Animals and insects often seek out gaps or crevices in the roofing system to use as an entry point into the attic. The chimney and exterior area around the chimney can also be easy places for animals to enter. For example, a recent storm that damaged the flashing around the chimney creates an ideal entry point for bats, mice, squirrels and other pests. Ventilation areas on the roof also provide easy routes for pests to enter your home and make ideal locations for nesting. Some of the other most common entry points include
Deteriorated or damaged areas of the roofing system are easy access points for insects, bats, squirrels, mice, rats, and raccoons, so it's vitally important that your house and roofing system are free of damage, so animals and pests can't sneak in. Keep in mind that prevention is easier to deal with than an infestation.
Damage caused by attic pests can vary from fecal matter to total destruction of your roof. If your attic is infested by a rodent or other mammal, your attic can become covered in feces, which can wreak havoc on the structure of your home as well as pose a serious health risk for your family. Bat feces, for instance, have an extremely strong, offensive odor and could contribute to lung disease. Other types of possible damage includes
Pests are sneaky, so while it may seem difficult to completely prevent them from getting inside your home, there are several things you can do to reduce the threat of an infestation. One of the easiest ways is by getting routine roof inspections. Your roofing contractor will be able to carefully inspect all areas that pose a risk, such as openings at the ridge or the ridge vent and gaps in or damage to the fascia and soffit. Other helpful preventive measures include
Prevention is the best method to avoid the damage attic pests can cause to your home. If there the exterior of your home has suffered damage, such as missing or torn roofing shingles, broken gutters, or missing chimney caps, get these areas repaired as soon as possible. The sooner damage is fixed, the sooner you can take your home back from unwanted visitors.
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