.

• Use Repellents: Motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic devices can deter them.

How Do You Get Rid of Squirrels on Your Roof?

If you already have them, here’s how to remove them safely:

1. Inspect and Locate Entry Points – Identify where they’re getting in.

2. Use One-Way Exclusion Doors – Allows squirrels to leave but not re-enter.

3. Live Traps (Legal in Some Areas) – Relocate them following local regulations.

4. Call Pest Control – For infestations or if attic damage is severe.

Never use poison—it’s unsafe for your family, pets, and other wildlife.

Quick Reference: Squirrels and Roof Damage

Problem	Cause	Fix
Chewed shingles or fascia	Entry attempts	Install flashing, seal holes
Scratching noises	Nesting in attic	Exclusion doors or traps
Droppings in gutters	Roof activity	Clean regularly, install guards
Fire hazards	Chewed wires	Call electrician + pest control

FAQ: Squirrels on Roof

How do I know if I have squirrels on roof? Look for scratching noises, chewed shingles, or nests near roof edges.

How to keep squirrels off of roof? Trim tree branches, seal entry points, and use repellents like sprinklers or ultrasonic devices.

How do you get rid of squirrels on your roof? Use exclusion doors, traps (if legal), or hire pest control for severe cases.

Are squirrels dangerous to homes? Yes, they can chew wires, damage roofs, and even start fires.

Can squirrels get inside through the attic? Absolutely—once on your roof, they’ll exploit weak spots to enter.

Conclusion

Dealing with squirrels on roof is more than just an annoyance—it’s a real threat to your home’s structure and safety. Knowing how to keep squirrels off of roof with prevention methods like trimming branches and sealing entry points is the first step. If you already have an infestation, learning how do you get rid of squirrels on your roof safely and effectively will save you costly repairs.

Don’t wait until you hear scratching in your attic—act quickly to protect your home. ✅