How to Keep a Squirrel Off Your Roof

Squirrels are agile leapers who can easily gain access to your roof.

Squirrels can be a joy to watch as they jump from branch to branch. When they gain access to your roof, however, they may become more of a nuisance. They may begin gnawing away at your siding, eaves or roof to create a suitable area for a nest. This may even lead to them living inside your walls or attic. Squirrels can jump vertically from 5 to 6 feet and they can make 8- to 10-foot leaps between objects with ease. You will need to prevent their access to the roof to avoid future problems.

Things You'll Need

• Pole saw

Instructions

1. Walk around your property to look for tree branches that overhang the roof, branches or poles that are less than 10 feet away from the house or other tall structures that squirrels could use as a base from which to leap.

2. Trim all tree branches that overhang your roof or are less than 10 feet away from your rooftop. Cut trees at a crotch of a branch or all the way to the trunk. Use a pole saw and start by cutting small pieces of your overhanging branch, working your way down towards the trunk of the tree.

3. Move any tall poles or structures away from the house. This could include such items as bird feeders, birdhouse poles or pergolas.

Tips & Warnings

• Call a professional if the branches are large or you are inexperienced with cutting techniques. Having a large branch fall on your roof or hit your home can cause more damage than the squirrel. This can also be dangerous; proceed with caution if you decide to take the job on yourself.

References

• Cornell University Lab or Ornithology; "Bird Notes"; What Can You do About Squirrels?; 2004
• University of Missouri Extension; Tree Squirrels: Managing Habitat and Controlling Damage; Robert A. Pierce II; April 2007

Resources

• Penn State University; Tree Squirrels; Shannon N. Thurston, et al.; 2009