How to Get Rid of Pests in Roof: A Homeowner’s Guide

Are you hearing strange noises coming from your roof? Are there any bad odours?

If the answer is yes, chances are that you have a pest infestation problem. Unless you take care of the issue, it can lead to multiple problems for the house or the building. And not just that — these pests can multiply quickly and can be a health hazard for your family. 

So, if these unwanted guests are keeping you awake at night, it is time to learn how to get pests out of the roof.

Signs Your Roof May Be Infested

No matter the type of critter living on your roof, they will give some telltale signs. However, the signs aren’t always so obvious. The first step is to learn about pest infestation symptoms and what they mean. 

1. Unusual or Bad Odour

An unpleasant odour is a clear indication of pest infestation. Larger pests like possums and rats can have an ammonia smell, while the smell of cockroaches can be greasy. 

If you’ve never dealt with a pest problem before, you won’t be very likely to identify such smells. So if you sniff out something out of the ordinary on the roof, don’t ignore it!

2. Strange Noises and Footprints

Those spooky sounds you hear at night can be from pests. Typically, rats or mice make scratching, scurrying, or gnawing noises. Possums are larger and tend to make heavier impacts. Thumping sounds and screeches in the early hours of the morning can indicate their presence.

Corresponding to the noises, you may find footprints grease marks or urine tracks. They will often look like faint smudges on the roof or the surfaces of solar panels. Following these tracks is one way to understand how the pests are entering and leaving the roof space.

Note that the sounds may not always be very audible. We’ve had a couple of cases where homeowners only pricked up their ears after their kids reported hearing ghosts in the house!

3. Droppings and Urine

Droppings are, of course, a clear indication that a pest is residing on the roof. 

But it’s not always as easy as seeing some poo around the house.

While droppings are easy to identify for some pests, recognising them can be hard for others. At times they can be mistaken for small piles of dirt. Since most roofs are not regularly cleaned, the chances of overlooking droppings are higher.

Generally, rat and mouse droppings are easy to identify. Bird droppings are easier to identify on the roof and ledges.  Since possums tend to sleep in the same spot, their urine can stain the ceiling. 

4. Nesting Signs

Rodents and birds tend to build nests in the corners, gaps or cavities on a roof. At times, these nests can be in spots that are difficult to reach. Nesting and burrowing on the roof can also lead to structural damage and water seepage issues.

Common Pests On Roofs

If you have noticed the signs, it is time to find what’s living on your roof. Here are some common pests that you might find.

Rodents

Rodents like rats and mice can climb vines, pipes, and wires and increase their activity at night. They tend to gnaw and can damage electrical wirings and water pipes. Moreover, they can squeeze into holes and small spaces along roof lines and ceilings.

Possums

While brushtail possums look cute, they are likely to keep you awake all night. Reports suggest that habitat loss is forcing possums onto roofs, where they are finding safe hiding spots under solar panels.

While we should all try to look out for these endangered species, letting them make themselves at home on your roof isn’t the best idea for anybody. Possums have excellent climbing abilities and leave behind large amounts of waste that contain various pathogens.

Pest Birds

Some of the common pest birds found around Perth are pigeons, the common myna, starlings and sparrows. The biggest problem with these birds is—you guessed it right—their droppings. These can not only deface the roof and building surfaces, but the uric acid content can damage the structure. The droppings can be a source of fungal infections as well. Plus, their nests can block the gutter and lead to water damage.

Insects

Insects love nesting on the roof and the combination of moisture and shelter can be one reason for that. The common insects that can be problematic are wasps, wood termites, and ants. Not only can they cause structural damage, but with some species, there’s also the risk of being bitten.

How to Get Pests Out of the Roof

There are two ways to deal with roof pests—try some easy methods on your own or get help from professionals. 

Now, you might be wondering how you get rid of possums on the roof with DIY tactics.  

Honestly, when it comes to possums, it is best not to attempt to remove them on your own. Get help from a team of experienced possum catchers in Perth. (Yes, there is such a thing. The only thing is to make sure they’ll capture them humanely and then release them into the wild.)

When it comes to removing insects, the DIY methods may not be so effective. Professional pest controllers can help with environment-friendly methods of pest removal.

Here’s a quick look at some ways to get rid of pests.

Rats and Mouses

Traps are one of the easiest ways to get rid of rats. Spring-operated snap traps are an easy way to get rid of rats and they can be used with a wide variety of baits. Electronic traps are expensive but effective. But, they are best for indoor environments only. 

Another humane option is to use an ultrasonic deterrent that emits sound waves. Do not use glue traps and poisons as they are inhumane ways to remove rats. Homemade sprays made from natural oils can also be effective.

Pest Birds

Installing physical deterrents like spikes and netting can keep birds away from ledges, rooftops and railings. Devices like low-voltage electric barriers and motion-activated sprinklers are effective options. However, they can be expensive for homeowners. 

Other DIY methods include using substances like chilli pepper, garlic or vinegar to create unpleasant tastes and odours that can deter birds from the roof.

How to Keep Pests Out of Your Roof

So, you have humanely eliminated the pests from your roof. Great!

But the task is not over yet. Next, you need to ensure that they do not come back. Here are the steps you need to take for that.

• Make sure to dispose of waste properly to minimise food sources for pests. Do not keep pet food in the open and keep your compost bin clean and well-sealed.
• Remove water sources like leaky hoses, sprinkler lines, potted plant saucers, and pet water bowls.
• Install mesh covers or screens over outdoor vents and fan outlets to prevent pests from entering.
• Overgrown vegetation can provide pathways and hiding spots for pests. Trim branches and shrubs that allow easy access to the roof.

How to Get Rid of Pests in Roof: FAQs

How do I permanently get rid of roof rats?

To permanently get rid of roof rats, remove all food sources for them and keep your house clean, Block all entry points to the roof and seal any holes in the roof.

What kills mice in seconds?

An electronic trap can kill mice in seconds by delivering an electric shock.

What home remedy stops rats?

You can try using natural deterrents with a strong odour to stop rats. These include sprays made from peppermint oil, vinegar, citronella, eucalyptus oil, or vinegar.