How To Keep Squirrels Off The Roof

Squirrels scrambling all over your roof can be noisy and distracting. There is also a risk of the squirrels gnawing at your home, especially if it is made of timber or another relatively soft material. Squirrels may eventually gain access to your house from the roof and set up home in your attic or chimney. To stop squirrels clambering onto your roof, the most effective method is to block their route. Even flying squirrels cannot actually fly, so physical barriers tend to stop squirrels getting anywhere near your roof in the first place.

Step 1

Observe the squirrels over a couple of days. Note how they are getting onto the roof.

Step 2

Cut back overhanging trees, allowing at least 8 feet between the nearest branch and your roof. Squirrels are good at jumping.

Step 3

Fit squirrel guards around the base of trees or poles. Wrap a piece of sheet metal at least 2-foot wide about 6 feet up each trunk and secure with wire and springs, which allow the trunk to expand. Sheet metal is too slippery for squirrels to climb.

Step 4

Saw several 2-foot sections of slim PVC pipe. Cut along them lengthwise and pull slightly apart to clip over any wires or cables the squirrels are using to obtain access to the roof. The pipes spin rapidly when a squirrel tries to climb across them, knocking the animal off.