How to Rid Bugs From House Shingles

Bugs find their way in through holes in shingles.

Shingles are designed to protect your home's structure from the elements, bugs and other critters. Yet sometimes bugs can get into or under the shingles, whether they be on your roof on used as siding. Stink bugs are a particular pest in the fall and winter, but all kinds of bugs can invade your shingles. If you find that you have bugs getting on or under your shingles, take steps to get rid of them and keep them from returning.

Things You'll Need

• Utility vacuum
• Angled broom
• Roof tar
• Spatula
• Caulk
• Caulking gun
• Wood putty
• Pest control spray

Instructions

1. Sweep as many of the bugs out of the shingles as you can, using the angled end of the broom to pull them out and off the shingles.

2. Vacuum the entire area with the utility vacuum to get off any additional bugs or their debris. Vacuum out any vents or other openings in the shingles.

3. Check the entire area for any gaps in the shingles. Ensure that pipes or vents are properly sealed with caulk at the base to prevent bugs from entering the roof. Plug any small holes on the roof with caulk or a small amount of roofing tar. Larger holes or holes in the shingles themselves should be re-shingled appropriately to cover the hole. Patch wood shingles with wood putty and paint to match the other shingles.

4. Cut back any foliage that lays on or just over your shingles. If you have siding made of shingles, keep the grass and other plants away from them to keep bugs from entering.

5. Treat shingled areas with a pest control spray to prevent bugs from returning. Repeat the treatment as indicated on the product's label.

References

• Ehrlich: Stink Bugs
• True North Cedar: Cedar Shingle FAQs
• Homestead Garden: How to Keep Insects and Other Pests Out of Your Home Without Using Chemicals