5 Common Pests That Cause Roof Damage
There’s one contributing factor for roof damage that often goes unspoken about or checked for: pests. Depending on your region and the environment around your home, you may be more susceptible to infestation and damage from unwanted critters.
In this article, we’ll cover the top five pests causing roof damage to your home, from birds, to rodents, to insects and more.
Quick Answer
Common pests that damage roofs include birds, rodents (mice, squirrels, and rats), bees and hornets, ants, and termites. These pests can weaken shingles, chew through wood decking, build nests or hives under roof structures, and cause leaks or structural issues. Regular inspections and pest control are the best ways to prevent costly roof repairs.
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1. Birds
Birds are known to peck at and eat the asphalt granules that coat roof shingles, often mistaking them for seeds or grit. Over time, this behavior can lead to widespread degranulation, where the protective surface layer of your shingles wears away. Without these granules, shingles lose their ability to reflect UV rays and resist moisture, leaving your home more vulnerable to leaks and higher energy costs. In severe cases, the exposed asphalt layer can dry out and crack, which accelerates roof aging and leads to costly repairs. If you notice bare or shiny spots on your shingles or frequent bird activity on your roof, it may be time to schedule a professional roof inspection to prevent further damage.
2. Mice, squirrels, and rats
If these pests find access to your basement and roof, they can chew through wood and wreak havoc on the structural components to your house and roof. Repairs to decking are costly and invasive, so make sure you are doing regular checks for pests if you live in an environment with plenty of rodents.
3. Bees and hornets
Bees and hornets can attach to and build entire hives in the space underneath roof decking, which poses a threat not only to your roof but also to your wellbeing in the home. If you suspect a hive inside your home, call a professional that works with bees or hornets to inspect and extract the hive and prepare for roof decking repairs.
4. Ants
Ants also can weaken your structural wood components by building their colony in your home. Ants are more likely to find way into your home during storm season, so be sure to have a pest control plan in place.
5. Termites
Easily the most expected pest to damage your home, termites will eat through wood, causing extensive damage to external features like decks, your home’s internal structure, and in the worst cases, your roof decking (i.e., the structure holding up your roof, which is different from the outdoor structure in the image above). Most homeowners aren’t aware of a termite infestation until seeing a swarm or experiencing major visible damage. If termites find their way to your roof, they can eat through wood decking, exposing your home to major leaks and further damage from weather events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Birds, rodents (like mice, squirrels, and rats), bees, ants, and termites are the most common pests that can damage a roof. Each species causes unique problems; rodents may chew through wood and insulation, while bees are known for nesting under shingles and weakening roof decking.
Common signs include scratching noises in the attic, droppings or nests near gutters, sawdust or small holes in wood, and visible roof deterioration. If you notice any of these, schedule an inspection immediately to prevent further structural damage.
Yes. Termites and carpenter ants can travel through wood framing and attic spaces, where they feed on wooden structural materials and roof decking. Their colonies can cause structural issues that often go unnoticed until major, costly damage occurs.
Contact a pest control specialist first to safely remove or treat the infestation. Then, schedule a professional roof inspection with Baker Home Exteriors to look for structural or shingle damage and perform any needed repairs.
Most homeowner policies don’t cover damage caused by pests directly, since pest infestation is largely considered preventable. However, secondary damage (like water leaks resulting from a pest problem) may be covered depending on your policy. It’s best to confirm with your insurance provider before committing to any repair work so you’ll better understand your budget.
Final Thoughts: A Pest Control Plan a Day Keeps the Termites Away
If you suspect that your home may have an infestation that is affecting your roof, call a pest expert for an inspection and treatment plan, then call Baker Home Exteriors for a full wellness survey of your roof to check for damages.
Dealing with Pest Headaches? Baker Has your Repairs covered.
Have pests like birds and termites damaged your home’s exterior? At Baker Home Exteriors, we know just what to do to get your home back on track. For over 110 years, Baker has offered quality prepares that stand the test of time across the Carolinas. If you’re ready for the home you deserve, contact us for a free quote, or check out our Google reviews.
