When it comes to roofs, most Hickory, NC residents and business owners are aware of the natural wear and tear that impacts them with every passing season. Each season presents your commercial or residential roof with different challenges. But what about the roof damage caused by pests?
Roof damage from pests can be detrimental to your property and very costly to repair. If left unaddressed, pest invasions may also pose serious health risks. Pest infestation in Hickory, NC is common during winter as they search for food and warm places to hide. But how do you determine if there are animals in your roof?
Signs Your Roof Is Infested
Unusual noises coming from your roof is one of the most unmistakable signs of pest infestation. Although you can hear various noises, chewing, scratching, and scampering are the most common. Other signs include:
- Unpleasant odors
- Gnawed electric cables and wood
- Spots of animal urine and droppings
- Presence of nests or hives
Common Pests Found in Roof Spaces
Preventing pests from invading your roof is crucial to avoid costly roof damage. Here are the most common pests that can ruin your roofing.
Birds
It can be nice to have birds around as they make melodious songs and offer free insect control. However, having them inside your roof isn’t so pleasant. Although birds are generally light, they have some talons that can tear up your roof, and some will peck at your roofing searching for inspects to eat. In addition, their nests and acidic droppings can reduce the lifespan of your roof and even result in water damage.
Birds usually build their nests in gutters during dry seasons. When it rains, these nests may allow water to pool in and around your gutters, resulting in leaks and attic moisture. If left untreated, these issues can result in mold and mildew growth.
Bird nests also contain bird droppings, which are highly acidic. Over time, bird poop will stain and degrade certain roofing materials, like shingles, reducing the service life of your roof. Also, birds can cause damage by getting stuck inside downspouts, contributing to noise pollution, emitting foul odors, and spreading diseases.
Squirrels
Squirrels usually find their way into your roof through the vents and shingles. Once inside, they can pose a serious fire hazard if they chew away electric cables. Also, they can stockpile seeds, pinecones, and other things you don’t want in your roof. In addition, their entrance holes can allow other animals and rainwater in your roof. Squirrels can also leave urine stains and filthy odors inside your home.
Raccoons
Like squirrels, raccoons search for warm, dry spaces with a lot of food to nest and protect themselves from predators and humans, making your roof the perfect choice. They can rip off shingles and soffit vents to access your attic. Besides being an annoyance because they are fond of trash, raccoons can spread rabies, putting your and your family’s and pets’ health at risk. In addition, they can damage your insulation and wiring, leading to higher energy bills and safety concerns with faulty wiring. Moreover, raccoons can leave droppings and urine inside your HVAC system, reducing its efficiency.
Mice and Rats
Rats and mice like living inside the walls of your home for warmth and can find their way into your roof through soffits. Also, they can create holes near the foundation and move through the walls into your attic. Once inside your roof, they may eat insulation in the attic, walls, or ceiling. Also, they will chew through shingles, wood, and other materials engineered to hold your roof in place. If left unaddressed, these rodents can breed quickly, and the babies will probably live inside your roof and walls. Rats and mice not only compromise your home’s structural integrity but also expose you, your family, and your pets to odors, droppings, and diseases.
Termites
Even if your roof isn’t made of wood, the framing probably is. Termites are a common problem in the Greater Hickory area and present a big problem for your roof. Since these tiny pests like eating cellulose commonly found in wood, they can cause considerable damage to your roof by eating roof decking, trusses, wood beams, and rafters. Also, these critters tend to eat away insulation, making your home less energy-efficient and uncomfortable. If left unaddressed, these insects can make your roof prone to collapse by creating holes and punctures.
Bats
Bats usually perch in attics and will happily make your attic their personal space. They only need a half-inch gap in your roofing to get into your attic. They usually find these gaps along the edges of rooflines, then crawl inside to hide inside your roofing. Bats can also access your roof through broken fascia boards.
These winged creatures leave unsightly droppings with filthy smells and may put you and your family at risk of serious health conditions. Brown bats can stay in the same place throughout the year and are listed as federally endangered species, so state laws protect them. If you notice bats in your home, immediately contact an exterminator to get rid of the pests and Landmark Roofing to have repairs to your roof made.
Bees and Wasps
Bees and wasps are the most common type of insects found in roofs. They are universally feared as they can sting and cause allergies. If bees choose to build a hive on your roof, they will eat it away to create room. They will also add considerable weight to your roof, weighing it down to the extent of causing structural damage. On the other hand, wasps can burrow out holes in your roof to create their living spaces. Once these nests have been constructed in your shingles, you’ll experience leaks, which can degrade your roof.
Woodpeckers
Although woodpeckers are beautiful to watch and can help prevent insect infestation, they are known for causing damage to residential and commercial buildings in Hickory, NC. Woodpeckers use their beaks to create holes in trees, then put their long, forked tongues inside to look for insects. They also drum to attract mates and mark their territories. If one of these critters sees your home as territory, it can cause damage and disturb you with its pecking. As a result, you might notice sagging or punctures in your roof.
Get a Professional Roof Inspection Today
Although you can perform a roof inspection yourself, some signs of pests in roof spaces can be difficult to spot. At Landmark Roofing, we can help you keep the roof in your Hickory, NC home or commercial building pest-free and in pristine condition. We can perform a thorough roof inspection to determine whether the damage is serious enough to necessitate a complete roof replacement or if you need basic repairs. We have been in business since 2019, so you can count on us to provide you with nothing less than exceptional customer service, superior workmanship, and professional advice on avoiding pesky pests in the future. Call us today for all your commercial and residential roofing needs.